What is an Indian Postal Order and how to use it for RTI?

Before UPI and net banking, the IPO was the standard way to send money by post. For RTI purposes, it remains the safest payment method for postal applications because it is traceable, government-issued, and universally accepted.

An IPO looks like a small perforated slip — half of it is the order itself (which you give to the PIO) and the counterfoil (which you keep as proof of purchase).

Example: Ananya wants to file an RTI to the District Collector's office in Bhopal (a state authority). She goes to her local post office, buys a ₹10 IPO made out to “Public Information Officer, District Collectorate, Bhopal.” She attaches it to her RTI letter, speed-posts it, and keeps the counterfoil.

1. Visit any post office in India.
2. Ask for a "₹10 Indian Postal Order."
3. In the "Issued at" field — your post office name is pre-filled.
4. In the "Payable at" field — write the name of the post office nearest to the PIO's office (or leave blank — the PIO can cash it anywhere now).
5. On the face of the IPO, write "Pay to: Public Information Officer, [Department name]."
6. Sign the IPO and keep the counterfoil.
7. Attach the IPO (not the counterfoil) to your RTI letter.
8. The counterfoil is your payment proof.

• Proof of fee payment. The counterfoil proves you paid — essential if the PIO claims they did not receive fee.
• Never send cash by post. Cash can get lost, delayed, or cause the application to be rejected as “no fee enclosed.” IPO is traceable.
• IPOs do not expire. An unused IPO can be encashed at any post office indefinitely (subject to any Department of Posts notifications).
• Available everywhere. Even in rural India with no net banking, the nearest post office sells IPOs.

• §6(1) — fee to accompany RTI application.
• §7(5) — BPL fee waiver (no IPO needed).
• RTI Fee Rules, 2005 — IPO listed as prescribed payment mode.

• RTI Fee Calculator — calculates exact fee for your state and suggests payment mode.
• AI RTI Drafter — generates complete RTI application with correct payment instruction.
• RTI fee in India — full breakdown.

Every district in India has multiple post offices. Use India Post's branch locator at indiapost.gov.in or ask your local postmaster.

Very rare. Most post offices stock ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 IPOs. If not, you can send a ₹20 IPO — the PIO will use ₹10 and typically return the balance, or you can request a refund. Alternatively, combine two ₹5 IPOs.

No. Online portals (rtionline.gov.in and most state portals) require digital payment — UPI, credit card, or net banking. IPOs are only for postal (offline) RTI applications.

• Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005
• India Post: Indian Postal Order overview — indiapost.gov.in
• Right to Information Act, 2005 — §6(1)

Last reviewed: May 2026. Part of the RTI Wiki definitions series.