How to Add Wife Name in Passport in India 2025? Latest Guide

It is pretty easy to add a Wife's Name to a Passport, and the process of doing it is very simple and is done under an Indian passport re-issue request. This wife's name in the passport guide will give easy steps towards the application. You are required or not required (after marriage) to add the name of your spouse to your passport, or if you are seeking information on passport name change for your wife, then the process is identical. It is also through which you can make an entry of the husband's name in the passport of the wife. Although not compulsory, this update is highly suggested because it makes visa contracts less cumbersome and a valid document of marriage in the case of international travel and any official documents.

How to Add Wife Name in Passport After Marriage Online (Step-by-Step)?

Create an account with the Passport Seva portal, choose Re-issue of Passport, change in Existing Personal Particulars, upload the necessary documents, pay the fees on the Internet and schedule a visit to the Passport Seva Kendra.

1. Step 1: Preparation: Carry a marriage certificate or Annexure J, original passport, together with one set of self-attested photocopies; verify that the names are the same in all documents, or you can easily get yourself delayed.

2. Step 2: Registration- Login Passport Seva- Click on Re-issue of passport, reason Change in Existing Personal Particulars and Addition of spouse name- enter spouse details; marital status is Married, add spouse name to passport after marriage.

3. Step 3: Create and submit- This is done by filling in and uploading properly all details; make sure that you avoid making mistakes such as selecting Fresh instead of Re-issue or spelling errors when changing the Passport name of the wife.

4. Step 4: ARN-Submit to create the Application Reference Number; the payment receipt is printed, and the ARN is utilised to monitor, schedule appointments, and request services.

5. Step 5: Payment & Slot-- Inspaysidey?, depsma subbibi pecunia et coli; portigues Joannes et originales foliis et copya tamureenis reformulia sibenis gratia.<|human|>Pay and Slot-- Pays gays, Scocci-- Pays gays, Scocci-- Pays gays: figura Joannes, et Portigues, Multo deceit omnes foliis et copya Multo deceit, Sibet [150] tamureenis reformul

6. Step 6: Visit & After--Complete with biometrics and verification, which may be followed by police verification, and status can also be tracked online using File Number/DOB

Also Read: How to Add Spouse Name in Passport? Complete Guide

Why Should You Add Your Wife's Name to Your Passport After Marriage?

The addition of the name of your wife makes the marriage between you and your wife legal, considered by the law, dependent visa applications through the law are easier, long-distance travel becomes easier, and the process of conducting financial transactions that need to be proved by your marriage becomes easier.

To learn how to add wife name in passport, it will be worth starting with the practical advantage one gets out of the controversy, though the Ministry of External Affairs insists it is optional.

• Visa Processing Advantage - Once you add spouse name in passport after marriage due to marriage, a dependent and family visa application to countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia would be much easier. The immigration officials consider the endorsed passports as official documents of an authentic relationship to minimise the hassle of documents.

• Mandatory for Children's Passports -The spouse's name and at least one of the parents must endorse the names of the children when one applies to obtain a child passport. Therefore, it is essential to transform the name of the wife at an early age in the children passport and passport name change for wife or add husband name in wife's passport to do the family paperwork later.

• Travel and Immigration - Convenience joint travelling becomes easier due to equal marital information that prevents one from having to wait too long at the border checks.

• Financial Transaction Benefits - Updated marital status simplifies joint bank accounts, home loans, and the purchase of property by offering government-issued marriage evidence.

• Recognition without Certificate — The MEA will now recognise Annexure J (joint Photo declaration), thereby eliminating the need to reissue marriage certificates in the execution of official business.

What Are the Essential Documents Required to Add Wife Name in Passport?

Add spouse's name in passport after marriage. Proper documentation is important because this way, there is no problem in passport name change for wife, like adding the husband's name in the wife's passport requires one to understand how to add the wife's name in the passport by beginning with the preparation of the correct documents. 

 Also Read: Latest Documents Required for a Lost Indian Passport 

What is Annexure J, and How Does It Replace the Marriage Certificate in 2025?

