How to Correct Surname in Passport – Full Detailed Guide

Your passport is one of the most important identity and travel documents. It contains critical personal information, including your surname. Even a small mistake in your surname—spelling error, incomplete surname, wrong surname, or mismatch with Aadhaar, PAN, or birth certificate—can cause:

• Visa rejection

• Airport immigration issues

• Foreign university application delays

• Employment verification problems

• Identity mismatch in government documents

• OCI/NRI processing difficulties

Therefore, correcting the surname in your passport is essential for seamless travel and global identification.

This guide explains the complete legal procedure, documents required, fees, application method, and timeline.

1. Types of Surname Errors in Passports

Surname mistakes occur due to:

Spelling Errors

Example: “Gupta” printed as “Guptaa” or “Guptha”.

 Wrong Surname

A completely different surname printed.

Missing Surname

Some passports list the entire name in “Given Name” and leave “Surname” blank — this causes problems overseas.

 Incomplete Surname

Surname written partially or missing one part.

 Post-Marriage Surname Not Updated

Common for women taking husband’s surname.

 Minor Typographical Errors

Extra letters, missing letters, spacing issues.

Different errors require different documents.

2. When Is Surname Correction Required in a Passport?

Surname correction becomes mandatory when:

• Your passport surname does not match your Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID

• Your surname is misspelled

• You adopted a new surname after marriage

• Parents’ surname was corrected in your birth certificate

• You legally changed your surname

• Visa authorities raised an objection

• You need surname update for international migration

Any mismatch can cause rejection at foreign embassies.

3. How to Apply for Surname Correction in Passport

Surname correction is treated as Re-Issue of Passport (not a brand-new passport).
You must apply for “Reissue – Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”

There are two methods:

 Apply Online via Passport Seva Portal

OR

 Apply Through Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Appointment

The steps are explained below.

4. Documents Required for Passport Surname Correction

Depending on your case, you will need the following:

1. Existing Passport (Original)

Mandatory for re-issue.

2. Proof of Correct Surname

Any of the following:

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Voter ID

• Driving License

• Birth Certificate

• Educational Certificates

• Marriage Certificate (for married surname)

• Divorce Decree (if reverting surname)

3. Affidavit (if major change)

Required when:

• You are changing your surname entirely

• You adopted a new surname after marriage

• Your parents changed their surname officially

The affidavit must include:

• Old surname

• New surname

• Reason for change

• Declaration of correctness

4. Gazette Notification (if legal name change)

This is required in major surname changes, especially when:

• Surname is completely changed

• Surname is adopted after marriage (optional but useful)

• Old documents all differ

• Embassy verification requires proof

5. Marriage Certificate (if surname changed after marriage)

Mandatory for women adopting husband’s surname.

6. Annexure “E”

This is an official sworn declaration for changes in personal details.

5. Step-by-Step Process to Correct Surname in Passport

Step 1 — Register on Passport Seva Portal

Visit:
https://passportindia.gov.in

Create an account or log in.

Step 2 — Choose “Re-Issue of Passport”

Select:

Re-issue of Passport

Change in Existing Personal Particulars

Here, select "Change in Surname".

Step 3 — Fill Online Application Form

Enter:

• Correct surname

• Correct spelling

• Supporting details

• Updated identity information

Double-check spelling before submitting.

Step 4 — Upload Supporting Documents

Attach:

• Correct surname proof

• Affidavit (if needed)

• Gazette copy (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (if married surname)

Step 5 — Schedule Appointment at Nearest PSK

Choose a date and time convenient for document verification.

Step 6 — Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Carry original documents + photocopies.

Verification happens in three stages:

1. Counter A – Data Check

2. Counter B – Officer Verification

3. Counter C – Granting Officer Approval

Step 7 — Police Verification

Only required if:

• Major surname change

• Address changed

• Newly married surname added

Minor spelling corrections may not need police verification.

Step 8 — Receive Updated Passport

You will get a new passport with:

• Correct surname

• Updated personal details

• New passport number

Delivery usually happens within 3–7 working days after approval.

6. Fees for Surname Correction in Passport

Tatkaal is for urgent cases.

7. Processing Time

8. When Do You Need Gazette Notification?

A Gazette is required when:

• You fully change your surname

• All documents have mismatched surname

• Embassy or employer demands legal proof

• Your previous name has no valid record

• You changed surname after adoption/divorce

For simple spelling mistakes, Gazette is not required.

9. Common Reasons for Passport Surname Correction Rejection

Your application may be rejected if:

• Documents are inconsistent

• Incorrect affidavit format

• No proof of correct surname

• Gazette copy missing (when required)

• Marriage proof missing for married surname

• Name does not match birth certificate

• Police verification failure

Always ensure documents are clear and consistent.

10. Conclusion

Correcting the surname in a passport is a simple but essential process. It ensures your identity remains accurate for:

• International travel

• Visa applications

• Overseas employment

• Immigration records

• Legal verifications

By following the correct procedure—re-issue application, affidavit, supporting documents, and PSK verification—you will receive a passport with the correct surname quickly and without complications.

Your passport must always reflect accurate, verified, and up-to-date personal information to avoid delays and legal issues worldwide.

For applying online, click here and fill your details.

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