Making changes to your passport due to marriage or divorce is a common but important process that requires careful document preparation. Understanding your options and requirements helps ensure smooth processing.

Is It Mandatory to Update Your Passport After Marriage or Divorce?

For Marriage

Updating your passport name after marriage is completely optional. You are not legally required to change your surname or add your husband’s name to your passport. Many women choose to keep their maiden name even after marriage, and this is entirely acceptable. However, if you wish to update your passport to reflect your new married name, you must apply for a reissue.​

For Divorce

Similarly, updating your passport after divorce is not mandatory. However, if you were using your married name in your passport and wish to revert to your maiden name or remove your spouse’s name after divorce, you must apply for a reissue to make these changes official.​

Type of Application Required

Reissue vs. Renewal

For any name change due to marriage or divorce, you must apply for a passport reissue, not a renewal. A reissue is required when there are changes in personal particulars, such as:​

• Change of surname after marriage
• Addition of spouse’s name
• Change of marital status
• Removal of spouse’s name after divorce or death
• Change of name reverting to maiden name

A reissue is treated differently from a simple renewal—it involves more thorough verification and typically requires police verification, especially for complete name changes.​

Scenarios and Requirements

Scenario 1: Adding Spouse’s Name After Marriage

When You Need This

You want your husband’s name to appear in your passport alongside or instead of your maiden name.

Required Documents​

• Original and self-attested photocopies of your current passport
• Marriage certificate (copy issued by the marriage registrar), OR
• Annexure J (Joint Photo Declaration) if marriage certificate is unavailable
• Photocopy of spouse’s passport (original to be shown at PSK)
• Aadhaar card or voter ID showing updated name
• Address proof documents
• Two recent passport-size photographs (4×6 cm)
• Your signature on all photocopies

What Is Annexure J?

Annexure J is a simplified alternative to a marriage certificate that was introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs to address regional variations in marriage registration practices. This document eliminates the requirement for formal marriage certificates, which are not routinely registered in all Indian states.​

Requirements for Annexure J​

• A joint photograph of both husband and wife (self-attested)
• Full names and addresses of both spouses
• Date of birth of both individuals
• Marital status declaration confirming you are living together as a married couple
• Signatures of both parties with place and date
• Aadhaar numbers of both spouses
• Voter ID numbers or passport numbers (if available)

This document must be clearly filled out and properly organized when submitted at the PSK.​

Why Annexure J Was Introduced

The MEA recognized that marriage registration practices vary significantly across India. While states like Maharashtra typically register marriages automatically, many northern states don’t enforce such regulations, leaving couples without formal marriage certificates. Annexure J ensures that all couples can update their passports without bureaucratic hurdles, regardless of their state.​

Online Application Steps for Adding Spouse Name​

1. Visit the Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in)
2. Log in or register as a new user
3. Click “Apply for Reissue”
4. Select “Change in personal particulars” as the reason
5. Indicate “Change of name/Add spouse name” in the form
6. Fill in your spouse’s details accurately
7. Upload marriage certificate or Annexure J if the system requests it
8. Pay the applicable fee (₹1,500 for 36-page or ₹2,000 for 60-page passport)
9. Book your PSK appointment
10. Visit the PSK with all original documents

Scenario 2: Changing Your Surname After Marriage

When You Need This

You were married and are changing your maiden surname to your married surname (e.g., from “Sharma” to “Patel”).

Required Documents​

• Original and self-attested photocopies of current passport (all pages)
• Marriage certificate (registered copy), OR
• Annexure D (Joint Affidavit for Name Change After Marriage) with joint photograph
• Aadhaar card or PAN card reflecting the new surname
• Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper confirming the name change
• Address proof documents
• Photocopy of spouse’s passport (original to be shown at PSK)
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Notarized joint photo (if using Annexure D)

What Is Annexure D?

