Many people in India face confusion when renewing their passports after marriage, especially about whether it is mandatory to update their marital status or add a spouse’s name. The good news is – it is not compulsory. If you do not want to change your surname or add spouse details, you can renew your passport with your old marital status. Your passport will remain valid for travel and official purposes.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advises keeping personal information updated. This is because an updated passport with marital details may help in the future, for example, while applying for visas, your child’s passport, or during family travel. Importantly, the MEA has simplified the process. Now, applicants do not need a marriage certificate. Instead, they can use Annexure J, a joint photo declaration signed by both husband and wife.

1. DO YOU HAVE TO UPDATE MARITAL STATUS AFTER MARRIAGE?

The simple answer is no. There is no obligation to update your marital status when renewing or re-issuing a passport. If you keep your status as “single/unmarried,” your passport is still legally valid and can be used for travel and documentation.

2. WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED TO UPDATE?

While optional, updating your passport makes future processes smoother. For instance, visa officers in some countries prefer to see spouse’s details in the passport. It may also help when applying for your child’s passport or while making family travel arrangements.

3. ANNEXURE J: THE NEW RULE THAT SIMPLIFIES THE PROCESS

Earlier, a marriage certificate was required to add a spouse’s name. Now, the MEA accepts Annexure J, a joint declaration with a passport-size photo of both husband and wife. This simple form, signed by both, replaces the need for a marriage certificate.

4. STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO ADD SPOUSE’S NAME WITHOUT MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

• Apply for a Re-Issue of Passport on the Passport Seva portal.
• Select the option to add spouse’s name.
• Fill out and upload Annexure J, attach a joint photo, and get it signed by both partners.
• Carry your old passport, identity proof, and address proof to the Passport Seva Kendra.
• Police verification is usually required for this update.

5. QUICK CHECKLIST FOR APPLICANTS

• Original passport + photocopies
• Address and identity proofs
• Annexure J with joint photo and signatures
• No marriage certificate required

Renewing your passport after marriage does not force you to change your surname or add spouse details. The process is flexible and applicant-friendly. With Annexure J, couples without a registered marriage certificate can now easily add spouse details. This makes Indian passports more convenient and inclusive while reducing paperwork for citizens.

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