How to File RTI for Passport-Related Delays (2025 Guide for Applicants in India and Abroad)

Passport delays — whether in police verification, reissue, or dispatch — can cause significant inconvenience, especially for Indians living abroad. Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, applicants can seek official updates on their passport file status, reasons for delay, and the name of the responsible officer.

This guide explains how to file RTI applications for passport-related delays in 2025, including sample formats, CPIO contacts, e-IPO payment methods, and appeal procedures.

1. How to File an RTI for Passport Delay in India (or from the USA)

If your passport is delayed beyond the normal processing time and you haven’t received updates despite police verification completion, you can file an RTI to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) – Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division.

Address your RTI to:

Ms. Somica Srivastava
Under Secretary (PSP-I), CPIO – Passport Seva Project Division
Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in
📞 011-23388648 / 011-23071370

RTI Fee (for NRIs filing from the USA or abroad):
Use e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) available at https://eportalapp.indianpostal.com/ payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”

RTI Fee (for applicants in India):
₹10/- via IPO, Bank Draft, or Banker’s Cheque payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”3. RTI for “Passport Police Verification Pending” (NRI Format)

If your passport file shows “Police Verification Pending” for months, you can file an RTI to inquire whether your PV report has been sent to MEA or is still pending at the local police authority.

4. RTI for “Passport Reissue Not Received After 6 Months”

If you applied for a passport reissue or renewal and have not received it even after several months:

File RTI to:
CPIO – Passport Seva Project Division (details above)

Include in your application:

• File number and date of reissue application

• Type of service (Normal/Tatkaal)

• Last known status from Passport Seva portal

Sample question:

Please provide the date on which the printing and dispatch of my passport (File No. XXX) was initiated, and the reasons for delay beyond the standard processing period.

5. RTI to RPO Mumbai from Abroad (e-IPO Payment Guide)

If your passport application is under RPO Mumbai, and you are currently abroad:

1. Visit https://rtionline.gov.in

2. Select Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) → Regional Passport Office, Mumbai

3. Attach your RTI query in PDF format

4. Pay the fee using e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order)

   • Payable to: “PAO, MEA, New Delhi”

   • Valid for Indian citizens only

📍 RPO Mumbai Contact:
Regional Passport Officer,
RPO Mumbai, Passport Bhawan,
Ghodbandar Road, Thane (West) – 400601.

6. RTI First Appeal: Passport Not Issued After PV Clear

If you have received confirmation that police verification is clear but your passport is still not issued within 30 days, file a First Appeal to:

Dr. K. J. Srinivasa
Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Project & Chief Passport Officer)
Room No. 8, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
📧 jscpo@mea.gov.in
📞 011-23387013 / 011-23384536

Include:

• Copy of your RTI application

• Proof of PV clearance (if available)

• Grounds of appeal (delay despite PV clearance)

7. How to File RTI to FRRO for OCI Card Delay

OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards are handled by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) under the Bureau of Immigration (Ministry of Home Affairs), not MEA.

RTI should be filed to:
CPIO – FRRO Office Concerned
(e.g., FRRO Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru)

Fee: ₹10/- via e-IPO payable to “PAO, MHA, New Delhi.”

Sample query:

Please provide the current status of my OCI application (File No. XXX), date of approval from MHA, and reasons for delay in card issuance.

8. RTI for “Surrender Certificate Not Received After 1 Year”

If you applied to surrender your Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship but have not received the certificate even after a year:

Address to:
CPIO – Passport and Seva Project (PSP) Division
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in

Ask:

1. Date on which my application was processed and dispatched.

2. Reason for non-receipt of my Surrender Certificate.

3. Name of officer responsible for handling the file.

4. Expected date of delivery.

9. Which CPIO Handles RTI for BLS International Passport Applications?

BLS International is a service provider for passport and consular services; it is not a public authority under the RTI Act.

Therefore, RTI applications cannot be filed directly against BLS International.

However, if your passport or document submitted through BLS is delayed, you must file RTI to the CPIO, Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division, MEA, requesting details about the processing or delay after submission via BLS.

Address your RTI to:
Ms. Somica Srivastava, Under Secretary (PSP-I), CPIO
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in
📞 011-23388648 / 011-23071370

Summary Table of Key RTI Contacts (2025)

10. Quick Checklist for Filing Passport RTI

✅ Application addressed to correct CPIO
✅ ₹10/- fee via IPO/e-IPO
✅ Include file number, full name, and date of application
✅ Specify exact information required
✅ Provide email and postal address
✅ Attach proof of identity (optional but useful)

Need Help Drafting or Submitting Your Passport RTI?

At RTI Lawyers – Legal Light Consulting, we assist clients across India and abroad with:

• RTI drafting for passport, visa, and OCI delays

• e-IPO fee submissions from abroad

• Appeals for delayed or rejected responses

📩 Email: info@rtilawyers.com
🌐 Visit: www.rtilawyers.com
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