Annexure J for Passport: Complete 2026 Guide & Format

Adding the name of a spouse to an Indian passport if married without a registered marriage certificate can seem like a daunting task, but it's not! 

Passport Seva Kendras accept Annexure J for passports, an official form of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), instead of a marriage certificate, and are being used by thousands of couples every month. This passport annexure J declaration is used to confirm your marriage with a photo and two signatures, rather than waiting on paper from an office of a local registrar.

In this Annexure J for passport guide, we'll discuss exactly what Annexure J is, who needs to have it, where to find the Annexure J for passport PDF, the right photo size and format, how to fill out the form and submit it without rejection, and finally, what its actual cost will be when you include the updated 2026 passport fees. 

What Is Annexure J for Passport?

A one-page joint declaration signed by husband and wife, which can be used instead of a registered marriage certificate to establish marriage for passports. It serves as a substitute, not a replacement, for a marriage certificate and is accepted at all Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in India.

• Annexure J for Passport requires the name, address, and ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport) of both spouses, as well as photographs and signatures from both.  

• Many couples marry informally, either in the community or by religious wedding, and do not register their marriage, so they can proceed and apply for their passports without being trapped waiting for a certificate with Annexure J. 

• It is actually very useful for NRIs as well because when they are abroad, they cannot wait for the passport to get registered and get a marriage registered as well.

• The principle of Annexure J is very easy; the passport office doesn't refuse to grant a passport or put the application on hold until a couple registers their marriage; they simply accept it over a written declaration, signed and stamped with photos. 

• It does not take the place of a marriage certificate for other legal purposes, but for passport services, it is considered to be adequate proof. 

Also Read: Annexure C for Passport: Latest Filling and Submission Guide

Annexure J vs Marriage Certificate: Which Should You Use?

If you already have a registered marriage certificate, then use that; it is the stronger document and will be valid for so much more than your passport, such as visa applications, property matters and insurance. Annexure J is not intended as a long-term substitute but as a practical replacement.

However, Annexure J for passport also has its merits when you haven't received the certificate yet: it's free, it's a one-page document, no notarization is required, and it can be completed and submitted on the same day as your appointment for a passport. 

By contrast, a marriage certificate takes weeks and a variety of trips to the registrar's office to get. It makes sense to have both; you can use Annexure J to speed up your passport application now and register your marriage later when you have time. 

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

Who Needs to Submit Annexure J for Passport?

If you are married and wish to add your spouse's name to your passport but lack a registered marriage certificate, then you will need Annexure J for passport. This is applicable for both fresh passports, reissue passports, and Tatkal passports.

Here is a brief overview of when it's required:

• If you don't have a marriage certificate, add the name of your spouse after your marriage.

• Applying for your first passport as a married applicant can be used from the start to include your spouse's name.

• NRIs and OCIs, particularly beneficial if you have not been married in India.

Annexure J applies only if you do not have a registered marriage certificate; otherwise, use your registered marriage certificate. You cannot use it to remove the name of your spouse. (You need a divorce decree or death certificate to remove a spouse); By unmarried partners; if your spouse refuses or cannot sign. 

It is important to fill in the form correctly; otherwise, it will be sent back for rectification, and you will need to return for your appointment. 

 Also Read: Annexure H for Passport: Experts' Latest Guide & Sample

When Is Annexure J Not Accepted?

It is as important to know the limits of Annexure J as it is to know when to use it. In these types of situations, the passport will not be accepted:

• One spouse refuses or is unable to sign; both signatures are required. It's not valid if one spouse does not sign.

• The couple is divorced or widowed (Annexure J will only be used for married couples). Remarried applicants can use Annexure J for their new marriage, but it cannot be used to remove a spouse’s name.
  

• You're trying to remove a spouse's name; Annexure J is only for adding a name, never for deleting one.

• The relationship is not a legal marriage (not for cohabiting or unmarried couples).

• The form is incomplete, unsigned, or is an old format; officers may refuse to accept it and require a marriage certificate or some other evidence.

However, if your Annexure J is rejected for any of these reasons, you will not incur any penalty other than the inconvenience of having to go back and fix it at your next appointment and resubmit. 

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Processing Time & Renewal Tips

How to Download Annexure J Passport PDF from the Official Website?

Follow the steps to download the Annexure J Passport PDF from the official site. The passport form is available for download without any payment from the official Passport Seva website, in Annexure J PDF format. Here's how:

• Go to the official Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in). Do not use a photocopied or third-party version, as even small formatting changes may lead to rejection at the PSK counter.

• Check the site for either a "Forms and Affidavits" section or "Annexures.

