Couple of more questions about Surname in passport not matching with name in certificates and documents. I have posted several articles in the same topic, but I keep getting email related to the same problem.
Mostly people panic after reading single blog post about potential problem they can face when names mismatch (or empty surname) in passport. and send an email or post a comment right away. I received couple questions this week
Read the following blog post on How to Change Name in Passport while in US (and how life gets complicated) before proceeding below. It will give an idea of problems you will face while in US with empty surname in the passport.
Arun Asks
My name is Arun M V. I came to know that last name is important in US. So, did Indian passport will be issued in name format Arun M VXXX. Because the full name Arun MXXX VXXX is too much long. I have all the records as Arun M V. Is the name in GRE,TOEFL should be same as in the University application.
I have seen many people, University Faculty in US of Indian origin have their names in format Arun M VXXX. If the Indian Passport does’nt allow this,how it can be possible?
Or can I give my name as Arun VXXX eliminating my Middle name.
Pankil Asks
I have a problem/confusion. My name is mentioned as
Given Names: Pankil DXXX
Last Name: SXXX in passport.My degrees have it as SXXX Pankil DXXX. I am already in US and working on H1B. So I have SSN which has my first name Last name. Should I be worried about having different names on these documents? I plan to take GMAT by end of 2010. Any information you can provide will be very helpful.
Surname – Passport vs Certificates
In India, we are used to have names with initials, instead of using Full Name. When applying for passport, well those dang travel agents mess up the things, don’t they? Most of us unaware of potential problems that one can run into while applying for GRE Exam, TOEFL, F1 Visa, SSN, Driving License, etc.
Possible Name Combination’s
- Certificates – Arun MV
- Birth Certificate – MV Arun
- College Marksheets – MV Arun
- Documents – Arun V (or MXXX Arun VXXX)
You have to remember this – Name mismatch between passport and certificates not a major problem at all. Thats something that can be will fixed. Don’t worry about changing names in your certificates and documents.
Names in Passport
Having cleared one problem above, lets talk about name’s in the passport. I can think of possible variations
Combination 1 :
- Given Name – Arun
- Middle Name – MXXX
- Surname – VXXX
Combination 2:
- Given Name – Arun MXXX
- Middle Name – Empty
- Surname – VXXX
Combination 3:
- Given Name – Arun M V
- Middle Name – Empty
- Surname – Empty
Of all the above 3 possibilities, the last one is the problematic. As long as you have Surname in your passport, you will not have MAJOR problems. If there is no surname in your passport, stop right here and get your name changes in your passport first before going forward with any application or study abroad process.
Empty (or blank) Surname in Passport equals TROUBLE.
If you already applied (or received) passport without surname, get that fixed. Talk to local passport office to find out passport name chnage procedure and get it done. NOW. You may have additional if’s and buts like
I already booked dates for GRE Exam? What shall I do?
Answer is the same, change the name in passport, rebook GRE again. If you try to save GRE exam fees, you have bigger problems awaiting you.
GRE, TOEFL and College Application
Now, we have cleared 2 issues related to names (documents and passport). Now, lets assume you have passport with surname that doesn’t match with names on your documents.
- GRE, TOEFL, GMAT (or other exams) – Book dates based on name in passport, not documents. Use the name as provided in the passport.
- College Application – Use the name as per passport. Remember that name in your passport will be your identity.
Going forward use the name “as-is” from your passport. It’s absolutely ok to have different names from your degree certificates. Only university is going to use your certificates, but every other department is going to use your passport. Thats one of the reason, you have to include a copy of passport front page with your application documents.
While filling out college application, you will see a question (or similar)
- List other names used in your application documents.
You would have to enter various names used in your documents. If there is no such question, attach additional page to list the various names in different documents. That document must clearly state that documents submitted along with application will have following names, which will be different from the name in the passport.
Make sure you read how Praveen added surname in passport after getting his I-20 due to name mismatch.
Bottom line is this
1) Your passport must contain surname (last name); 2) Name in GRE score report should match with name in passport.
Over to you?
If you have additional questions, read related articles to this topic. I’m sure many will post a comment tho this article asking the same question again. That always make me smile and wonder, how can some one be so ignorant, when above artilce gives the answer to their problem, but they still ask the same question.
About Raghuram Sukumar
I have a problem with my marks card…on both the 10th and 12th marks card my mother's name is given as PUSPA instead of PUSHPA….will this get me into trouble for my MS in US or visa??
So, hey everyone..
