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The Indian government has simplified passport rules for married women by introducing Annexure J, eliminating the need for a marriage certificate when adding a spouse’s name. Learn what documents are required and how the new rules work.
Travelling abroad just got a little easier for married Indian women. The Central Passport Organization has rolled out a significant update, simplifying the process of updating passport details.
Forget the mandatory marriage registration certificate in certain cases. Now, a simple joint declaration, known as Annexure J, can pave the way for smoother passport modifications.
What is Annexure J?
Annexure J is a joint declaration that serves as a substitute for the marriage certificate during passport application or renewal. This form is particularly useful for married women who want to:
• Add their husband’s full name to the passport
• Change their surname post-marriage
To complete Annexure J, the applicant must submit:
• A joint photograph of the couple
• Signatures of both husband and wife
• Dates of birth
• Aadhaar numbers
• Either voter ID or passport numbers of both parties
When is a Divorce Decree or Death Certificate Still Required?
While Annexure J simplifies many scenarios, some situations still require official documentation:
• To remove a spouse’s name, a divorce decree is mandatory
• To change the spouse’s name, the applicant must provide:
o A divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse
o A remarriage certificate or a joint declaration with the current spouse along with a recent couple photograph
Additional Requirements for Surname Change After Marriage
Women who wish to adopt their husband’s surname in the passport must also follow these additional steps:
• Publish a name change notification in the State Gazette or in two newspapers
• Submit updated identification documents such as:
o New Aadhaar card
o Updated PAN card showing the changed name
These steps ensure that the identity change is legally documented and traceable.
Recent Changes to Indian Passport Rules: What Else is New?
Beyond the changes for married women, recent updates to Indian passport rules have also focused on the requirement of birth certificates. Now, all applicants born on or after January 26, 1989, must submit a birth certificate as proof of date of birth. Accepted documents include:
• Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation.
• School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate/Matriculation Certificate issued by the recognized educational institution containing the Date of Birth.
• Policy Bonds issued by Public Life Insurance Corporations stating the Date of Birth of the policy holder.
These changes aim to streamline the process, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in passport applications.
Why These Changes Matter for Travellers
These updates are designed to make the passport application and renewal process more convenient. By reducing the reliance on specific documents like marriage certificates in certain cases, the Central Passport Organization is ensuring a smoother experience for Indian travelers. This allows for less stress and more focus on the excitement of upcoming journeys.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of Annexure J and the recent updates to passport rules reflect India’s efforts to make documentation more user-friendly and efficient, especially for women. These policy shifts are likely to encourage more citizens to apply for passports without unnecessary hurdles.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/indian-passport-name-change-after-marriage-annexure-j-rules/
