For many newly married individuals in India, renewing a passport often brings up questions about whether it’s compulsory to update marital status or include a spouse’s name on the document. The answer is simple—there’s no legal requirement. One can renew a passport keeping their previous marital status and surname intact, and it will remain just as valid for travel or any official use.
While updating this information is not necessary, passport authorities do recommend keeping details up-to-date. Why? Having spousal and marital details can simplify things down the road, particularly when applying for visas, traveling internationally as a family, or getting a passport for children.
Easier Updates: Annexure J Replaces Marriage Certificate
A big relief for many is that the Ministry of External Affairs has made this process much simpler. Gone are the days of needing a registered marriage certificate just to add a spouse’s name. Now, a document called Annexure J—a joint photo declaration signed by both partners—serves the purpose.
If you decide to add your spouse:
- Apply for a passport re-issue on the Passport Seva portal
- Choose to add your spouse’s name
- Fill and upload Annexure J with a joint passport-sized photo and both signatures
- Bring your old passport and basic ID/address proofs to the Passport Seva Kendra
- Be ready for standard police verification
So, while adding a spouse’s name isn’t mandatory, the process is now more inclusive and quicker to complete. With Annexure J, even couples without a formal marriage certificate can seamlessly make updates to their passport. This flexibility means fewer hurdles and less paperwork—making travel or family documentation easier for all.
