You can now add spouse's name in passports without marriage certificate

The Ministry of External Affairs has introduced a new option for passport applicants, allowing them to add their spouse's name to their passport without needing to submit a marriage certificate, TOI has reported.

This change comes in the form of a document known as Annexure J, which is expected to streamline the passport amendment process.

"The joint photo declaration (Annexure J), signed by both husband and wife, now serves as a valid alternative to the traditional marriage certificate requirement that many found difficult to fulfill," Arjun Deore, Pune's regional passport officer told TOI.

This new guideline aims to address regional disparities in marriage registration practices. While marriages in Maharashtra are typically registered automatically, in many northern states, it's common for couples not to register their marriages, leaving them without marriage certificates.

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The Annexure J form acts as a joint declaration for passport applicants. It requires both parties to declare their names and addresses, affirming their marital status and confirming that they have been living together as a married couple. The form includes a request for the passport to be issued or reissued with the spouse's name included and requires a solemn affirmation that all information provided is accurate.

Additionally, the form must have a space for a self-attested joint photograph of the couple and must include the date and place of signing, along with the signatures of both spouses. Applicants must also provide their Aadhaar card numbers, voter ID numbers, and passport numbers (if available) to ensure the declaration is valid.

However, there are still requirements for those who wish to remove a spouse's name from their passport.

A divorce order or decree is necessary to delete a spouse's name, while to change the name of a spouse, applicants must provide a divorce order/decree or death certificate of the first spouse, a re-marriage certificate, or the joint photo declaration (Annexure J) along with updated identity documents that include QR-code enabled Aadhaar verification.

(With inputs from TOI)