Joint photo declaration (Annexure J) is one of the joint photo declarations introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs, which serves as a lawful alternative to a marriage certificate. This is a one-page document that explains the process of how to add a wife's name in a passport for couples whose marriage certificates are not registered, especially for couples in the northern states who are not used to marriage registration. 

• What Annexure J Must Entail: Both parties to the marriage will be required to provide their full names and residential addresses, and to confirm that they are a married couple, so as to confirm that they cohabit. The form contains a self-attested joint photograph, the signatures of both partners along with the date and place of signature, and identification information such as Aadhaar numbers, voter ID numbers, and passport numbers, if available.

• Who Benefits Most: This option is handy for couples living in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and for those where formal marriage registration is not required, as in Maharashtra. It removes bureaucracies in changing the name of the passport holder for passport name change for wife or to add husband name in wife's passport.

• When a Marriage Certificate is Still Needed: Although Annexure J is used to add names of the spouses, you still require documents of the same kind, like divorce decrees or death certificates, to delete or amend the name of the spouse.

Can I add my Husband's Name to my Wife's Passport Using the Same Process?

No, there is no difference between the process of add husband name in wife's passport and how to add wife name in passport—both follow the same re-issue procedure. Both reissues are similar. 

• Process Remains the Same: You may be passport name change for wife adding a husband name on wife or changing wifeor adding a husband's name through the same option on passport seva portal of changing name on passport, you are required to apply using the option of Re-issue of Passport and then using the option of Change in Existing Personal Particulars and either you provide marriage certificate or annexure J. The Ministry of External Affairs takes addiction of husband and wife names as a gender neutral act.

• Annexure J Works Both: The joint photo declaration (Annexure J) must be signed by the husband and the wife and is thus equally valid where the wife is adding the name of the husband and vice versa. The form contains fields to provide the details of two spouses, Aadhaar numbers and a joint self-attested photograph.

• No New Surname Necessary: The addition of a spouse's name does not require the wife to take her husband's surname; it simply approves the spouse's name on the passport. If a change of surname is needed, a separate affidavit of change of name will be required.

• Matching of Address is not Obligatory: Both spouses are required to produce address proof; however, they are not required to show the same residential address at the time of application. Similar addresses will help the police verify the application requirements faster.

• Application by Both Spouses Simultaneously: The two spouses may submit applications simultaneously to add the spouse's name to the passport after marriage by submitting the same Annexure J form to the office. All of them have to submit separate re-issue applications and pay separate fees and appointments to PSK. 

Also Read: Name Change Affidavit for Passport: Experts' Latest Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Add Wife Name in Passport in 2025?

In this case, add a spouse's name to a passport after marriage will depend on standard or Tatkal processing. Knowing the procedures of how to add wife name in passport fees can enable you to calculate the cost of passport name change for wife or to add a husband name in wife's passport. 

What is the Processing Time for Adding Spouse Name to Indian Passport in 2025?

The processing time to add spouse name in passport after marriage also depends on the service you use. 

• Standard Service Processing: The normal re-issue applications require about 30-45 days after appointment of your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). This schedule incorporates checks of documents, police, and passports, as well as printing, stamping, and mailing. The process is multi-stage and includes biometric capture, followed by document and local police checks, and printing and dispatching.

• Tatkal (Rush) Service: The Tatkal scheme processes applications within 1-3 days if the applications are in order and the police verification is clear. After receiving the "Granted" status, the passport is sent within three working days.

• Brookerian et al. 2018: Breakdown of Process Times: Upon successful biometric verification at the PSK, the application is added to the verification queue. For Tatkal applications, where there is no issue with police verification, they are dispatched within 1 to 3 days upon your visit to the PSK. Post-verification processing is scheduled to last 2-4 weeks before dispatch for typical applications.

• Influencing Factors Processing Time: The visibility of the Verification Report on Police (PVR): an unclear or outstanding report can add 30 days or more to processing time. Criminal cases, such as name changes or adoption applications, are also not selected quickly. Location is essential; metropolitan areas process faster than remote areas.

• Application Tracking: Tracking status online on the Passport Seva portal with the help of file number and date of birth by using your Application Reference Number (ARN). The real-time tracking updates display the status of your application. 

