Surname Misspelt in Passport What to Do

Posted by Smot Pro - Passport
7
Travel & Tourism
Jul 8, 2025
309 Views

Your passport is one of the most critical identity documents you'll ever hold. A misspelt surname in it, no matter how minor, can lead to visa denials, immigration issues, and flight restrictions. It may prevent you from opening foreign bank accounts, renting abroad, or even boarding your flight. If your surname is misspelt in your passport, do not ignore it. Here is a step-by-step, detailed guide on how to correct surname errors in your Indian passport.

Why Is a Correct Surname Important in a Passport?

Your surname is a part of your legal identity. It must match across all documents like:

  • Aadhar Card

  • PAN Card

  • Voter ID

  • Educational Certificates

  • Employment Records

  • Visa Application Forms

  • Flight Tickets

Even a single character mismatch can lead to serious complications, including delays in visa processing, airport security checks, and international travel.

Common Reasons for Surname Errors in Passport

1. Typographical Mistake During Data Entry

Most errors happen during form filling or at the Passport Seva Kendra during data entry.

2. Applicant’s Own Error

Some people incorrectly enter their surname in the given name field or vice versa, which alters the format entirely.

3. Change in Surname Due to Marriage or Legal Change

If the surname has changed post-marriage or due to court orders but wasn’t properly updated, the mismatch can cause issues.

4. Differences Across Documents

If your surname is written differently in different documents, the passport office might reflect the least-confusing version, which may or may not be correct.

What to Do If Your Surname Is Misspelt in Passport?

Step 1: Identify the Type of Correction Needed

  • Spelling correction (e.g., “Mehra” instead of “Mhera”)

  • Complete name format adjustment (e.g., Surname moved to given name)

  • Legal surname change (post-marriage or by affidavit)

Step 2: Apply for ‘Re-Issue’ of Passport

You cannot simply amend a passport. The Indian passport system requires a re-issue in case of name changes or corrections.

Correction of surname = Passport Re-issue

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

Mandatory Documents:

  • Original passport (along with self-attested copies of first and last two pages)

  • Proof of correct surname (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.)

  • Self-attested affidavit (Annexure ‘E’)

  • Application receipt (online form submission confirmation)

For Surname Change After Marriage:

  • Marriage Certificate

  • Joint affidavit with spouse

  • Spouse’s passport copy (if available)

For Legal Name Change:

  • Gazette Notification

  • Newspaper clippings of the name change

  • Affidavit confirming name change

Step 4: Apply Online via Passport Seva Portal

  1. Visit: https://passportindia.gov.in

  2. Login/Register on the Passport Seva Portal

  3. Select Re-Issue of Passport and mention the reason as “Change in personal particulars”

  4. Fill the correct surname

  5. Upload soft copies (if applying through the app)

  6. Book appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Bring original documents and copies. A photograph and biometric will be taken. Submit the request for name correction clearly and request acknowledgment from the officer.

Step 6: Police Verification (If Required)

Some applications may require police verification, especially in full name corrections or if you're changing surname due to marriage. In most simple spelling corrections, it is often waived.

Fees for Passport Re-Issue Due to Surname Correction

The fee depends on the booklet type and the mode (normal/tatkal):

  • 36 pages (Normal) – ₹1,500

  • 36 pages (Tatkal) – ₹3,500

  • 60 pages (Normal) – ₹2,000

  • 60 pages (Tatkal) – ₹4,000

Tatkal fee includes ₹2,000 surcharge.

Processing Time

  • Normal mode: 7–21 working days

  • Tatkal mode: 1–3 working days

Can You Travel With a Passport That Has a Misspelt Surname?

Technically, you can travel, but only if:

  • Your flight ticket matches exactly with the name on your passport

  • The visa (if applicable) also has the same spelling

  • There is no mismatch with other ID proofs required at immigration

However, it is highly discouraged. Airlines and immigration officers often reject mismatched names, even for minor errors.

Avoid Future Errors – Tips for a Flawless Passport

  • Fill your online form carefully

  • Double-check the preview before submission

  • Ensure your name matches across all documents

  • Review data during appointment and ask for correction on the spot if needed

  • Keep a professional agent in the loop to avoid paperwork errors

Let Smotpro.in Handle It for You – Fast, Accurate, Hassle-Free

At Smotpro.in, we know how frustrating and risky a small error can be in your travel documents. That’s why we offer:

  • ✅ Surname Correction & Reissue Application Assistance

  • ✅ Complete Document Preparation (Annexures, Affidavits, Gazette, etc.)

  • ✅ Tatkal Re-issue Booking for Urgent Cases

  • ✅ 24×7 Expert Support Across India

  • ✅ Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Vizag, Chennai, Bangalore

Whether it’s a simple spelling fix or a legal name change, our team ensures your passport reissue process is smooth, fast, and compliant.

Don’t risk your travel plans. Let professionals handle your passport corrections. Visit Smotpro.in today!


Visit Our office - https://maps.app.goo.gl/c9ZF4Xf9eEqLa5KFA

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