Updating your civil status in an Indian passport — whether from unmarried to married, married to divorced, or widowed — is a crucial change that must be reflected in your passport. The Ministry of External Affairs allows such modifications under the passport reissue process. This detailed guide explains how to change your marital status in a passport application, including the documents required, steps to apply, and processing timeline.
Who Needs to Update Civil Status in Passport?
You need to update your civil status if:
- You recently got married and want to include your spouse’s name
- You are divorced and want to remove spouse’s name
- You are widowed and need to update your status in the passport
Any such change must be done through the “Reissue of Passport” process, not a new passport application.
Documents Required to Change Marital Status in Passport
The document requirements vary based on your updated civil status:
1. If You Are Married (and want to add spouse’s name):
- Original Passport (and self-attested photocopies)
- Marriage Certificate (Registered)
- Spouse’s Passport (if available, not mandatory)
- Address proof (if updated)
Annexure K is not required anymore as per recent MEA guidelines.
2. If You Are Divorced:
- Divorce Decree from a court (certified copy)
- Self-declaration mentioning the divorce
- Old passport (original and copies)
- Address proof (if changed)
3. If You Are Widowed:
- Death Certificate of spouse
- Self-declaration stating you are a widow/widower
- Old passport (original + copies)
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Marital Status in Passport
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal
- Go to passportindia.gov.in
- Register or log in to your account
Step 2: Apply for Reissue of Passport
- Select “Reissue of Passport”
- Under reason, choose “Change in personal particulars”
- Choose “Change in Marital Status”
- Fill in the new details accurately (e.g., spouse name if married)
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Upload self-attested scanned copies of:
- Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree / Death Certificate
- Old passport
- Updated address proof (if any)
All documents must be clear and legible.
Step 4: Pay Application Fees
| Type | Pages | Fee (Normal) | Fee (Tatkal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reissue (Adult) | 36 | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Reissue (Adult) | 60 | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
Payment can be made via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Step 5: Schedule Appointment at PSK
- Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- Print the Appointment Confirmation Receipt
Step 6: Visit PSK with Original Documents
Carry:
- Appointment receipt
- Original passport
- Marriage/Divorce/Death certificate (as applicable)
- Self-attested photocopies of all documents
- Address proof if changed
At the PSK, your application will be processed through:
- Counter A: Document verification
- Counter B: Biometric data and photograph
- Counter C: Final approval by Granting Officer
You’ll receive an Acknowledgement Receipt with a File Number to track your application.
Passport Delivery Timeline
| Case | Police Verification | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Change without address change | Usually not required | 3–5 working days |
| Change with address update | Yes (in most cases) | 7–15 working days |
| Tatkal Application | No PV or Post PV | 1–3 working days |
How Will You Get the Updated Passport?
- Once approved, your new passport is sent via Speed Post
- You’ll receive an SMS and email with tracking details
- Track your passport on the Passport Seva Portal
Tips for Smooth Civil Status Update
- Ensure your name and spouse’s name match across all documents
- Use official marriage/divorce certificates only
- Don’t leave the marital status field blank during form fill-up
- Use Tatkal option only if you are eligible and have required affidavits
- Ensure all documents are self-attested and clear
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unregistered marriage certificate
- Uploading unclear or incomplete documents
- Entering wrong spouse name or leaving it blank
- Not carrying original documents to PSK
Need Help Updating Civil Status in Passport?
At Online Passport Agents, we make passport changes hassle-free. Whether you are married, divorced, or widowed, our team will:
- Guide you through the documentation
- Help with online form filling and booking appointments
- Review your documents to avoid rejection
- Assist with Tatkal applications if required
Our experts work 24/7 to make sure your passport update is fast, accurate, and stress-free.