Also Read: Cost to Renew Expired Passport in India: Fee, Tips & More

How to Fill the Passport Application Form for Adding Wife Name?

In order to successfully how to add wife name in passport please follow these precise form-filling steps while submitting your application through the Passport Seva portal. 

• Select Service Type and Reason: Choosing "Re-issue of Passport" in the service dropdown menu, choose "Change in Existing Personal Particulars" as a reason for reissue. This option automatically sets fields for adding a wife's name in passports with spouse endorsements.

• Fill Spouse Name Accurately: Enter your wife's full name as it appears on her Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport. Spelling should be 100% accurate to avoid application rejection. For example, if entering a foreign spouse's name, ensure that you do not precede the name with a prefix, such as "Mrs." Also, do not include national indicators in the name.

• Complete Marital Status Section: Fill in your marital status as "Married" and give the marriage date and place. Make sure that all these dates relate to your marriage certificate or Annexure J writing.

• Upload Spouse Documents: Upload legible photocopies of the marriage certificate (front and back) OR both pages of Annexure J with joint photos and both signatures. Most mistakes are the result of troublesome image quality or documents turned the wrong direction. Make sure you have legible files.

• Enter Supporting Information: Put your spouse's Aadhaar number, date of birth and current residential address. Upload passport-sized photographs according to the specifications of Passport Seva and documents of proof of address.

• Save Draft and Review: The portal should allow users to save draft applications for later review. Check all fields before submission of forms to avoid such mistakes in passport name change for wife or add husband name in wife's passport applications.

What Happens at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Appointment in 2025?

When you visit your scheduled PSK appointment to enter how to add wife name in passport after marriage, the process is followed by a structured method of verification and collecting biometric data. 

• Document Verification: On arrival, verification officials will be present on the document verification counter who will verify the original passport and marriage certificate or Annexure J, address proof, and spouse identity cards against the hardcopy photocopies that you have to submit. Make sure all the names are the same across all documents to avoid delays in the passport name change for the wife's application.

• Biometric Collection: You'll move on to the biometric counter, where your photograph, fingerprints (all ten fingers) and digital signature will be collected using the biometric system from Passport Seva. Wear formal clothing that meets the requirements for your passport photo, and avoid heavy makeup or accessories.

• Interview and Confirmation: A brief interview follows, during which officials verify personal information, including individual names, marital status, and the spelling of the spouse's name and residential address. This step involves authenticity in add spouse name in passport after marriage applications.

• Documents Return and Receipt: Once the verification process is complete, your original documents are returned to you, and you receive an acknowledgement receipt with your Application Reference Number (ARN) and appointment confirmation. This receipt is used to record deliveries and for future correspondence.

• Application Processing Starts: Once the application process is complete, your application is placed in the formal processing line for police verification and passport printing. For regular service, you can expect 30-45 days, and for Tatkal, 1-3 working days.

• Follow-Up Tracking: Use your ARN and follow up online through the Passport Seva portal using your File Number and Date of Birth. An SMS will be sent when the passport is ready for shipping. 

Also Read: How to Fill Annexure H for Passport for Government Employees

Is Police Verification Required for Adding Wife Name to Passport?

Yes, it is compulsory to have police verification for how to add wife name in passport, as it is a change in personal particulars. This verification step ensures authenticity and confirms that you are living at that residential address before your passport is issued in the updated version. 

• Police Verification Process: Local police will make a house verification visit to verify your residential address. During this visit, they might check certain documents that can serve as proof of address, such as your Aadhaar card, a lease agreement, or utility bills.

• Verification by Police: Driver's License services confirm that you are a valid resident at the address, validate with neighbours if necessary, and check all identifying information, such as the name and relationship status of your spouse.

• Verification Timeline: Generally, police verification takes place after your PSK appointment and the submittal of your paperwork to the concerned police, adding 10-15 days to the standard processing time. After the verification process is completed and the application is marked as "Verified" in the system, the passport name change for the wife's application is routed to passport printing.

• Government/Public Sector Employees: Dependent family members of Government/Public Sector employees may be exempted from police verification, subject to conditions. If either parent has a passport in the spouse's name and it is endorsed, minors can obtain passports without providing police verification.