Can anyone help me out with this or atleast provide some ideas.. I will appreciate it if anyone can.. I have problem only with my fistname, the last name as well as the middle name ae fine.
So, My first name on Passport is : Jigar.
where as, my first name on all the colleges and schools documents including marksheets and cerificate is : Jeegar.
Now, I am moving to US, and I was wonderng if I will face hard time taking admission in US college or univerity regarding my first name? If anyone here have any idea about this than please post a helpful comment.
Thank You.
Hi, I'm Hershita.
I'm very worried about possible clashes in names that appear on my passport and on all my certificates while applying for universities abroad.
My name, as it appears on all my marksheets and certificates, is:
1st name: Hershita
Middle Name: -empty-
Last name: SXXXX
Now the trouble is that my name on my passport appears as:
1st Name: Hershita
Middle Name: RXXXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
I didn't fill up the application to include any middle name, but as is the custom in Gujarat, people tend to put their father's 1st name as their middle names. So the consultancy put in a middle name as granted.
I've already given my GMAT and TOEFL exams, but I haven't faced any trouble so far, but then again, both times my test centre was in Gujarat only, so they considered both the names as same.
I'm concerned that this difference in names might create a problem for me. Do I have to get my name changed on my passport? Or would an affidavit stating that Hershita RXXXXXX SXXXX is the same person as Hershita SXXXX suffice?
Please, help me out.
which name i should follow in filling the passport application if i have 'c' instead of 'Chandra' in my ssc marklists &other subsequent certificates.And in my date of birth it is registered as 'Chandra'also it is same in residence certificate..
Hi
This is Sudheesh.
My problem doesn’t seem to be covered anywhere above.
My name in the PASSPORT is as below :
(under the Surname ) : Vxxxxx
(under the Given names) : Sudheesh Lxxxxxxx
But while applying for the GRE i filled the form as below :
(First name or Given name) : Sudheesh
(Middle name) : (left empty)
(Surname) : Vxxxxxx
Here i left the Lxxxxxxxx part of my Given name from the Passport.
One of the reason to leave it was that the GRE online form does not allow Spaces.
It may feel to them that i have changed my Given name itself.
Will this create any problem on the day of exam?
Will they allow correcting the names in the test center, in such cases too??
I am fearing about this every day and found this site.
Can you please answer, if it is going to create any problems what should i do?
Will they allow me to write the exam?
Waiting for the reply…
-Sudheesh.
In your case, it is not a problem at all. It should be fine. No need to worry.
Hey Rahul
I really appreciate your reply.
I had called up prometric and they told that i had filled my middle name too.
Also they confirmed that we can separate the 2 words from given name in the Passport as First name and the Middle name.
So they confirmed that it is the proper way to do.
Thanks for your reply.
And for those who are in a similar soup, Please note :
If you have a Surname : AXXXXXX
and Given name : BXXXXXX CXXXXXX
While applying for GRE :
Apply as First Name : BXXXXXX
Middle Name : CXXXXXX
and Last Name : AXXXXXX
If you want BXXXXXX CXXXXXX to appear in the First Name itself, call up Prometric, they will help you.
I guess this one will need a Hyphen between the two words, the GRE form does not accept the "Space" in between the words.
Regards
Sudheesh.
can u give me the contact no of prometric.. thanks
Hi Sudheesh,
Does your Appointment Summary generated at the time of Registration doesn't have Full Name though you had filled?
Candidate's Name: Sudheesh Vxxxxx.
Is that what made you believe you missed the middle name?
I am also in same doubt. My candidate's name is missing middle name.
If so, how did you confirm?
Please help!!!
Thanks,
Saurabh
Hi Rahul, I had the same problem as Sudheesh.
My passport name is :
Given Name : Om Pxxxxxx
Last Name: Patri
Now in GRE form, we were not allowed spaces, and also only Middle Name Initial was asked. So I entered :
First Name: Om
Middle Initial: P
Last Name: Patri
So, in my GRE score report it appears as Om P Patri instead of Om Pxxxxx Patri.
From reading these posts, I think it won't be a problem for me, but I would really appreciate some reassurance.
Thanks,
Om.
You will not have any issues.
Thanks a lot for your reply. Do I need to mention "Om P Patri" as alternate name in the online application ?
Yes, you have to say that in application or attach a separate sheet of document and list all different names used in various certificates and documents you will be submitting.
Thank u for the reply….
