In an effort to simplify the passport application process for Indian citizens, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a new rule that allows individuals to add their spouse’s name to their passport without submitting a marriage certificate. Instead, a Joint Photo Declaration—referred to as Annexure J—will now be accepted as a valid alternative.
This move is intended to ease the process for married applicants, eliminating the need for a marriage certificate, which many found difficult to obtain. Annexure J, signed by both spouses, is now considered a sufficient document for this purpose, making the procedure more accessible across the country.
REASON FOR THE POLICY CHANGE
This update addresses the inconsistent marriage registration practices across India. While marriage registration is standard in states like Maharashtra, it’s not as common in several northern states. As a result, many applicants were unable to provide official proof of marriage.
The MEA introduced the Joint Photo Declaration to bridge this gap, recognizing that not everyone has all the conventional documentation.
WHAT IS ANNEXURE J?
Annexure J is a declaration in which the couple must:
- Provide their names, address, and marital status.
- Confirm that they live together as a married couple.
The form includes space for a joint self-attested photo and must be signed by both individuals, including the date and place. Additionally, applicants must supply:
- Aadhaar numbers
- Voter ID numbers
- Passport numbers, if available
To be accepted, the form must be fully completed, including all identification details and the joint photograph.
UPDATING OR REMOVING A SPOUSE’S NAME
For those wishing to remove or update a spouse’s name on a passport, the MEA continues to require valid legal documentation. Acceptable documents include:
- Divorce decree
- Death certificate of the spouse
- Re-marriage certificate
- Or a Joint Photo Declaration (Annexure J)
By removing the marriage certificate requirement for adding a spouse’s name, the MEA has taken a significant step toward simplifying government procedures and making public services more citizen-friendly.
OTHER KEY PASSPORT REFORMS
Beyond changes related to spouse name inclusion, the MEA has implemented several other reforms:
Mandatory Birth Certificate for New Applicants
Individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must present a birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation as the sole proof of date of birth. This move aims to standardize documentation and enhance verification processes.
Digital Embedding of Residential Address
To bolster privacy, residential addresses will no longer be printed on the last page of passports. Instead, this information will be embedded in a barcode, accessible only to authorized personnel.
Colour-Coded Passports
A new colour-coding system has been introduced to distinguish between different categories of passport holders:
- White: Government officials
- Red: Diplomats
- Blue: Ordinary citizens
This system facilitates easier identification and processing at various checkpoints.
Removal of Parents’ Names
To enhance privacy and inclusivity, parents’ names will no longer be printed on the last page of passports. This change benefits individuals from single-parent families or those with unique family structures.
Expansion of Passport Seva Kendras
To improve accessibility, the government plans to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 by 2030. This expansion aims to make passport services more reachable, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
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