RNI Registration

Overview

Registration of a newspaper or periodical title in India was historically handled by the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). This function is now governed by the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, administered by the Press Registrar General of India, which replaced the earlier Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. The process includes verification of the proposed title and registration of the periodical, allowing a publisher to lawfully print and publish under that title.

Objective

To obtain title verification and registration for a newspaper or periodical so it can be lawfully published.

Characteristics

• Governed by the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
• Administered by the Press Registrar General of India (the successor to RNI)
• Involves verification of the proposed title to ensure it is not already in use
• Applies to newspapers and periodicals published at regular intervals
• Registration is generally handled through the designated online portal

Eligibility

• Publishers intending to bring out a newspaper or periodical in India
• Individuals, firms or entities acting as the owner or publisher
• Applicants proposing a unique title not already registered
• Publishers able to nominate an eligible printer and place of publication

Governing law

• Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
• Press Registrar General of India (formerly the Registrar of Newspapers for India)

The process

1. 1
   Title verification

   We apply for verification of the proposed title to confirm its availability.

2. 2
   Declaration

   We assist with the publisher's declaration and coordination with the specified authority as required.

3. 3
   Registration application

   We file the periodical registration application with the required details and documents.

4. 4
   Certificate issuance

   We follow up until the certificate of registration for the periodical is issued.

Documents required

• Identity and address proof of the owner or publisher
• Details of the proposed title, language and periodicity
• Details of the printing press and place of publication
• Declaration in the prescribed form
• Ownership or authorisation documents of the publishing entity

Benefits

• Provides lawful authority to publish under the registered title
• Protects the chosen title from being registered by others
• Supports credibility with advertisers, agencies and readers
• Helps meet compliance requirements for periodical publishing

Frequently asked questions