• Download a PDF of “Joint Declaration in lieu of Marriage Certificate (Annexure J)“.

• Print it, fill it out with your own handwriting or using a computer, and take it with you to your appointment and include your supporting documents.

• NRIs may also visit the website of their local Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, as some post the same Annexure J for the convenience of NRIs. 

Also Read: Affidavit for Passport Police Verification: Latest Guide

Documents Required With Annexure J for Passport

Both parties will need to present a brief set of supporting documents to the PSK appointment in addition to the completed Annexure J form:

• Photograph of both spouses together (one recent colour photograph, each signed).

• Self-attested copy of the Aadhaar card for both the bride and bridegroom (Aadhaar number should also be mentioned on the form).

• Old passport and a copy of the first and last pages (both pages are needed if one spouse has a passport).

• Document evidence of current address (if different from the Aadhaar card), a rent agreement, utility bill or bank statement is acceptable.

• Voter ID (optional), but with the number of your ballot, it carries weight.

Bring the originals of all these with you to the appointment; the Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) officer will need to see them as well as your self-attested photocopies. In case of application for Tatkal and reissue of passports, please bring the old passports as well as the appointment letter to ensure that verification takes place in a single visit and there is no need to reschedule.

Also Read: Passport Renewal Process India: Latest Step-by-Step Guide

Annexure J Photo Size for Passport: Exact Dimensions and Requirements

One of the most common reasons the Annexure J form is returned at the counter is due to the photo size of the annexure, so it's best to get it right. The passport photo size for the new passport in a correct Annexure J is 3.5cm x 4.5cm, or 35mm x 45mm, which is the same as the current format of the passport in India.

• If you're specifically searching for the Annexure J passport photo size or the photo size for Annexure J for a passport, that's the number to remember: 3.5cm by 4.5cm, in colour, taken within the last six months. 

• The same passport annexure photo size requirement applies everywhere, whether you're applying through a regular PSK, a POPSK, or as an NRI through a consulate.

• For those who are looking specifically for the size of the annexure for their passport or for the photo size of the annexure J for the passport, the size is 3.5 x 4.5 inches in colour and taken in the past 6 months. 

• The photo size requirement is identical in all cases, be it through a regular PSK or POPS or even as an NRI through a consulate. 

Here are a few tips to follow:

• The image should be current (within the previous 6 months).

• It should be pasted (not stapled or pinned) into the photo box on the form.

• As for some of the older printouts of the form online, it might still have the old box size, so best to check the box size on your downloaded copy before booking your photo session.

• When you're having the picture done in a studio, just say, "Annexure J photo size for passport, joint photo, 3.5 by 4.5 cm."

Annexure J Photo Requirements: Joint Photo, Background and Signature Rules

The Joint Photo, Background and Signature Rules are contained in Annexure J Photo Requirements. In addition to the Annexure J joint photo size, there are a couple of format rules that are equally as important. Nearly as often as the size is incorrect, these are rejected.

• Both husband and wife need to appear together in the same photo. NO two individual photos will count as one true photo of two people together. 

• Don't reuse an old photo. A recent, clearly focused joint photo with both signatures done correctly will save you a second trip to the PSK.

• Faces should be clearly visible and in focus, with no shadows, glare or blemishes.

• The background should be a plain, light colour which should not be patterned or contain any busy backgrounds.

• Both spouses sign the picture, and the signature will begin on the photo and continue on the paper by the picture. A common reason for forms to be rejected is that only one spouse signs them.

• Remember to use the same blue or black ink for all photo signatures and the rest of the form to keep it consistent.

• Avoid using an old picture. A photo with really focused signatures, fresh and done properly, will save a second visit to the PSK. 

Also Read: Indian Passport Photo Requirements: Latest Expert Guide

How to Fill Annexure J for Passport Without Mistakes?

The answer to the question "How to fill Annexure J" is simply one: it should be exactly similar to your Aadhaar card for both spouses. Here's a quick guide on how to fill Annexure J for passport types:

Here's a step-by-step way to fill it correctly the first time:

1. Enter the name shown on your Aadhaar or existing passport; do not abbreviate or rearrange the name.

2. Fill in your current address, as mentioned in your Aadhaar and other documents.

3. Enter the Aadhaar and passport numbers of both husband and wife in the designated boxes and if you have a voter ID, then provide that as well.

4. Attach the photo with the joint to the photo box, and size and sign it as described above.

5. On the bottom of the form, sign again below the declaration box and clearly print out where and when you signed.

6. Please use blue/black ink only and use block capital letters if you must handwrite it for easier reading.

Important: Avoid writing outside the marked boxes, using a photocopied or outdated copy of the form, leaving any field empty and using a nickname or shortened name that doesn't match your ID. 

