Legal Guide — Updated 2026

How to File an FIR at a Police Station in India

An FIR (First Information Report) is your legal right. Filing one is completely free and police are legally obligated to register it for all cognizable offences under Section 154 of the CrPC. This guide walks you through each step.

Quick Facts About Filing an FIR

Filing an FIR is 100% free — police cannot charge any fees
You are legally entitled to a free copy of the FIR
Police cannot refuse an FIR for cognizable offences
You can file a Zero FIR at any police station regardless of jurisdiction
For cybercrime, file at cybercrime.gov.in
If police refuse, approach the SP or Judicial Magistrate

Step-by-Step Process to File an FIR

Go to the Nearest Police Station

Visit the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where the offence occurred. If you are unsure, you can go to any police station and file a Zero FIR, which will be transferred to the correct station.

You can locate the nearest police station using our directory.

Meet the Station House Officer (SHO)

Ask to meet the SHO or the duty officer. Introduce yourself and state that you want to register an FIR. They are legally obligated to record it for all cognizable offences.

You can also send your FIR complaint in writing by post or email to the Superintendent of Police.

Narrate the Facts of the Incident

Clearly describe the incident — what happened, when, where, how, and who was involved. Include all relevant details: names, descriptions, vehicle numbers, times, and any witnesses.

It helps to write everything down before you go. A written statement reduces the risk of facts being missed.

FIR is Written and Read Back to You

The officer writes your complaint as an FIR in the station register. You have the right to have it read back to you in your language. Make sure all facts are accurately recorded before signing.

Do not sign an FIR with incorrect information. Ask for corrections before signing.

Sign the FIR

After verifying the contents are accurate, sign (or put your thumb impression on) the FIR. The FIR is then numbered and entered into the official register.

Note down the FIR number — you will need it to track the case.

Collect Your Free Copy

You are legally entitled to receive a free copy of the FIR. This is mandated under Section 154(2) of the CrPC. Do not pay any money for the FIR copy.

The free FIR copy is your legal right. Refusal to provide it is a punishable offence.

What is an FIR?

An FIR (First Information Report) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offence. It sets the criminal justice system in motion. Once an FIR is registered, the police are legally bound to investigate the offence.

FIRs are governed by Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The complaint is entered in a prescribed form, signed by the complainant, and a copy must be given free of charge.

What to Do if Police Refuse to File an FIR

Police refusing an FIR for a cognizable offence is illegal.

If police refuse to register your FIR, you have these legal remedies:

1
Written complaint to SP
Send your written FIR complaint by post or email to the Superintendent of Police of the district. They must take action.
2
Judicial Magistrate (Section 156(3) CrPC)
File a complaint directly to the Judicial Magistrate, who can order the police to register the FIR and investigate.
3
State Human Rights Commission
Refusal to file an FIR violates your human rights. Approach the State Human Rights Commission.
4
High Court Writ Petition
File a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution for a direction to register the FIR.

FIR vs NC – What is the Difference?

Feature	FIR (Cognizable Offence)	NC (Non-Cognizable Offence)
Police power	Can arrest without warrant	Need court permission to arrest
Investigation	Police investigate automatically	Need magistrate's order
Examples	Murder, robbery, rape, assault	Minor disputes, defamation, cheating
Legal basis	Section 154 CrPC	Section 155 CrPC
Your copy	Free, mandatory	Provided on request

Can I File an FIR Online?

Several states now offer online FIR filing for specific types of offences. For cybercrime, use the national portal.

Cybercrime (All India)

National cybercrime reporting portal

Delhi Police

Online FIR for select offences

Maharashtra Police

Online complaint registration

Uttar Pradesh Police

Online FIR for certain cases

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing an FIR

What is an FIR?

An FIR (First Information Report) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. It is the first step in the process of investigation by police. An FIR sets the criminal law in motion.

Is filing an FIR free in India?

Yes. Filing an FIR is completely free in India. Police cannot charge any fee to register an FIR or to provide you with a copy of the FIR. The free copy is your legal right under Section 154(2) of the CrPC.

Can police refuse to file an FIR?

For cognizable offences (serious crimes like murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping), police CANNOT refuse to file an FIR. If police refuse, you can: (1) Approach the Superintendent of Police (SP) in writing, (2) File a complaint with the Judicial Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC, or (3) File a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission.

What is a Zero FIR?

A Zero FIR is an FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, and is later transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction. This was introduced to prevent delays in FIR registration, especially in urgent cases. The FIR number assigned by the first station is '0' (Zero), hence the name Zero FIR.

What is the difference between an FIR and an NC?

An FIR (First Information Report) is for cognizable offences where police can arrest without a warrant and investigate automatically. An NC (Non-Cognizable Report) is for non-cognizable offences (like minor disputes) where police need court permission to investigate. For NC cases, police record the complaint but cannot take immediate action without a magistrate's order.

Can I file an FIR online in India?

Several states allow online FIR filing for specific offences (usually non-cognizable or minor offences). States like Delhi (delhipolice.gov.in), Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have online FIR portals. For serious cognizable offences, you typically need to visit the police station in person. The national cybercrime reporting portal (cybercrime.gov.in) allows online complaints for cybercrime.

What should I bring when filing an FIR?

When filing an FIR, bring: (1) Government-issued ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport), (2) Written account of the incident with all details, (3) Any evidence available (photos, screenshots, videos, documents), (4) Names and contact details of any witnesses, (5) Any relevant documents (contracts, messages, emails if applicable). Your ID is not strictly required by law, but it helps.