Simplified Passport Process: Spouses Can Now Add Their Partner’s Name Without Marriage Certificate
New Delhi, April 2025 – In a move set to make passport amendments more convenient, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced a game-changing option for citizens. Couples can now add their spouse’s name to passports without the need for a marriage certificate, thanks to the newly introduced Annexure J.
What’s New in the Process?
A senior official from the passport department shared that this update would drastically simplify the process:
“The Joint Photo Declaration (Annexure J), signed by both husband and wife, now serves as a valid substitute for the traditional marriage certificate, which many found challenging to obtain.”
Why It Matters
This change also addresses long-standing regional disparities in documentation:
- In Maharashtra, marriages are typically registered by default.
- In contrast, many northern states lack this practice, leaving couples without official proof of marriage.
By streamlining this documentary requirement, the MEA is making the process fairer and more accessible for all.
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