As of April 2025, Indian passport applicants no longer need to present a marriage certificate to include their spouse’s name in their passport. In a move designed to reduce bureaucratic challenges and streamline the application process, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced a new alternative—Annexure J, a joint declaration form signed by both spouses.
This policy shift is expected to benefit thousands of citizens who face difficulties due to unregistered marriages, especially in certain regions of India where formal documentation is not uniformly practiced.
Why the Change Was Needed
Many Indians across various states have long struggled with the requirement to furnish a marriage certificate—especially in regions where marriages aren’t registered by default. For instance, while Maharashtra commonly registers marriages automatically, states in northern India often lack such enforcement, leading to complications when applying for or updating a passport.
A senior official in the passport division explained that the MEA’s revised guideline addresses these disparities and aims to create a more equitable process for all applicants, regardless of regional practices.
What Is Annexure J?
Annexure J is a joint declaration form that replaces the need for a marriage certificate when adding a spouse’s name to the passport. It must be signed by both the husband and wife and includes the following required elements:
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Full names of both spouses
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Current address
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Marital status declaration
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Aadhaar numbers
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Voter ID numbers
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Passport numbers (if available)
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A self-attested joint photograph
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Date and place of declaration
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Signatures from both parties
Failure to complete any section renders the form invalid. Authorities have emphasized that all fields must be accurately filled in and that the declaration holds legal validity only when signed by both individuals.
When Is a Marriage Certificate Still Required?
While the new policy eases the process of adding a spouse’s name, there are still scenarios where more formal documentation is needed:
| Purpose | Required Document |
|---|---|
| Adding spouse’s name | Annexure J |
| Removing spouse’s name (divorce) | Divorce decree or court order |
| Removing spouse’s name (death) | Death certificate |
| Updating spouse’s name (remarriage) | Re-marriage certificate or new Annexure J signed by both spouses |
| Proof of change for legal disputes | Court-issued documents or notarized affidavits |
For any changes to be reflected in the passport, supporting ID documents must be up to date, including Aadhaar cards with QR-code verification.
How This Update Helps Applicants in 2025
This change is especially timely, given the increasing number of digital passport applications and the government’s push for citizen-friendly governance. Here’s how the update benefits applicants:
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Faster Processing: Reduces delays caused by missing marriage certificates.
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Inclusive Approach: Accounts for cultural and regional diversity in marriage registration.
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Simplified Documentation: Requires only Annexure J and standard ID proofs.
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Reduced Legal Barriers: Minimizes the need for court involvement in non-contentious cases.
Dr. Arjun Deore, Regional Passport Officer in Pune, emphasized that Annexure J ensures both transparency and simplicity without compromising on the legal verification process. “This is a practical step towards making passport services more accessible and less cumbersome,” he said in a recent update.
Conclusion
The MEA’s decision to accept Annexure J as a valid alternative to a marriage certificate for passport updates is a progressive and much-needed reform. It acknowledges India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape and eases a major pain point for applicants. Whether you’re newly married or updating your passport details in 2025, this change makes the entire process more efficient and applicant-friendly.
FAQs
What is Annexure J in the passport application process?
Annexure J is a joint declaration form signed by both spouses that allows for the addition of a spouse’s name to the passport without needing a marriage certificate.
Can I still use a marriage certificate if I have one?
Yes, applicants can still use a traditional marriage certificate. Annexure J is simply an alternative, not a replacement.
Is Annexure J accepted across all passport offices in India?
Yes, as of April 2025, Annexure J is officially recognized nationwide by all regional passport offices under MEA guidelines.
What if my spouse is deceased or I am divorced?
You must submit a death certificate (if the spouse is deceased) or a court-issued divorce decree (if divorced) to remove or update a spouse’s name on your passport.
Do I need Aadhaar for Annexure J?
Yes, Aadhaar numbers for both individuals are required, and the ID must be QR-code enabled for verification.
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