Annexure D is a joint affidavit that both you and your husband must submit together as a legal declaration of your name change.​

Contents of Annexure D​

The affidavit must include:

• Your maiden name and your husband’s full name
• Statement that you are married under the specific Marriage Act/Custom/Rights and the date of marriage
• Declaration that your maiden name will henceforth be known as your new name following marriage
• Joint photograph of both spouses pasted on the document
• Signatures and addresses of both husband and wife

Important Notes About Annexure D​

• The affidavit must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper (minimum value ₹100-₹200 depending on state)
• The affidavit can be sworn before a Magistrate or Notary Public
• The joint photograph must be placed on the bottom left of the affidavit paper
• The photograph must be attested with the Magistrate’s/Notary’s signature and stamp, with half of the stamp on the photo and half on the affidavit
• If a joint photograph cannot be affixed, the affidavit should clearly state the reason why
• The entire document must be clear and legible when submitted

Police Verification for Name Changes

Complete or substantial name changes typically require police verification before your passport is issued. The verification process takes approximately 5-14 working days depending on your location and the efficiency of your local police station. Major cities with digitized police systems complete verification in 5-7 days, while other areas may take up to 21 days.​

Processing Timeline for Name Change

The complete process typically takes 3-6 weeks from your PSK appointment to receiving your new passport. This includes:​

• Document verification at PSK: 1-2 hours
• Police verification: 5-14 working days
• RPO final approval and printing: 7-10 working days
• Postal delivery: 1-5 working days

Scenario 3: Reverting to Maiden Name After Divorce

When You Need This

You were married, used your married name in your passport, and now wish to revert to your maiden name after divorce.

Required Documents​

• Original and self-attested photocopies of current passport
• Divorce certificate or divorce decree (authenticated by the court, certified copy)
• Aadhaar card or PAN card with reverted maiden name
• Self-declaration on the application form stating your name revert
• Affidavit (if required by the RPO) on non-judicial stamp paper
• Address proof documents
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Marriage certificate (showing your married name)

Important Note​

No marriage certificate or divorce decree copy is strictly required at the application stage if you are simply applying for a reissue due to divorce. However, it’s recommended to carry a certified copy of your divorce decree to support your claim and avoid delays.​

Police Verification

Police verification is required when reverting to your maiden name after divorce. The verification confirms your address and validates the divorce decree.​

Scenario 4: Removing Spouse’s Name from Passport

When You Need This

Your spouse’s name appears in your passport, and you wish to remove it due to:

• Divorce
• Death of spouse
• Legal separation

Required Documents​

• Original and self-attested photocopies of current passport
• Divorce decree or death certificate of spouse (certified copy authenticated by court)
• Form No. 2 for Miscellaneous Services (fill this instead of standard form)
• Address proof documents
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Self-declaration confirming spouse removal

Application Process​

1. Visit the Passport Seva website or go offline to your nearest PSK
2. Download and fill Form No. 2 for Miscellaneous Services
3. Select “Re-issue of Passport” option
4. Choose “Change in existing personal particulars”
5. Select “Spouse name” and indicate “Remove/Delete”
6. Attach certified divorce decree or death certificate
7. Pay the fee (₹1,500 for 36-page or ₹2,000 for 60-page)
8. Book your PSK appointment

Police Verification

Removal of spouse’s name typically does not require police verification if it’s a minor change, but this depends on your specific circumstances and what the passport office system indicates.​

Scenario 5: Changing Spouse’s Name in Passport (Remarriage)

When You Need This

You were previously married, have your ex-spouse’s name in your passport, and have remarried with a new spouse’s name.

Required Documents​

• Original and self-attested photocopies of current passport
• Divorce decree or death certificate of first spouse
• Marriage certificate of current spouse (registered copy)
• Annexure D (joint affidavit) with current spouse if no marriage certificate
• Photocopy of current spouse’s passport (original to be shown)
• Aadhaar cards of both you and current spouse
• Address proof documents
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper

Processing Note

This is a complex scenario involving removal of previous spouse and addition of new spouse details. Expect mandatory police verification to confirm your marital status changes.

