Is Marriage Certificate Required For a Passport: Applying for a passport can be a straightforward process, but it often raises questions, especially regarding the documentation required. One common question is whether a marriage certificate is necessary for obtaining a passport.
This article will clarify when and why a marriage certificate might be required during the passport application process.
Is a Marriage Certificate Required for a Passport?
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issues passports through passport offices Indian embassies, and consulates around the world.
A passport is an important document for people traveling abroad for reasons like tourism, education, business, pilgrimage, or family visits. It also serves as proof of the person’s citizenship under the Passports Act, of 1967.If you’re married, just state that you’re married.
The Passport Office typically doesn’t ask for a Marriage Certificate these days. Usually, just your name is enough. However, if they do ask for proof of marriage and you don’t have a Marriage Certificate, they may accept one of the following:
- A Pension Payment Order that includes a photo of both you and your spouse.
- A Ration Card that lists your spouse’s name.
If you don’t have any of these documents, don’t worry! An affidavit will work as proof of marriage.
When is a Marriage Certificate Required?
A marriage certificate is generally required in the following scenarios:
- Name Change After Marriage: If you have changed your surname after marriage and wish to reflect this change on your passport, a marriage certificate is essential to validate the name change.
- Spouse’s Name Endorsement: If you want your spouse’s name to be endorsed on your passport, you will need to provide a marriage certificate.
- Divorced or Widowed Applicants: If you are divorced or widowed and wish to update your marital status on your passport, you might need to provide a marriage certificate along with other relevant documents (e.g., divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate).
Related also: Aadhar Card Name Change After Marriage Documents Required
Documentation Requirements
Here are the key documents required for a passport application involving a marriage certificate:
Marriage Certificate:
Issued by the registrar of marriages.
Proof of Identity:
This can include your Aadhar card, Voter ID, or PAN card.
Proof of Address:
Such as your Aadhar card, utility bills, or rental agreement.
Photographs:
Passport-sized photographs as per the specifications provided by the passport office.
Old Passport:
If you are applying for a reissue of your passport with updated marital status or name.
Necessary Documentation A Marriage Certificate is Required For a Passport
| Category | Documents Required |
| General Documents | – Passport application form |
| – Proof of address | |
| – Proof of date of birth | |
| – Documentary proof for Non-ECR categories | |
| Proof of Address | – Passbook of running bank account with applicant’s photo |
| – Landline or postpaid mobile bill | |
| – Rental agreement | |
| – Electricity bill | |
| – Voter ID card issued by Election Commission of India | |
| – Water bill | |
| – Income Tax Assessment order | |
| – Proof of Gas connection | |
| – Aadhaar card | |
| – Copy of first and last page of parent’s passport (for minors) | |
| – Certificate from Employer (on company letterhead) | |
| – Copy of spouse’s passport (with applicant’s name as spouse) | |
| Proof of Date of Birth | – PAN card |
| – Voter ID card | |
| – Driving license | |
| – Declaration from orphanage/child care home on official letterhead confirming date of birth | |
| – Birth certificate | |
| – Transfer certificate/school leaving certificate from the last attended school or recognized board | |
| – Service record (for government employees) or pension order (for retired government employees), attested/certified | |
| – Policy bond from Public Life Insurance Corporation with date of birth |
In Case of Marriage, Divorce and Separated Condition
For adding the spouse’s name to the passport:
- Marriage Certificate, or
- Joint Photo Declaration signed by both husband and wife (as per Annexure ‘J’).
- For deletion of spouse’s name:
- Divorce Order/Decree.
For changing spouse’s name:
- Divorce Order/Decree, or
- Death Certificate of the first spouse, and
- Re-marriage Certificate, or
- Joint Photo Declaration signed by both husband and wife (as per Annexure ‘J’).
For a change of surname by women applicants after marriage/divorce:
- Marriage Certificate, or
- Joint Photo Declaration signed by both husband and wife (as per Annexure ‘J’).
- Divorce Order/Decree (if name/surname change is due to divorce).
For a full change of name after marriage:
- Follow the standard name change procedure.
Steps to Apply for a Passport with a Marriage Certificate
- Gather Documents: Collect all the required documents, including the marriage certificate.
- Online Application: Visit the official passport seva website passportindia.gov.in and fill out the application form.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Pay Fees: Pay the applicable passport application fees online.
- Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest passport seva Kendra (PSK) for document verification.
- Visit PSK: Attend the appointment with original documents for verification.
- Track Application: Use the application tracking feature on the passport seva website to monitor the status of your application.
FAQs
Is a marriage certificate compulsory for a passport?
No
What is the alternative to a marriage certificate?
Submit an individual affidavit requesting the registration of marriage.
Is nikahnama a valid marriage certificate for a passport?
Nikahnama may not be accepted as proof of marriage during visa applications.
Is marriage valid without a marriage certificate?
A marriage can be valid even if it is not registered.
Conclusion
A marriage certificate is a crucial document when applying for a passport in certain situations, such as a name change after marriage or a spouse’s name endorsement.
Ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any delays in the application process. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully update your passport with your new marital status or name.