• Expedited verification: Police verification is also required for Tatkal applications, and the process is completed on the same day or within 24 hours to expedite it. Ensure you're available for verification to prevent delays in the application. 

Can You Add Wife Name in Passport Without a Marriage Certificate in 2025?

Yes, you can get your wife's name added to your passport without a marriage certificate through Annexure J-i.e. joint photo declaration, which has been announced by the Ministry of External Affairs in the year 2025. This option makes it much easier to know how to add wife name in passport, especially for individuals who are not formally married. 

• Annexure J Requirements: The declaration should also include both spouses' names, addresses, Aadhaar numbers, date and place of marriage, the dates of signature of both partners, and a self-attested joint photograph to prove both spouses together. Both the husband and the wife must sign the form for it to be valid.

• Advantage of This Option: Annexure J provides the most significant benefit to couples in states where marriage registration is not automatic, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. It is beneficial in cases of religious or traditional marriages that were not officially registered with the government.

• Supporting Documents in Annexure J: The passport, Aadhaar Cards or PAN Cards of both husband and wife, proof of address, and passport-size photographs according to Passport Seva. Other supporting documents confirm identity and residency and are valid in the absence of a marriage certificate.

• Annexure J Accepted Across PSKs: Annexure J is accepted as an equivalent document of a registered marriage certificate by all Passport Seva Kendras for how to add wife name in passport. This shift in policy has simplified applications nationwide and removed bureaucratic hurdles.

• When a Marriage Certificate is Required: When you prefer to add spouse names in Annexure J, the same will not eliminate the requirement of marriage certificate if you need to change or remove the spouse's name in case you get divorced or some other circumstances that require removal or  how to add wife name in passport. 

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

 How to Track Your Passport Application Status After Submission in 2025?

You can check your passport application status in real-time with the help of your Application Reference Number (ARN) on the Passport Seva website or the mPassport Seva mobile app. 

• Online Tracking Steps: Now, go to the Passport Seva portal's tracking page. If you have your receipt or ARN number printed on the PSK appointment receipt card, enter that number here: / Select / Sten / Track Application Status. The system shows your attribute to "Under Scrutiny" to "Dispatched", indicating the current processing stage.

• Alternative Tracking Method: Usephantsring.Passport Seva mobile application available on iOS and Android devices - just scan your Probation Application Receipt Number (ARN) or File Number and the Date of Birth of the applicant, and you can get the real-time status of the tracking on the respective e-governance portal. SMS messages are also sent at key stages, such as the completion of police verification and the dispatch of the passport.

• Understanding Status Updates: Status 'Under Scrutiny' means document verification is in process, 'Police Verification Initiated' means the corresponding process is started, "Granted" means the process of approval is completed and commencement of printing the passport, and 'Dispatched' means your passport is on its way.

• Verification of Police: Police verification status can be verified using your Passport Number and Date of Birth on the portal. If this shows the status as "Pending" for extended periods, consult your local PSK for clarification.

• Troubleshooting Delays: If there is no status even after 30 days (standard service) or 3 days (Tatkal), contact the Passport Seva helpline or visit your PSK with your ARN. Unclear or pending police verification reports or document verification are the most frequent reasons for delays. 

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Wife Name to Passport in 2025?

 These common mistakes can be avoided when adding a spouse's name to a passport after marriage, ensuring the application process runs smoothly without rejections. 

• Spelling Errors in Name: If you enter your spouse's name with a spelling that differs from the one on her Aadhaar or marriage certificate, it will result in instant rejection. Double-check that the spelling is accurate across all supporting documents before submitting your application.

• Blurry and Incomplete Copies: Faded, blurry, or incomplete photocopies make it impossible for the officials to verify the authenticity of the documents. All copies should be clear, legible, and of sufficient contrast—photographic and print copies should be readable.

• Wrong Type of Service: Even though the service type chosen is "Re-issue of Passport" or "Change in Existing Personal Particulars", the Service type selected is "Fresh Passport", which results in the form being rejected. Always click Re-issue when doing a passport name change for your wife, and add your husband's name to the wife's passport.

• Missing or Invalid Attestations: It is crucial to note that all photocopies must be self-attested by you with your signature and date, and both spouses should also attest to Annexure J. Invalid or missing attestations cause returns on applications to be corrected.

