New Passport Update: In a welcome move aimed at simplifying the passport application process, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recently introduced a provision that allows applicants to add their spouse’s name on their passport without the need for a marriage certificate. This change provides much-needed relief to individuals who face documentation challenges, especially in regions where marriage registration is not routinely practiced.

Relief for unregistered marriages

Earlier, couples without a registered marriage certificate faced delays or rejection when trying to update their marital status on passports. With the introduction of Annexure J, a Joint Photo Declaration, such couples now have an alternative route. This self-declared affidavit, signed by both husband and wife, confirms their marital status and includes key personal details and identification documents.

Reportedly, this change is particularly beneficial in states like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, where marriage registration isn’t enforced, unlike Maharashtra where it is more routine. Many couples in these regions are now spared the bureaucratic hurdle of obtaining formal certification just to update a passport.

How to add spouse name in passport: What does Annexure J require?

Annexure J acts as a simplified affidavit and includes:

  1. A joint, self-attested photograph of the couple
  2. Full names, addresses, and dates of birth of both spouses
  3. A clear declaration of marital status
  4. Aadhaar number and either a Voter ID or Passport number
  5. Signatures of both individuals with the place and date
  6. This form serves as a legal and acceptable substitute for a marriage certificate, helping streamline the passport update process—particularly for women who often face name mismatches or documentation gaps after marriage.
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When is a marriage certificate still needed?

While Annexure J eases many requirements, there are exceptions where official documents remain mandatory:

  1. To remove a spouse’s name after divorce or death
  2. To change a spouse’s name on the passport
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In such cases, documents like a divorce decree, death certificate, or a re-marriage certificate must still be submitted.

New rule for birth certificates

In a separate update, the MEA has mandated that applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit a birth certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. Older applicants may continue to use alternatives like school certificates or government-issued IDs.