Online FIR Kaise File Kare in India

What the law says about electronic information

Under the BNSS, information about a cognizable offence may be given orally or by electronic communication. Where it is given electronically, it is taken on record on being signed by the person giving it within the period prescribed. That signature requirement is why almost every portal ends with either an e-sign step or a visit to the station.

Which routes exist

Pick the route that matches the offence.

• State police citizen portals: typically vehicle theft, lost articles, missing persons, and general complaints. Search for your state police official website — do not use lookalike private sites.
• cybercrime.gov.in: all cyber offences including financial fraud, online harassment, and offences against women and children (with an anonymous option for some categories).
• 1930 helpline: for cyber-financial fraud, call first so the transaction can be flagged and the beneficiary account acted upon quickly.
• In person at any station: still the fastest route for serious offences, and always available as a Zero FIR.

After you submit

You will receive an acknowledgement or complaint number. That is not yet an FIR number. Track the status on the same portal, and if the complaint is not converted into an FIR for a cognizable offence, escalate to the Superintendent of Police under Section 173(4) BNSS.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Choose the correct portal

   Cyber offence to cybercrime.gov.in; other offences to your state police official portal.

2. 2

   Register with a working mobile number

   OTP verification and all status updates go to that number, so use one you control.

3. 3

   Fill the complaint carefully

   Date, time, place, description of events, accused details if known, value of loss, witnesses.

4. 4

   Upload evidence in the accepted formats

   Screenshots, statements, photographs, transaction references — within the size limits shown on the portal.

5. 5

   Complete the signature step

   E-sign where supported, or visit the station within the period indicated so the information can be taken on record.

6. 6

   Save the acknowledgement and track it

   Note the acknowledgement number, download the PDF, and check status weekly.

7. 7

   Escalate if there is no FIR

   Write to the SP by registered post, then apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS.

Documents you need

• Photo ID and current address proof
• A typed narrative of the incident with dates and times
• Evidence files in the formats the portal accepts
• Vehicle RC and insurance details for vehicle theft
• Bank statement and transaction references for financial fraud

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the acknowledgement number is an FIR number.
• Using an unofficial 'FIR filing' website that charges a fee — official portals do not charge for filing.
• Missing the in-person signature step, so the information is never taken on record.
• Uploading blurred screenshots without visible dates, amounts or account identifiers.
• Delaying a financial-fraud report; the first hours matter most.

When you should see an advocate

• The offence is serious and the online complaint has not been converted into an FIR.
• You need a Magistrate direction under Section 175(3) BNSS.
• A counter-complaint has been filed against you.
• Property or custody consequences are involved.

Frequently asked questions

Can every FIR be filed online?

No. Most state portals limit online FIR to specified categories such as vehicle theft or lost property; other offences are filed as complaints or in person.

Is an online FIR valid without signature?

Electronic information must be signed by the informant within the prescribed period to be taken on record under the BNSS.

How do I check my FIR status?

Use the state police portal where you filed. Case status after charge-sheet filing can be tracked on eCourts Services.

Do I pay anything to file online?

No. Official portals do not charge for registering a complaint or FIR.