Affidavit with marriage photo accepted for Indian passport name addition

The Indian External Affairs Ministry has allowed the use of an affidavit with a marriage photo as valid documentation for adding a spouse’s name to a passport. Citizens are no longer required to submit a marriage certificate for this purpose, as per the ministry.

Until now, it was mandatory to furnish a marriage certificate to update passport records. The latest decision comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to simplify passport procedures.

However, applicants must submit a self-attested marriage photo along with the couple’s full names, address, marital status, Aadhaar numbers, voter IDs, dates, place of marriage, and signatures in the affidavit.

The move is expected to help those who have not yet received their marriage certificates due to technical delays.

The rules for removing or updating a spouse’s name on a passport have also been revised. A divorce decree, the spouse’s death certificate, or a remarriage certificate must now be presented for such changes.

One of the significant updates under the new law is that a birth certificate will be the only accepted document to prove date of birth for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023. However, those born before this date may continue to use other documents such as PAN cards or school certificates.

Another key change is that the last page of Indian passports will no longer display the holder’s address. Instead, a scannable barcode will be introduced to enhance data security and prevent leakage of personal information. The names of parents will also be removed from the last page in a move aimed at respecting individual privacy.

To streamline identification and speed up immigration, a new color-coded system has been introduced: white passports for government officials, red for diplomats, and blue for ordinary citizens.

In a move to expand access, the number of post office passport service centers will be increased from 442 to 600 by 2030.