How to Add Husband/Wife/Spouse Name in Passport in India?
Among the various personal documents, passport stands as a key identifier, especially when it comes to international travel. For newlyweds or those who've recently undergone a change in marital status, updating spouse's name in the passport is optional.
However, if added, it can make some processes like visa and kids passport processing quite hassle free.
This process is straightforward, but things would be much smoother if there is an understanding of the necessary steps and documentation. Let's delve into how you can add your spouse's name to your passport.
What is the Procedure to Add or Change Spouse Name in Passport?
To add a spouse name in passport or change their name, you must apply for a Re-issue of your passport.
You may execute this process in two ways:
- Online form submission
- e-Form or offline submission
Online Form Submission for Adding/Changing your Spouse Name in Passport
Here is a stepwise demonstration of online form submission procedure for adding or changing spouse name in passport after marriage:
1. Visit Passport Seva’s online portal and register yourself.
2. Now, log in using your login ID and password and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue” of passport for spouse name addition.
3. Provide all relevant details and hit “Submit”.
4. Next, click on “Pay & Schedule Appointment” to book an appointment.
5. Choose your suitable payment mode from SBI challan, internet banking, and debit/credit card options on payment page and pay the necessary fees. Prior online charge payment is mandatory for appointments at PO/POPSK/PSK.
6. Click on “Print Application Receipt”. This receipt comprises following details:
- Appointment number
- Application reference number
E-Form/Offline Form Submission for Adding/Changing your Spouse Name in Passport
Following is a step-by-step e-Form submission process for individuals wondering how to add or change spouse name in passport:
1. Download the e-Form in XML format from Passport Seva Kendra’s website and fill it in with necessary details.
2. Now, log in to the portal and upload this XML file.
3. Complete payment on the payment page, as discussed for the online process. Also, download your payment receipt in the manner mentioned above.
4. You will receive an SMS with appointment details after your online or offline submission. For the final process, you have to visit your regional passport office with a set of original documents required for your passport application.
Individuals wondering how to add their husbands’ name in passport can keep in mind the above pointers. The same steps will apply if you are wondering how to add your wife’s name to your passport.
Documents Required to Add Spouse Name in Passport
Following documents are required to add spouse name in passport:
- Your original passport.
- Copies of the first and last pages of your passport.
- Observation page.
- ECR or non-ECR page.
- For a short validity passport, you also have to submit the validity page.
- Divorce decree or death certificate as applicable in case of change of spouse name.
The process remains same for change of spouse name in passport. Additionally, the applicant needs to submit the divorce decree or death certificate as applicable for the previous spouse mentioned in the passport.
Fees & Charges to Add Spouse Name in Passport
Here is a table enlisting charges to change spouse name in passport -
| Component | Sub-component | Charges |
| Consular Fee | Passport Fees | As per adult applicable category |
| Consular Fee | Indian Community Welfare Fund | ₹ 221 |
| CKGS Fee | CKGS Service Fee | ₹ 1470 per application |
| CKGS Fee | Optional Fee | Courier Service & text message |
| Total | - | ₹1691 |
Tatkal passport service is available for the procedure to add spouse name in Indian passport. It takes additional charges.
It is mandatory to pay separate fees for each applicant. Individuals must not make payments in cash or cheque. Besides, additional convenience charges are applicable for payment by credit card.
How Long Does It Take to Update Spouse Name in Passport?
A maximum of 3 working days is necessary to get the renewed passport. However, the processing time taken to add a spouse name to a passport is a maximum of 2 hours.
In conclusion, adding your spouse's name to your passport is a straightforward process that strengthens your legal identity as a married couple.
By submitting the necessary documents and following the specific guidelines, you can ensure a smooth update of your passport. When in doubt, always visit the passport seva kendra portal site for complete details.
Though not a necessary step, it facilitates travel, visa and kids’ passport applications for couples planning to explore the world together.
FAQs about Adding Husband/Wife Name in Passport
Is a marriage certificate mandatory to add a spouse name to passport?
No, it is not mandatory to provide a marriage certificate for adding a spouse name in your passport if you both are Indian.
Does adding spouse name in passport require police verification?
No, a police verification certificate is not required to add your spouse’s name to your passport.
Do I need to add any suffix/prefix to denote the nationality of my spouse in the passport?
No, only the name of the spouse is required. No suffix or prefix is required to denote nationality.
Can I continue using my old passport after marriage?
Yes, you can continue using your old passport after marriage. But, if you have changed your name post marriage, it is recommended to update your passport.
Is it mandatory to add my spouse's name to my passport after marriage?
No, it is not mandatory to add your spouse's name to your passport after marriage. However, it is recommended for easier processing of visas and residency permits in some countries, especially if you plan to travel or live abroad with your spouse. Also, the processing of child passport becomes easier if one of the parents’ passports is endorsed.
Is it possible to remove my spouse's name from my passport in case of divorce?
Yes, you can apply for the removal of your spouse's name from your passport in the event of a divorce. You would need to follow a similar process to adding a name, including filling out an application form for re-issuance of your passport and providing relevant documents, such as the divorce decree.
How do I change my surname on passport after marriage?
To change your surname on passport after marriage, you need to apply for reissue of passport along with the required documents.
I am married but I don't have a marriage certificate. My passport is due for renewal, should I mention my marital status as “married” or “single”?
You should mention all your particulars correct. If you are married, you must mention it as married. Marriage certificate is not a compulsory document for passport spouse name addition or for proving your marital status.
Will my passport number change when I add spouse name?
Yes. As per the current process, to add your spouse's name, you need to apply for “reissue’ of passport. In reissue, a new passport with new number is issued.
Does husband and wife need to have same address in passport?
No, it is not mandatory that wife and husband have the same address on the passport. Mention the address where they are living currently and can be verified.
My spouse is a foreign citizen. So, while applying for a passport, do I need to add prefix/suffix with his/her name that denotes nationality of the belonging country?
No, no prefix or suffix needs to be added to the name while applying for passport. Only the actual name of the spouse, that is validated with proper ID proofs, must be mentioned.
My spouse is a foreign citizen. What document(s) do I need to submit along with my passport application to include his/her name in my passport?
The documents remain the same as in the case of Indian spouse discussed above. Visit the document advisor tab on passport seva portal for complete details.
What documents are required for deletion of spouse's name on account of divorce/separation?
In case of separation, you can apply for the removal of your spouse's name from your passport. The process remains same as for adding the name, including filling out passport application form for re-issuance of your passport and providing relevant documents, such as the divorce decree.