Are you stuck waiting for your Indian passport? Delays can be stressful, especially when travel, jobs, or studies are on the line. Good news: You don’t have to keep guessing or waiting! The Right to Information (RTI) Act can help you get official, written answers—fast.
But before jumping to RTI, there are smarter steps you should try. Here’s a smooth, step-by-step guide—plus how and when to use RTI for maximum impact.
Step 1: Track Your Passport Application Status
- Go to the official Passport Seva Portal.
- Click “Track Application Status.”
- Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) and Date of Birth.
- View the real-time status of your passport process.
Pro Tip: Save your ARN and login details. You’ll need these for tracking, raising grievances, or filing an RTI.
Step 2: Contact Your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Office
- If your online status shows “pending” or hasn’t moved for more than 15 days:
- Call or visit your local PSK or Regional Passport Office.
- Carry your ARN and ID for reference.
- Politely ask for an update—sometimes, issues are resolved on the spot.
Step 3: Raise a Grievance Online
- Use the Passport Seva Portal Grievance System.
- Go to “Grievance” → “Register Grievance.”
- Select “Delay in passport issuance” and fill in your details.
- Submit your grievance and note your complaint reference number.
What happens next?
- Most users get a reply within 7–10 working days.
- You’ll receive updates via SMS/email.
Step 4: File an RTI for Passport Delay
If:
- It’s been 30+ days since application/grievance and no clear answer
- OR your passport is stuck at “police verification completed” or “pending at regional office”
…it’s time to use the power of RTI.
What Information Can You Ask in Your RTI?
- Day-to-day movement of your passport file (with officer names/designations)
- Exact reason for the delay
- Which stage/office your file is currently stuck in
- Expected time for resolution as per Citizen Charter
Sample RTI Query
Please provide the current status and day-to-day progress of my passport application (ARN: [your ARN]), including the names/designations of officials who have handled my file, reasons for the delay, and the expected timeline as per the Passport Seva Citizen Charter.
How to File RTI for Passport Delay
- Draft Your RTI: Use FileMyRTI.com for expert help, or write your own (see sample above).
- Address it to: Public Information Officer, Passport Office where you applied, or Central Public Information Officer, Ministry of External Affairs (for central escalations).
- Submit Online: Via RTI Online Portal (choose Ministry of External Affairs).
- Pay the ₹10 fee (net banking, UPI, debit card).
- Save your RTI application/reference number for tracking.
What to Expect After Filing RTI
- Official reply within 30 days (by law).
- Usually includes detailed status, officer notes, and often accelerates your case.
- If you still get no answer, you can file a First Appeal within 30 days.
Real-World Example
“RTI cut my 3-month passport wait to 2 weeks!”
After applying for her passport, Meera waited months with no updates—her file was “pending at RPO.” After trying the grievance system, she filed an RTI asking for the file’s exact status, officer details, and expected timeline. Within 12 days of the RTI, she received a call from the RPO—and her passport was dispatched that week!
(Source: Public RTI forums, anonymized for privacy.)
FAQs
Q1: Can I file RTI before using the grievance option?
A: You can, but it’s best to try the grievance portal first. RTI is the most powerful escalation.
Q2: What documents do I need for RTI?
A: Your ARN, copy of acknowledgment/receipt, grievance number (if any), and contact info.
Q3: How long does RTI take?
A: By law, the Passport Office must reply within 30 days.
Q4: Will filing RTI delay my passport?
A: No—filing RTI often speeds up the process and makes the office accountable.
Q5: Where do I file the RTI for passport delay?
A: Online at rtionline.gov.in—select “Ministry of External Affairs” and your Passport Office.
Pro Tips & What to Avoid
- Don’t file multiple RTIs for the same ARN—follow up with an appeal if needed.
- Be specific—ask for file movement, officer names, and written reasons.
- Save all receipts, emails, and numbers.
- FileMyRTI can do all this for you if you want a zero-hassle experience.
Need Help? Let FileMyRTI Handle It
If this feels overwhelming, or you want the fastest, expert-drafted RTI,
File Your Passport RTI Now →
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