Last updated: 26 August 2026
Quick Answer: Annexure J is the Joint Declaration in lieu of a Marriage Certificate, signed by both husband and wife. Passport Seva accepts it where a couple needs spouse details recorded on a passport but is not producing a marriage certificate. It is nothing to do with parental consent for a child's passport.
Passport Annexure J confuses people because the annexure letters look interchangeable and most of them concern children. This one does not. It exists for married couples, and understanding which of three situations you're in tells you whether you need it at all.
Overview: Annexure J at a Glance
| Detail | What applies |
|---|---|
| Full name | Joint Declaration in lieu of Marriage Certificate |
| Authority | Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs |
| Who signs | Both husband and wife, jointly |
| Photograph | Recent joint photograph of both spouses, self-attested across the photo |
| Used for | Adding, changing or reflecting a spouse's name |
| Alternative document | A marriage certificate |
| Applies to | Both fresh applications and re-issue |
| Stamp paper | Not mandatory; a printed plain-paper format is provided |
What Is Annexure J and When Do You Need It?
The term "Annexure J" refers to a form that the couple fills out to indicate their marital status. Passport Seva accepts this form as an alternative to the marriage certificate. This form is necessary when the application requires mentioning the name of the spouse but the marriage certificate is either not available or is not submitted for some reason.
What Annexure J Is Not
Please note that Annexure J has nothing to do with the passport of minors, and it is not a consent form. For parental consent for a minor, please refer to Annexure C and Annexure D, both of which are part of our discussion of Annexure C versus Annexure D for a child's passport.
When Can You Use Annexure J Instead of a Marriage Certificate?
As per the advisory released by Passport Seva, there are three circumstances under which Annexure J will be considered as a substitute for Marriage Certificate. In any case, either Annexure J or Marriage Certificate has to be submitted.
| Your situation | What Passport Seva accepts |
|---|---|
| Adding a spouse's name to your passport | Marriage certificate or Annexure J |
| Changing the spouse name already recorded | Divorce decree or death certificate of the first spouse, plus a re-marriage certificate or Annexure J |
| A woman changing her surname after marriage or divorce | Marriage certificate or Annexure J, plus the divorce decree where the change follows a divorce |
When Can You Not Use It?
Nonetheless, there is a crucial exception. When it comes to undergoing a full name change after tying the knot instead of just altering your last name, you cannot stick to Annexure J as a guideline anymore.
How Do You Add a Spouse's Name to Your Passport?
Usually, you will submit Annexure J or marriage certificate together with the other documents. No specific service is available for "adding a spouse" since you will need to apply for reissue every time there is a need for changes in the documents.
Where Is the Re-issue Process Covered?
The process details, including time frames and corresponding costs, are available in the renewing or re-issuing a passport online guide. Starting from July 1, 2026, new passport fees will apply, so check the current fee on the official website before paying it.
What Goes on the Annexure J Form?
The Joint Photo Declaration is the full title of the form in Passport Seva, and the key word in the title that many applicants tend to overlook is the term "joint." This form not only contains the text of the declaration, but it also contains a section for the joint photo of husband and wife duly self-attested and requires the Aadhaar/Voter ID/passport numbers of both applicants.
What Must You Check Before You Go?
Just "printing and signing" is not enough. It is important to make sure that you have:
- A recent joint photograph of both spouses, affixed in the box and self-attested across it
- The signature of both husband and wife
- Identity numbers for both spouses, as the form requests
What Gets This Annexure Sent Back?
Turning up with an unsigned photograph, or none at all, is the commonest reason this annexure is sent back at the counter.
Who Signs Annexure J, and Does It Need Notarisation?
This document is meant to be signed by both partners. Thus, the document cannot be treated as a marriage certificate if it is only signed by one partner.
Does It Need Notarisation?
On notarisation, Passport Seva provides plain-paper formats and stamp paper or notarisation is not mandatory. You can print the format, complete it, attach the joint photograph and sign it. That said, individual Passport Seva Kendras and some foreign missions do sometimes ask for attestation, so it's sensible to carry a spare unsigned copy in case the counter wants it completed differently. Our overview of which passport annexure you need sets out the general rules across the whole annexure set.
Where Do You Download the Current Annexure J Format?
Instead of searching for this online, it would make more sense to download it from Passport Seva since this portal provides the latest version. Therefore, the Annexure J form and the complete list of passport annexures and affidavits will be available through the agency in PDF format.
Why Download a Fresh Copy Each Time?
Do not use an old file you have saved while making new copies. There are many changes in formats and an old form will be the easiest explanation for the rejection of your application.
Does Annexure J Mean the Same Thing at an Indian Embassy Abroad?
Not necessarily, and this trips up applicants applying from overseas. This article describes the domestic Passport Seva annexure set, where J is the Joint Declaration in lieu of a Marriage Certificate.
Which List Should Overseas Applicants Use?
Indian missions abroad publish their own annexure lists, and at least one consulate uses the label "Annexure J" for a completely different declaration relating to a change of appearance. If you are applying through an embassy or consulate, use the annexure list published by that mission, not the domestic one.
Where to Apply and How to Get Help
The Passport Seva system is in charge of handling requests, and the re-issue document advisory tool helps you compile the proper list of papers required by your particular case. This recommendation is the best confirmation since the documents vary depending on your marital status.
Where Does Jaagruk Bharat Fit In?
Where these applications stall is in picking the wrong document combination, particularly where a divorce or re-marriage sits in the history. If you'd rather have the set checked before you book an appointment, Jaagruk Bharat can help you prepare a passport re-issue application.