If your form is rejected, you will not be charged anything to resubmit; you just amend the flagged-up problem and take the corrected form with you to your next appointment.

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Fees: Normal & Tatkal Charges Guide

Annexure J for Passport Verification: What Happens at the PSK

When your Annexure J form and documents are completed, they are verified in person at your scheduled appointment; they cannot be submitted online. Here are some things to look for:

• After filling out the online application, book your appointment on the Passport Seva website.

• Bring in your documents, such as the application receipt, Annexure J form, and original supporting documents for both spouses.

• An official verifies and processes your papers (Annexure J) and takes photographs and biometrics from you (Counter A).

• Your application is now again reviewed by a Granting Officer, who will then make the final decision on your application.

• NRI applications are signed by the applicant in the presence of a consular officer at an Indian embassy/consulate office and then submitted along with the application through an authorised centre like VFS Global or BLS International.

Note: An acknowledgement receipt will be sent and include a file number that can be used to check the progress of your application online. 

Processing times vary; normally it takes 10 to 30 days, and for NRI applications, it may take 8 weeks or more, as it includes police verification and a waiting period for the international courier for consular verification.

Also Read: Visa Renewal Process India: Experts' Step-by-Step Guide 

Tracking Your Application Status After Submitting Annexure J

When your application is submitted, it does not appear as an individual application on the Passport Seva tracker; as soon as you submit it to the Passport Office, it goes through the just normal status stages. If you have Annexure J in your file, here's what those statuses mean:

• "Application is under review at RPO": the application, including Annexure J, is being reviewed at the Regional Passport Office.

• "Police Verification Initiated": your file has been sent to the police for address and background checks; this usually includes verification of your marital status.

• "Passport application has been granted": all documents (Annexure J) were accepted, and your passport is approved for printing.

• "Passport printed / dispatched": your new passport (including your spouse's name) is en route to you.

Annexure J for Tatkal Passport: What's Different

The underlying process is different when applying under the normal scheme and Tatkal; however, the structure of the Annexure J form is the same.

• Same form, same rules: for Tatkal applications, the format/content of Annexure J remains the same with the same rules.

• Immediate processing: Tatkal applications are processed in 1-3 working days, excluding police verification.

• Higher fees: Tatkal applications are much more expensive than regular tickets

• Police Verification: The Tatkal case can be verified by the police after the issuance of the Tatkal, while it is normally done prior to the issuance in normal cases.

• No Annexure F Required: Annexure F is not a standard requirement under the current Tatkal document list.

 Also Read: Latest Documents Required for Indian Passport Application

Cost of Annexure J for Passport (2026 Fees)

There are no fees for downloading and submitting Annexure J; it's a declaration, and it's free. The fee you pay is the normal passport application fee, which has been changed from 1 July 2026 in accordance with Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the first fee revision in nearly 14 years. Here's the current fee table:

Important: Fresh applications by children till 8 years of age and above 60 years of age are eligible for a 10% discount on the normal fee (not the Tatkal fee). The cost of replacement of lost, stolen and damaged passports is even higher, so please verify the current schedule from the Passport Seva website before paying for replacement of your passport!

 Also Read: 60 Pages Passport Cost India: Normal vs Tatkal Fees

Is Annexure J Legally Valid?

Yes, Annexure J is completely legally valid for the sole purpose of marriage proof for a passport application as per Passport Rules, 1980. 

• However, it's a self-declaration, so it's not a minor paperwork mistake to give false information.

• But it is an offence under the Passports Act, 1967 (Section 12), to knowingly provide false information in Annexure J and can be punished by imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine or both. 

• A passport obtained through fraud may also be revoked or cancelled at a later time. 

• When you sign the form, both spouses agree to be held responsible for the accuracy of the information that they have entered for a successful application and for their own protection.

Note: Annexure J is only valid for passport services. It cannot replace a marriage certificate in court proceedings, for foreigners to obtain a visa, or in inheritance cases; it is the registered marriage certificate that you will need.

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Document Checklist: Latest Guide

Conclusion

Overall, the hassle of changing the name on your Indian passport has been made child's play with the introduction of the new Annexure J for passports. The procedure remains the same for fresh, reissue, and Tatkal applications and is fast as long as there is no change in the image or signatures or any details mentioned on the photo that are not different from the Aadhaar.

If you have any doubts, particularly if you are an NRI, have applied under Tatkal or have a mismatch in the name with your marriage declaration, then the TerraTern team can help you complete the required paperwork and keep your second visit to the PSK.