A passport is one of the most important identity and travel documents for Indian citizens. It contains personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and marital status. Whenever there is a major life change such as marriage or divorce, it becomes necessary to update the passport with the correct information. One of the most common updates requested by applicants is adding or removing a spouse’s name.

The Government of India allows citizens to update their passport details through an online process. To include a spouse’s name, applicants must apply for a passport reissue with updated personal information. The entire process can be completed digitally before visiting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for document verification. There are two official ways to submit the application: through the online form method and the e-form (XML upload) method.

Why Add a Spouse’s Name to the Passport?

Adding a spouse’s name to a passport helps keep official records accurate and updated. It is useful for visa applications, joint travel, and identity verification. In case of divorce, the spouse’s name can also be removed using the same reissue process.

The change is treated as a modification in personal details, which means the applicant must apply for passport reissue rather than a fresh passport.

Documents Required to Add Spouse Name

Before starting the application process, applicants should keep the following documents ready:

1. Original passport.
2. Copies of the first and last pages of the passport.
3. Observation page copy (if available).
4. ECR or Non-ECR page copy.
5. If the passport has short validity, the validity extension page.
6. Supporting marital documents (such as marriage certificate, if required at the PSK).

These documents are necessary for verification at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Method 1: Apply Through Online Form Submission

This is the most commonly used and easiest method. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Passport Seva portal.
2. Register yourself as a new user or log in using your existing ID and password.
3. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport / Reissue of Passport.”
4. Select the option for change in personal details and fill in the form carefully, including spouse’s name.
5. Review the entered information and submit the form.
6. Click on “Pay & Schedule Appointment.”
7. Choose an online payment option and complete the payment.
8. Select a suitable appointment slot at a PSK, POPSK, or Post Office.
9. Download and print the application receipt.

Method 2: Apply Through E-Form (XML Upload Method)

Applicants who prefer offline form filling can use the e-form method:

1. Download the e-form (XML format) from the Passport Seva website.
2. Fill in all required details, including spouse information.
3. Save the completed form as an XML file.
4. Log in to the Passport Seva portal and upload the XML file.
5. Complete the online payment process.
6. Download the payment receipt and appointment details.

After Online Submission

Once the application is submitted successfully, an SMS will be sent with appointment details. On the scheduled date, the applicant must visit the selected Passport Seva Kendra along with original documents for verification and biometric capture.

After verification, the updated passport with the spouse’s name will be processed and delivered to the registered address.

Important Points to Remember

• The application is treated as a passport reissue, not a new passport.
• Ensure all details match official documents.
• Payment must be made online before booking an appointment.
• Original documents must be carried to the PSK.
• Processing time may vary depending on verification requirements.

Updating a passport with a spouse’s name has become much easier with digital services. Citizens can choose between the online form method or the e-form submission method based on their convenience. By following the correct steps and submitting proper documents, applicants can ensure a smooth and hassle-free update process.

This facility reflects the government’s effort to make passport services faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly through online platforms.