Your passport is a key document that represents your identity and marital status across borders. After marriage, many people prefer to add their spouse’s name in the passport to reflect updated personal details. While it is not mandatory to include your spouse’s name in the passport, it is highly recommended for smoother visa processing, immigration checks, and travel-related formalities.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to add your spouse’s name to your Indian passport, the list of required documents, and the step-by-step process to get it done legally and efficiently.
1. Is Adding Spouse’s Name in Passport Mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory to add your spouse’s name to your passport. However, it is beneficial for:
- Visa applications – many embassies prefer spouse details for family or dependent visa categories.
- Proof of marital status for joint travel or residence abroad.
- Name verification during international travel, especially in family bookings.
Updating your spouse’s name also ensures that all your official documents reflect consistent personal information.
2. When Should You Add Your Spouse’s Name?
You can add your spouse’s name:
- When applying for a new passport (after marriage).
- During passport reissue (for renewal or updating personal details).
- After marriage registration, to align your passport details with your current marital status.
Both male and female applicants can request inclusion of spouse’s name in their passport.
3. Documents Required to Add Spouse’s Name in Passport
To update or add your spouse’s name, you must submit documentary proof of marriage along with your passport reissue application. Below are the accepted documents as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) guidelines:
A. Mandatory Documents
- Marriage Certificate
- Issued by the Registrar of Marriages under the Marriage Registration Act (Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act).
- The certificate must have both partners’ full names and date of registration.
- Old Passport
- Original and self-attested photocopies of:
- First two and last two pages,
- ECR/non-ECR page,
- Observation page (if any).
- Original and self-attested photocopies of:
- Proof of Present Address (if changed after marriage)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Electricity/Water Bill
- Rental Agreement or Spouse’s Passport showing the same address
B. Optional Supporting Documents
- Spouse’s Passport Copy (if available) – front and back pages.
- Wedding Invitation Card (accepted in some cases).
- Joint Bank Account Statement showing both names (optional).
Tip: Always carry original documents and self-attested copies during your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment.
4. Step-by-Step Process to Add Spouse’s Name in Passport
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal
Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in using your existing ID or register as a new user.
Step 2: Select “Reissue of Passport”
Choose “Apply for Reissue of Passport” and select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” as the reason for the update.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
Enter your spouse’s name exactly as it appears on the marriage certificate or spouse’s passport. Ensure there are no spelling errors or mismatches.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Attach the required documents:
- Marriage certificate,
- Old passport,
- Address proof,
- Annexure D (if applicable, for married women changing surname).
Step 5: Pay the Fees
The fee structure is as follows:
| Type | Fee (36 pages) | Fee (60 pages) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| Tatkal | ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 |
Step 6: Schedule an Appointment
Book a convenient date and time at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Step 7: Visit the PSK/POPSK
Carry the appointment receipt, originals, and photocopies of all required documents. Your biometrics and photograph will be captured on-site.
Step 8: Police Verification (If Applicable)
If you are changing your address or other details along with adding your spouse’s name, police verification may be required.
5. Special Cases for Adding Spouse’s Name
a) For Women Changing Surname After Marriage
If you wish to change your surname in addition to adding your spouse’s name, you will need:
- Marriage certificate
- Annexure D (Declaration by a woman applicant for name change after marriage)
b) For Divorced or Widowed Applicants
- Divorced Applicants:
Submit Divorce Decree issued by the competent court and apply for deletion of spouse’s name. - Widowed Applicants:
Submit Death Certificate of the spouse to remove their name from the passport.
6. How Long Does It Take to Add Spouse’s Name?
| Application Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Normal | 7–21 working days (including police verification if required) |
| Tatkal | 1–3 working days after submission |
Processing time depends on whether police verification is necessary. If no address change is involved, it’s typically faster.
7. Important Tips to Ensure a Smooth Process
- Ensure your marriage certificate is issued by a government authority, not just a temple or private registrar.
- The spelling of names must match across all documents.
- If your address changes after marriage, update it alongside spouse name addition to avoid multiple reissues later.
- Always carry originals and self-attested copies of documents to your PSK appointment.
Summary Checklist
✅ Apply under “Reissue of Passport – Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”
✅ Provide marriage certificate and proof of address.
✅ Carry your old passport and Annexure D (if surname change).
✅ Attend your PSK appointment with all originals.
✅ Expect 7–21 working days for processing.
At Online Passport Agents, we provide expert assistance for adding your spouse’s name in your passport—from document verification to appointment booking and form submission. Our 24×7 professional agents ensure a smooth, quick, and hassle-free experience for every applicant.
Our office- https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Ch4Prwkit3homv99