NRI Passport & NRI Support: Inclusion of Step-Parent’s Name in Minor’s Passport
Family circumstances such as the death of a spouse and subsequent remarriage often raise questions about how parental details should be recorded in a minor’s passport. Indian passport rules provide clear guidance on when and how the name of a stepfather or stepmother can be included in the child’s passport.
Legal Light Consulting assists NRIs in navigating these sensitive situations, ensuring that documentation is complete and the child’s identity is properly reflected in official records.
Key Rules for Step-Parent Inclusion
Eligibility for Inclusion
The name of a stepfather or stepmother may be written in the passport of a minor child against the column of father/mother.
Required Documentation
Death Certificate: Issued by the competent authority for the deceased biological parent.
Remarriage Certificate/Joint Affidavit: Proof of remarriage of the surviving parent.
School Certificate: For school-going children, showing the step-parent’s name.
Option for the Child Upon Majority
When the child applies for a passport for the first time after becoming a major (18 years), they have the option to retain either the biological parent’s name or the step-parent’s name, as recorded in their birth certificate or educational certificate.
Practical Implications for NRIs
Identity Consistency: Ensures that the child’s passport reflects the current family situation.
Legal Safeguard: Documentation provides proof of custody and remarriage, preventing disputes.
Flexibility for the Child: Upon reaching adulthood, the child can choose which parent’s name to retain in official records.
FAQs – Step-Parent’s Name in Minor’s Passport
Q1. Can a stepfather or stepmother’s name be included in a minor’s passport?
Yes. The step-parent’s name can be entered in the passport against the father/mother column, provided required documents are submitted.
Q2. What documents are required for inclusion of a step-parent’s name?
- Death certificate of the biological parent.
- Remarriage certificate or joint affidavit of remarriage.
- School certificate showing the step-parent’s name (for school-going children).
Q3. What if the child is not yet in school?
In such cases, the death certificate and remarriage certificate/joint affidavit are sufficient.
Q4. Can the child change the parent’s name in the passport after turning 18?
Yes. Upon becoming a major, the child can choose to retain either the biological parent’s name or the step-parent’s name, as recorded in their birth or educational certificate.
Q5. How does Legal Light Consulting assist NRIs in these cases?
We provide:
- Guidance on preparing and verifying death and remarriage certificates.
- Support in drafting affidavits for remarriage.
- Assistance in coordinating with schools for certificates showing step-parent’s name.
- Liaison with passport authorities and consulates abroad to ensure smooth processing.
Conclusion
The inclusion of a step-parent’s name in a minor’s passport is a sensitive but well-regulated process. With proper documentation—death certificate, remarriage certificate, and school records—the child’s passport can accurately reflect their family situation. Legal Light Consulting ensures NRIs receive clear, compassionate, and legally sound support, protecting both compliance and the child’s welfare.
