Delhi Police FIR Online: How to File a Complaint, Lost Report or e-FIR

Delhi Police provides different online services for lost documents, motor vehicle theft, property theft, complaint lodging and viewing FIRs. The correct service depends on whether an item was merely lost or a criminal offence is suspected.

1. What is an FIR under the new criminal law?

A First Information Report (FIR) records information about the commission of a cognizable offence, meaning an offence for which police may arrest without a warrant in accordance with law. Since 1 July 2024, the principal procedural provision is Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaced the general FIR framework under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for cases governed by the new law.

Section 173(1) permits information to be given orally or electronically, irrespective of the territorial area where the offence occurred (commonly called Zero FIR). Oral information must be reduced to writing and read over to the informant. Information given electronically must be signed by the informant within three days for it to be taken on record. Delhi has also notified rules for electronic recording of such information.

Under Section 173(2), a copy of the information recorded must be supplied free of cost to the informant or victim. Section 173(3) provides for a preliminary enquiry in specified cases punishable with three years or more but less than seven years, subject to statutory conditions and prior permission of an officer not below Deputy Superintendent of Police rank. Section 173(4) provides remedies where the police refuse to record information.

Official legal sources: BNSS, 2023 (BPR&D PDF) and Delhi notification concerning electronic FIR recording.

2. Register a lost article or document report online

The Delhi Police Lost/Found Article Report System is intended for articles or documents lost in Delhi where there is no allegation of theft or another offence. It can help document the loss for a replacement application, but the portal states that such reports are not intended for police investigation.

Examples include an Aadhaar card, driving licence, passport, PAN card, wallet or purse, identity card, school or college marksheet, degree certificate and other important documents. If the circumstances suggest a theft, do not describe the incident as an accidental loss.

Steps to submit a lost report

1. Open the official Lost/Found Article Report System and select the registration option.
2. Enter the complainant's name, parent details if requested, residential address, mobile number and email address.
3. Specify the place, date and approximate time of loss in Delhi.
4. List each missing article separately, with an accurate description and relevant identifying details.
5. Provide any additional circumstances requested, complete the verification process and review the entries.
6. Submit the report and save or print the acknowledgement or digitally signed lost report, where generated.

To retrieve an existing report, use the portal's lost report search. The form and verification fields may change; follow the instructions displayed on the live official portal.

3. How to report motor vehicle theft or other property theft

Delhi Police lists separate MV Theft E FIR and Theft e FIR services. If a car, motorcycle, scooter or other motor vehicle has been stolen, open Delhi Police Citizen Services and choose the motor vehicle theft e-FIR option. For eligible theft of other property, select the theft reporting option indicated on the same page.

Keep the vehicle registration number, make and model, chassis or engine details where available, location, approximate time, contact information and a clear factual description ready. Preserve any CCTV footage, receipts, location data or other evidence. Eligibility and verification depend on the particular service; not every criminal complaint can be completed using the same online form.

Where the online facility does not cover the incident, report it to a police station or use the official complaint channel. Do not delay reporting an urgent crime while attempting to complete an online form.

4. How to lodge a general police complaint

1. Visit the Delhi Police website and open Citizen Services.
2. Choose Complaint Lodging or the specific service that matches the incident.
3. State what happened, when and where it happened, persons involved if known, witnesses, and supporting evidence.
4. Provide correct contact details, submit the information and retain the complaint or acknowledgement number.
5. If the information discloses a cognizable offence, seek registration of an FIR in accordance with Section 173 BNSS and complete any required signing or verification.

Cyber financial fraud: immediately call 1930 and use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. For an ongoing emergency or immediate danger, dial 112.

5. What to do if the police refuse to register an FIR

Under Section 173(4) BNSS, a person aggrieved by a refusal to record information relating to a cognizable offence may send the substance of the information in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned. If the statutory conditions are satisfied, the officer may investigate personally or direct an investigation by a subordinate officer. If relief is not obtained, the aggrieved person may apply to the Magistrate under the applicable provisions, including Section 175(3) BNSS.

Keep copies of the written complaint, postal proof, online acknowledgements and supporting documents. Whether a particular allegation discloses a cognizable offence depends on its facts and the applicable law.

6. How to obtain a Delhi Police FIR copy or check its status

Visit the official View FIR page. It provides categories for regular FIRs, property theft e-FIRs and motor vehicle theft e-FIRs. Select the appropriate category and supply the requested details. Public access may be restricted for sensitive cases, including those protected by privacy or statutory confidentiality requirements.

See also the related LawDadi guide: Delhi Police FIR copy and status online.

7. Delhi Police emergency numbers and police station contacts

Emergency: 112. Cyber fraud: 1930. Women in distress: 1091. Missing persons: 1094. For current police station telephone numbers, district jurisdiction and contact details, consult the official Delhi Police directory. Older telephone numbers and district allocations can change and should not be relied on without verification.

8. Frequently asked questions

Is a lost document report an FIR?

No. A lost-article acknowledgement is generally a record of loss, not registration of a cognizable criminal offence.

Can I file an FIR from outside the area where the crime occurred?

Section 173(1) BNSS allows information concerning a cognizable offence to be given irrespective of the area of occurrence. This is the statutory basis for Zero FIR.

Does sending an online complaint automatically register an FIR?

No. A complaint acknowledgement and a registered FIR are distinct. Electronic information under Section 173 must satisfy the applicable signing requirement, and the selected Delhi Police portal may have additional procedural steps.

Can I get a copy of my FIR free of charge?

Section 173(2) BNSS requires a copy of the information recorded to be given free of cost to the informant or victim.

Related legal articles and judgments

The following related legal research pages are retained for further reading. References to CrPC or IPC in historical judgments should be read in the context of the law applicable to the particular case.

This article provides general legal information, not case-specific legal advice. Official portal procedures and statutory notifications should be checked before filing.