One of my frnd told to do so,and i did that stupid mistake. I called up prometric center where he told me to cancel the appointment and take a fresh one with corrections.. So do u also suggest the same…?
hi,
I had given GRE in May, 2009.. I m plannin to apply for MS for winter/fall 2011.
My name on passport is Gouthami Senthamaraikkannan
& on GRE score it is Gouthami SenthamaraiKannan
If you notice; on my passport, my surname has 2 k's… Senthamarai"kk"annan, and my GRE score has only one k
The 2 k's had come by mistake and I did not notice it when I made my passport 4 years back.
I ve already checked with the passport office, that my school certificates are with one 'k'. And they have told me the spelling wont really matter..
But is it ok, with the GRE score having different spelling.
Please Help
Gouthami
Get it changed in your passport ASAP.
i just want to know space will create a problem or not in above two cases
i have another problem i,e; in my degree it is like Ram kiran.K
and in my pg it is like Ram kiran K******* p*******
having space in between them in surname is space indicates Ram Kiran.K.P
please help i have a problem with my surname
my name in 10 is like
Ram Kiran K*******p********
but in passport i have written as
Ram Kiran K******* P*******
i have given a space in between my surname
and i use to sign in every document as Ram kiran k.p.
actuvally iam from chennai in tamil the name k****** has different meaning
and p****** has different meaning so i use to sign as Ram kiran k.p
can i have any proble in visa prossess……..please answer me clearly.thank u
In passport what is ur Given Name and Surname?
It is better to have One surname rather than having a space between two surnames. Do not give space between the surnames.
Many applications do not accept a space in between surname.
hi hsb…
i am "jaymin pxxxxxxx" from india. i have given my toefl and gre exams. but my problem is in both of these exams i have written my name as "jaymin pxxxxxxx" whereas in my name in passport is "jayminkumar"(name) "pxxxxxxx"(surname).also all of my academic mark-sheets have same name as "jaymin pancholi." will there be any problem in applying for universities? also i am gonna apply for universities, so should i write jayminkumar or jaymin in applying form online. also there is no mistake in my surname. please help quickly me as deadlines for applying are coming near…
hi,
In my passport my name is
given name-GANESH
surname-GXXXXXXX RXXXX
but while filling gre online application i filled it as
First name-GANESH
middle name-GANESH
last name-GXXXXX RXXXXX
So filling ganesh twice as as above ,cause any problem..?
Why are you adding middle name when you dont have one?
Sir my query ?
Thank u for the reply….
One of my frnd told to do so,and i did that stupid mistake. I called up prometric center where he told me to cancel the appointment and take a fresh one with corrections.. So do u also suggest the same…?
hi,
In my passport my name is
given name-GANESH
surname-GXXXXXXX RXXXX
but while filling gre online application i filled it as
First name-GANESH
middle name-GANESH
last name-GXXXXX RXXXXX
So filling ganesh twice as asbove ,cause any problem..?
my name is Gxxxx.Nxxx.Vxxxxxx.Sxxxx.Lxxxxxx.SIRISHA…. i now just wanted to apply for both GRE and passport…..so tell me how to specify my name in GRE application and as well as in passport application…
I thank u, these days i have been in great confusion about names. i also mailed u about this issue. This article is very useful for and also cleared all my doudts. I once again thank u.
Hi HSB,
The newsletters you send weekly is great.I appreciate the service you have been giving to MS-aspirants like me.And I would be more grateful if you could take time out to answer my question.
I am a south indian, and I don't have a surname.All my school and college I have always been V.Viswanathan, without a surname.Will that be a problem ? I mean, Americans have a habit of addressing one by their surname, so in my case, they will call me by my father's name.So should I add a surname ? And if I do, would the VO question me of name change ? I ask this because one of my relatives just told me Americans are all against name changes in the wake of terrorism.I am still to make my passport, and apply for GRE, so sir your advice would set me on the right path.
Thanking you
V.Viswanathan (until you answer)
In the passport mention it as :
Given Name : Viswanathan
Surname : Vxxxxxxxxxx (ur father's name right?)
So be consistent with this name where ever you go. Write ur name according to ur passport in all ur applications going further. Don't worry about the name in college certificates and passport. No one will ask or check that in particular.
Sometimes people may address you by ur lastname, but it should be fine. If it is from strangers that is fine. If it is from ur colleagues, friends, etc, u can ask them to refer u as Viswanathan rather than by ur lastname.