Passport Fees for Name/Marital Status Changes

Standard Reissue Fees (as of 2025)​

Passport Type	Fee	Service Type
36-page passport​	₹1,500	Normal
60-page passport​	₹2,000	Normal
36-page passport​	₹3,500	Tatkal
60-page passport​	₹4,000	Tatkal

Important Note About Tatkal

Tatkal service is NOT available for major name changes. If you’re undergoing a complete name change after marriage/divorce, you must use the normal processing service, which takes 3-6 weeks.​

Additional Charges That May Apply​

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): ₹500
• SMS status updates: ₹50

Online vs. Offline Application Process

Online Application Advantages​

• Fastest method for initial submission
• Allows pre-filling of information
• Reduces paperwork
• Immediate payment and appointment booking
• Real-time tracking through ARN

Important Clarification

Even if you apply online, you must visit the PSK in person to verify original documents, provide biometrics, and complete the formal submission process.​

Common Questions About Marriage/Divorce Changes

Q: Can I change my name before getting officially married?

No, you cannot change your name in your passport before marriage. You can only make official name changes after providing proof of marriage. Attempting to do so without proper documentation will result in application rejection.​

Q: Do I need my husband’s permission to change my name in the passport?

No, you do not need your husband’s explicit permission to add his name or change your surname in your passport. However, if submitting Annexure D, he must be present with you or sign the joint affidavit.​

Q: Can I keep my maiden name if married?

Yes, completely. If you maintain your maiden name across all documents (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.), you are not required to add your husband’s name or change your surname. Simply select “No Update” in the marital section of your passport application.​

Q: What if my marriage certificate has spelling errors?

If your marriage certificate contains errors, you should get it corrected by the issuing authority before submitting. However, if minor discrepancies exist, submit an affidavit explaining the variation and carry both the original and corrected document to the PSK.

Q: How long does police verification take for name changes?

Police verification for name changes typically takes 5-14 working days, though it can be faster in digitized jurisdictions (5-7 days) and slower in rural areas (up to 21 days).​

Q: Will I receive a new passport number when changing my name?

This depends on the extent of change. For minor changes (adding spouse’s name), your passport number typically remains the same. For complete surname changes, you may receive a new passport number—the RPO will determine this based on your specific circumstances.​

Q: Can women use married names without official passport change?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended for official purposes. If you’re using your married name verbally or socially but your passport shows your maiden name, discrepancies can arise during travel, visa applications, or legal matters. It’s best to officially update your passport to match your current name across all documents.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Document Organization​

• Keep all originals and photocopies in a transparent folder
• Arrange documents in the order specified by the passport office
• Ensure all photocopies are clear, legible, and properly self-attested
• Verify that all names match exactly across all documents

Aadhaar and PAN Updates​

Before applying for passport name changes, consider updating your Aadhaar card and PAN to reflect the new name. This prevents mismatches that could cause delays or file holds at the PSK.

Getting Documents Notarized​

When submitting Annexure D (joint affidavit):

• Get it notarized by a qualified Magistrate or Notary Public
• Ensure the joint photograph is properly affixed and attested
• Carry the original notarized document to the PSK along with self-attested copies

Timeline Planning​

Given that marriage/divorce-related name changes typically take 3-6 weeks:

• Apply at least 2 months before any planned international travel
• Understand that police verification cannot be rushed
• Avoid submitting applications during peak seasons (vacation periods)

Professional Guidance

Given your expertise with SmotPro’s visa consultation services, this information on marriage and divorce passport changes can be valuable for:

• Creating guides for clients updating passports after life events
• Explaining document requirements to first-time changers
• Setting realistic expectations for processing timelines
• Identifying common pitfalls before clients visit the PSK
• Preparing clients for police verification requirements

The marriage/divorce passport change process is standardized across India, though timelines may vary by location. Proper document preparation and understanding your specific scenario ensures a streamlined experiencece.

Are you planning a trip soon? Passport processing times are often longer than expected. Start your update immediately! This guide provides the exact steps, required affidavits, and document lists to fast-track your application. Finish Your Passport Change Today!