Step 1: Identify the right department
Work out which department holds the information — for example, MCD for property records, the RTO for vehicle records, or the Income Tax department for PAN-linked records. For central government departments, file on rtionline.gov.in; for state departments, use your state's RTI portal or send by post.
Step 2: Draft your application
Keep it short and specific: "Under the RTI Act 2005, I request the following information: [one specific question]. Please provide [document name / data / records] for the period [date range]." You don't need to explain why you want it — you have no obligation to. One application should cover one set of related questions from one department.
Step 3: File online or by post
Online: rtionline.gov.in → "Submit Request" → select the Ministry → fill the form → pay ₹10 online → submit.
By post: address it to "The Public Information Officer, [Department Name, Address]", attach a Demand Draft or Indian Postal Order for ₹10, and keep the postal receipt plus a copy of your application.
Step 4: If there's no reply in 30 days, file a First Appeal
If the PIO doesn't reply within 30 days — or replies incompletely or refuses — file a First Appeal within 30 days of that deadline, to the First Appellate Authority (a senior officer in the same department). On rtionline.gov.in, this can be filed online under "First Appeal", with no fee.
What you'll need
- Any ID proof, for identity purposes
- ₹10 fee — Demand Draft, Indian Postal Order, or online payment (BPL applicants are exempt with a BPL certificate)
- Clear details of the specific information you need and which department holds it