In a move aimed at simplifying passport procedures, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that Indian citizens can now add their spouse’s name to their passport without submitting a marriage certificate. Instead, applicants may submit a self-declared joint photo affidavit, known as Annexure J.
The change is expected to bring relief to many couples across the country, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where formal marriage registration is less common. Previously, couples without a registered marriage certificate often faced application delays or rejections when attempting to update their marital status in passport records.
What is Annexure J?
Annexure J is a jointly signed declaration by both spouses confirming their marital status. The document must include:
- A self-attested joint photograph
- Full names, current address, and marital status
- Aadhaar numbers, voter IDs, and passport numbers (if available)
- Date, place, and signatures of both spouses
Dr. Arjun Deore, Regional Passport Officer in Pune, confirmed that Annexure J is now a valid substitute for a marriage certificate. “This move will ease the burden for applicants who struggle with documentation,” he said.
Updating or Removing a Spouse’s Name
For changes such as removing or updating a spouse’s name on the passport, applicants are still required to provide one of the following:
- Divorce decree
- Death certificate of the spouse
- Re-marriage certificate
- Annexure J (in case of mutual update)
This policy shift is part of the MEA’s broader efforts to streamline passport services and enhance accessibility for citizens across India.
