In a citizen-friendly reform, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced a new provision allowing passport applicants to use Annexure J, a joint photo declaration, as a valid alternative to a marriage certificate when requesting for the inclusion of a spouse’s name in their passport.
This initiative aims to streamline the application process and reduce delays, particularly for applicants who are legally married and living together but do not possess a formal marriage certificate.
Annexure J is a simplified affidavit in which both spouses formally declare their marital status and jointly request the inclusion (or removal) of a spouse’s name on the passport. The form must be signed by both parties and accompanied by a self-attested joint photograph.
Key features of Annexure J:
- A joint, self-attested photograph of the couple
- Full names, residential addresses, and dates of birth of both spouses
- A clear declaration of marital status
- Aadhaar number and either Voter ID or Passport number (if available)
- Signatures of both spouses, along with date and place of declaration
In cases of re-marriage, applicants must also submit relevant supporting documents such as:
- Divorce decree and Re-marriage Certificate or Annexure-J
- Death certificate of the former spouse and Re-marriage Certificate or Annexure-J
- Updated identity documents
Eligible applicants are encouraged to make use of this efficient and user-friendly provision. For further information and to download Annexure J, please visit the official Passport Seva portal.
