Right now, apply as sole surviving parent with adoption papers and death certificate. To add step-mother’s name, you must complete formal step-parent adoption.
Me and my ex wife had adopted a baby boy now eight years old through CARA. However, my ex wife passed away four years ago and i have remarried a few months ago. Now me, my wife and son are relocating to US and i need to apply for a passport (first time) for my son. What is the process to get the step mother name added in my sons passport.
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Right now, apply as sole surviving parent with adoption papers and death certificate. To add step-mother’s name, you must complete formal step-parent adoption.
You have to execute deed of adoption in favour of your wife
deed of adoption should be registered
you can then apply for adding step mother name in child passport
For the adopted son, you and your late wife were the original adoptive parents. Now, after your first wife's death and your remarriage, the second wife cannot be legally substituted as the adoptive mother in the passport now.
Your current wife is the stepmother, not the adoptive mother (unless she also adopts formally).
As per passport rules the passport will list only the legal parents/guardians as per official records, not automatically step-parents.
Step-parent’s name cannot be added as “mother/father” in the passport unless a legal adoption or guardianship order exists in her favor.
If You Want Stepmother’s Name as Mother
To have your current wife legally recognized as the mother in the passport, you will need:
Re-adoption / Step-parent adoption through CARA & Court
Under the Juvenile Justice Act and CARA guidelines, your current wife can adopt the child as a step-parent, with you as the co-applicant.
This requires a legal process in family court. Once adoption is finalized, you’ll get a new adoption deed/order naming both you and your current wife as parents.
Then, the passport will show her name as the mother.
To include your current wife’s (stepmother’s) name on your adopted son's passport, the following steps are generally required under Indian passport rules and the Adoption Regulations governed by CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority):
Initial Passport Application for the Child:
Apply for a fresh passport for your son if he does not have one yet. The application must be made with all updated parental details.
Submission of Relevant Documents:
Include the adoption deed issued by CARA, the death certificate of your ex-wife (the child's biological or adoptive mother who has passed away), and your marriage certificate with your current wife to establish the new marital relationship.
Affidavit for Step-Parent Relationship:
You might be required to submit an affidavit declaring the relationship of your son with your current wife (stepmother), specifying the consent and guardianship if applicable.
Inclusion of Step-Mother’s Name:
The passport application allows for mentioning step-parents if supported by proper proof. Since your son is adopted, CARA records will be important to validate guardianship and permission.
Personal Appearance or Authorization:
Both you and your son may need to appear in person at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or authorized representatives may be allowed for submission.
Application through Passport Seva Portal:
Fill out the application online via the Passport Seva website, upload relevant documents, and schedule an appointment at the nearest PoSeK (Passport Seva Kendra).
Since adoption and guardianship are sensitive legal matters, it is advisable to consult a passport agent or legal expert specializing in adoption to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays.
Your current wife’s name as stepmother can be mentioned in the “parent details” section of the child’s passport application, provided you submit all required legal documents showing your marital status and consent regarding guardianship.
For precise document checklists, application forms, and procedural guidance, consulting directly with Passport Seva and CARA or seeking professional legal help is recommended. If needed, you may contact for specialized assistance in preparing the application and related affidavits.
Apply for issue of passport enclosing following documents...
You will not face any difficulty as all relevant documents are there.
Dear Sir,
You would need to submit a self-declaration on plain paper stating that you do not wish to have your late ex-wife's name on the passport and instead want your new wife's name mentioned. This declaration should also state that you will take full responsibility for any future litigation that may arise from this change.
In addition to this self-declaration, you will need to provide the following:
Your registered marriage certificate with your new wife.
The death certificate of your late ex-wife.
At least two educational or public documents of your son where your new wife's name is mentioned in the "mother" column. This can sometimes be a challenge if such documents do not exist.
To ensure a smooth process, it is highly recommended to consult the official Passport Seva website for the most current guidelines and the exact annexures or forms required for your specific situation. (AI- Generated and edited)