A change in marital status — whether due to marriage, divorce, or separation — often requires updating personal documents, especially your passport. In India, the passport is a critical legal identity document, and any inconsistency between your legal status and passport information can lead to visa delays, rejections, or even immigration issues. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to update your marital status while renewing your passport, with a focus on the documents required, process, timeline, and important rules.
When Should You Update Marital Status in Your Passport?
You should apply for a renewed or reissued passport with updated marital status if:
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You got married and want to add your spouse’s name
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You went through a divorce and want to remove your ex-spouse’s name
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You are widowed and need to reflect the same
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You want to correct or change spouse details
Keeping your passport updated with the correct marital information ensures accuracy in international documentation, visa applications, and immigration records.
Can Marital Status Be Updated Without Passport Renewal?
No. In India, any change to personal details, including marital status, requires a passport reissue. This is not a correction or endorsement — it is a new passport with updated details.
🔄 Change in marital status = Reissue of Passport
How to Apply for a Renewed Passport After Marital Status Change
Step-by-Step Process
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Register on the Passport Seva Portal
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Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue”
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Fill the application form with updated marital details
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Choose the appropriate reason for reissue:
➤ “Change in Existing Personal Particulars”
➤ Select “Marital Status” or “Spouse Name” change -
Pay the applicable fee online
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Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
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Visit PSK with original documents and photocopies
Documents Required for Marital Status Update
The documents required vary based on your new status:
1. After Marriage (Adding Spouse Name)
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Marriage Certificate issued by Registrar of Marriages (preferred)
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OR Joint Affidavit with spouse, declaring marriage
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Spouse’s passport copy (if available)
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Self-attested photocopy of marriage proof
Note: If you do not have a marriage certificate, a joint affidavit signed by both husband and wife is accepted.
2. After Divorce (Removing Spouse Name)
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Divorce Decree issued by Family Court
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Self-attested affidavit mentioning separation and request for removal
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In some cases, an Annexure E affidavit may be required
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from ex-spouse is not required.
3. Widow/Widower (Spouse Deceased)
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Death Certificate of spouse
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Self-declaration for marital status change
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Address and identity proof as per regular guidelines
Important Forms and Affidavits
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Annexure D: Declaration of marriage, to add spouse’s name
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Annexure E: Standard affidavit for change in particulars
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Annexure K: In case of court-declared separation (rare)
All annexures must be notarized on non-judicial stamp paper.
Fees for Passport Reissue Due to Marital Status Change
| Type of Service | Pages/Validity | Fee (Normal) | Fee (Tatkal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reissue due to change | 36 pages / 10 years | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Reissue for minors | 36 pages / 5 years | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
Timeline for Processing
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Normal Service: 7–15 working days (subject to police verification)
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Tatkal Service: 1–3 working days (if no police verification is needed)
Police verification is usually required only if your address has changed, or in the case of first-time applicants.
Key Rules and Tips
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It is not mandatory to update marital status unless you want to reflect the change in your passport
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Including spouse’s name is optional, but recommended if you are applying for a dependent visa, spouse visa, or family travel
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Name change after marriage (e.g., adopting spouse’s surname) also requires reissue with supporting documents
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Minor spelling mistakes in spouse’s name should be corrected to match legal records
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Always carry original documents during your PSK appointment — scanned or photocopied files alone are not accepted
Can You Travel With an Old Passport Showing Previous Marital Status?
Yes, but it may lead to confusion or additional scrutiny during:
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Visa interviews
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Immigration clearances
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Applying for a dependent visa or family sponsorship
For hassle-free international travel, it is advisable to update your marital status in your passport.
Conclusion
Updating your marital status in an Indian passport is a straightforward process, but it requires careful documentation and understanding of the passport reissue guidelines. Whether you’re recently married, divorced, or widowed, it’s essential to keep your passport records up to date for smooth travel, visa approvals, and compliance with international norms.
At Visa Agents in Bangalore we simplify the entire process of passport renewal, reissue, and status updates. From form filling to document verification, we offer fast, accurate, and 24×7 assistance across major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Visakhapatnam.
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