In a step aimed at simplifying the passport application process for Indian applicants, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced a new rule allowing individuals to include their spouse's name in their passport without needing to provide a marriage certificate. Instead, applicants can now submit a joint photo declaration—Annexure J—as a valid substitute.
Pune’s regional passport officer, Arjun Deore, confirmed that Annexure J signed by both husband and wife is now officially recognized in place of the previously mandatory marriage certificate, which had been a common hurdle for many applicants, Times of India reported.
A top passport official stated that the new rule was introduced to tackle major regional differences in marriage registration norms. In states like Maharashtra, marriages are usually registered automatically, but in several northern states, this is not the case, leaving many applicants without official marriage certificates, Business Today reported.
The official further noted that the MEA implemented the Joint Photo Declaration option because a large number of applicants often do not have complete documentation.
Annexure J requires both spouses to provide their names, addresses, and marital status, affirming that they are living together as a married couple.
The form must include a self-attested joint photograph, with both individuals signing the declaration, along with the place and date of signing. Aadhaar numbers, voter IDs, and passport numbers (if available) for both spouses are additional details required.
Dr. Deore emphasized that the declaration is valid only if all necessary fields are properly filled out—this includes names, Aadhaar numbers, voter ID numbers, and passport numbers, if available. He also highlighted that the form contains a specific section for the self-attested joint photograph.
The ministry has clarified that removing a spouse’s name from a passport still requires a divorce decree or legal order.
According to a source, to change a spouse's name on the passport, applicants must submit a divorce decree, the death certificate of the previous spouse, a re-marriage certificate, or a Joint Photo Declaration (Annexure J) signed by both individuals. Additionally, updated identity documents with Aadhaar verification through a QR code are also required.