• Incorrect Document Format or Position: Illegal document formats result from ignoring the scanning position of passport pages and marriage certificates, or from scanning them at an angle other than their original direction, or from incorrect order, leading to processing delays. Follow the official Passport Seva specifications for scanning a preview of the document and uploading them.

• Applying Too Closely to Travel Dates: Applications submitted within 30 days of planned international travel (especially using the standard service) result in rushed processing or regulation rejection. Allow sufficient wait time (minimum 30 days for standard service and 1-2 days for Tatkal). 

Also Read: How To Get a Police Clearance Certificate From Your Nearest Police Station?

How to Remove or Change Spouse Name in Passport After Divorce?

To remove a spouse's name from a passport after divorce, apply for passport reissue and submit a court-certified divorce decree along with your original passport.

• Required Documents for Divorce: You need your original passport, a self-attested copy of the divorce decree issued by the court, a copy of Form 2 (miscellaneous services), address proof, and identity proof. Ensure the divorce decree is certified and clearly states that the divorce has been finalised.

• Application Process: Apply for "Re-issue of Passport" through Passport Seva, select "Change in Existing Personal Particulars," then choose "Spouse Name" and indicate removal. Fill the application accurately, stating the reason as "Divorce" or "Legal Separation".

• Remarriage Scenario: If remarrying, you can simultaneously remove the previous spouse's name and add the new spouse's name by submitting both the divorce decree and the new marriage certificate or Annexure J.

• Widowhood Situation: If your spouse has passed away, submit the death certificate instead of a divorce decree, along with all other required documents. Proof of widow/widower status simplifies the name removal process.

• Processing Timeline: Removal applications follow standard processing timelines—30-45 days for normal service and 1-3 days for Tatkal, though additional documentation review may extend this.

What is the Difference Between Adding a  Spouse's Name Online vs Offline in 2025?

The online method for How to add wife name in passport is faster, more convenient, and more transparent than the offline alternative.

Online Advantages: When How to add wife name in passport online, you get immediate confirmation, a trackable ARN number, and real-time status updates. The system guides you through required fields, minimising submission errors compared to offline methods.

Also Read: Can I Change Date of Birth in Passport? Experts Guide

Can Foreign Nationals Add Their Indian Wife's Name to Their Passport in 2025?

No, foreign nationals cannot add their Indian wife's name to their own passport because only Indian citizens are eligible to hold Indian passports. However, foreign nationals can update their own country's passport with their spouse's name by following their home country's regulations.

• Eligibility Requirement: To add a spouse's name to a passport in India, you must be an Indian citizen—this is a fundamental requirement of the Passport Seva system. Non-citizens, including married foreign nationals, cannot apply for Indian passports or passport services.

• For Foreign Spouses of Indian Citizens: When a foreign national marries an Indian citizen, the Indian citizen can add their foreign spouse's name to their Indian passport through the standard re-issue process. However, the foreign spouse must update their passport in their home country through their home country's embassy or passport authority.

• Alternative Solutions for Mixed-Nationality Couples: While foreign nationals cannot hold Indian passports, they can obtain Indian visas, such as dependent visas or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, to facilitate travel to India. These alternatives provide travel flexibility without requiring an Indian passport.

• Updating Foreign Passports: Foreign spouses of Indian citizens should contact their home country's embassy or passport office to update their passports with their spouse's name and new address. Most countries follow the same process as India—submitting marriage certificates, completing reissue applications, and paying applicable fees.

• Necessary Clarification: Adding how to add wife name in passport or add a husband's name in a wife's passport only applies to Indian passport holders. Foreign nationals should refer to their country's passport authority for procedures for spouse name endorsement.

Conclusion

How to add wife name in passport involves applying for passport reissue through Passport Seva, selecting "Change in Existing Personal Particulars," and submitting either a marriage certificate or the new Annexure J (joint photo declaration). The 2025 policy change accepting Annexure J has significantly simplified the process, especially for couples in regions without formal marriage registration, eliminating bureaucratic delays. Contact TerraTern for more information on How to Add Wife Name in Passport India [2025 Guide.