RNI Registration

Validity: Permanent (annual statement required)

What is RNI Registration?

Every newspaper and periodical published in India must be registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023. We handle the complete e-registration application through the Press Sewa Portal.

The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 replaced the old Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, with a streamlined digital registration system. Every newspaper, magazine, journal, and periodical published in India must be registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). The publisher declares the publication's title, language, frequency, and management details. The Act provides for title verification to prevent duplication of newspaper names, and imposes an obligation to file annual statements of circulation and ownership. The RNI maintains the official register of all periodicals in India. An RNI registration number must be printed in every issue of the publication. Online publications, including digital-only news portals, are now also required to register under the new Act.

Who Needs RNI Registration?

Newspaper publishers, magazine publishers, journal editors, newsletter operators, online news portals, and any individual or company starting a periodical publication in India.

What's Included

RNI registration number issued for the periodical
Title verified and reserved in the RNI title register
Annual statement of circulation filing obligation confirmed
RNI registration number format for printing in each issue provided
Online news portal digital registration completed

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Publishing a periodical without RNI registration or without printing the RNI number in each issue is an offence under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023. Penalties include fines and restriction of publication.

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How It Works

1
Title search
We check the RNI title register to confirm that the proposed title is available and not similar to an existing registered title.
2
Application filing
The registration application is filed through the Press Sewa Portal with all required declarations and supporting documents.
3
Title verification
RNI verifies the title and conducts a search for similarity with existing titles.
4
Registration
On successful verification, the RNI Registration Certificate and registration number are issued.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Publication

Proposed title and languageRequired
Frequency of publicationRequired
Scope and subject matter descriptionRequired

Publisher

Publisher identity and address proofRequired
Declaration by publisher and editorRequired
Printing house details (print publications)

Fees & Pricing

Fees

RNI registration fee

As per the current fee schedule on Press Sewa Portal

Varies

Professional fee

Quoted for title search, application compilation, and filing

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do online news portals need RNI registration?

Yes. Under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, digital-only news portals and online periodicals are now required to register with the RNI.

What is the process for title search and reservation?

The publisher first files a title availability check on the Press Sewa Portal. If the title is available and not similar to an existing one, the application proceeds to registration. The RNI maintains a complete database of all registered titles.

How long does RNI registration take?

Typically 30–60 days, depending on the RNI workload and whether queries are raised on the application.

Is there an annual compliance requirement?

Yes. Registered publishers must file an Annual Statement of Circulation and Ownership with the RNI each year.

Can a publication be started before RNI registration is completed?

No. The publication cannot legally commence before the RNI Registration Certificate is issued and the registration number is printed.

What happens if the publisher or editor changes?

Changes in the publisher, editor, or printing location must be intimated to the RNI within 60 days of the change.