Note that u stick to ur name as in passport. Also surname is must in the passport.
hi,
While registering for gre , I have given my name as apurva t.s , but in my passport it is apurva TXXX SXXXX … so will I face any problem in verifying identity on d day of my exam?
No. Even i used initials only.I gave the GRE successfully.But i dont know if it is going to be a problem while applying for Unis.
will u plz help me on this!!!!
i made a mistake during registration of my toefl exam i,e while reg my xam date
instead od registring mt name as
firstname secondname lastname
kiran kumar gandla
i registered as
firstname secondname lastname
gandla kiran kumar
in my toefl score card my name came as kumar, gandla kiran
instead of
gandla , kiran kumar
is that gonna be a problem in university…
plz reply to my mail!!!!!!!
heya hi.
I hav a query, i hav made a mistake in my surname spelling during filling my 10th CBSE forms, so same has been carried upon in 12th n throughout my engg. degree, as-well-as my passport. so can it b a matter of concern ???..
HSB,
In my passport
given name: SHREYAS
surname: Txxxx Sxxxx
I have finished my GRE on july 28th ( 1520, awa 4)
But in my GRE score report first name: SHREYASTxxxx
last name: Sxxxx
Will this be a problem during the application process??
what should i do??
hiee HSB,
i read the whole content but still i am in a dilemma
please help me out
in SSC:niveditha cxxxx
in HSSC,DEGREE,PG:niveditha cxxxx reddy
i am applying for my passport,so which name should i mention in it.
wil i face any problems while pursuing my masters there
i ought to leave in 2 months
waiting for your reply
thank you
HSB,
55% in b.tech,computer science,GRE–1250,TOEFL–95
i want to know the top universities in USA in the field of Computer science with low cost of living and with some financial aid,please suggest me some universities…………
hi…..i am planning to take my GRE n TOEFL in coming september….my question is that….actually my name in all academic mark sheets n birth certificate it has format like " KISHORE P " but where as in passport i'v " KISHORE PXXXX "…….
here my surname is " PXXXX ".The difference is, in my mark sheets and birth certificate the surname is not expanded only the initial is presented where as in Passport the surname is expanded……..would this difference will make any problem during the time of admission in US schools……awaiting……thanks
Hi HSB
I too have a blank surname in my passport. My Given Name in Passport is mentioned as ThiXXXX VijayaXXXXX. I do not think the blank surname "necessarily" creates a problem. You have mentioned that one will not get SSN or driving license in US without a surname. I completely disagree and I have my brother as an example to support this. He has the same name format as me in his passport with no surname. He went to US for his MS in 2003 and is now working for the past 5years. He has SSN, driving license. He even owns a house. So I am assuming he must have filled out every kind of form you need to live in the US.
I myself have resided and studied in France for 6months with social security. I faced absolutely no problems there. I am just mentioning as such procedures might be similar in the Western countries.
Vijay – Did you go through the link within the post? You have to understand the rules differ between states. Above all you are going to a country that call you using Surname.
Today he might not be having problem, but in future he may have problem. Then he has to face consequences and it will be troublesome. It is better to get name corrected in the passport. Our identity is our passport, not certificates and other documents when we are going out of our country. I had blank surname in my passport and I corrected it. Now I am very happy without having to undergo hassles, otherwise I might have had a big problem. Surname is must. Only I can say that you and your brother are lucky. But you people may not be lucky all the time.
@Rahul & HSB…..Thank you for your comments. I understand that I may get into trouble later. But I have my GRE in 5 days and TOEFL couple of weeks later. Its too much of a trouble to reschedule, change my name in passport. There are other problems. I don't live in the city where I got my passport. I work in Bangalore and my passport was made in Delhi where my parents reside. I am not sure if I will be able to make time to come to Delhi for the procedure and then prepare again for GRE given the work pressure at my workplace. There are too many wheels in motion here. I think I will take my chances and go ahead without a surname on my passport.
I have another query. I understand from the previous posts that not having a surname will result in FNU being mentioned in my US Visa and then subsequently in my SSN. And that will cause problems for my driving license and other documents like bank account. But what if there is no FNU on my US visa? The thing is, I already have a US B1/B2 tourist visa and there my surname is mentioned as VIJAYARAGHAVAN and Given Name as THIRUVENGADAM. My passport has a blank surname field and Given Name as THIRUVENGADAM VIJAYARAGHAVAN. So, I assume when I apply for student Visa, I will get the same name format as in the tourist visa. In that case, I will not have an FNU on my visa. I suppose I need to show both my passport and visa for SSN. So, I will not have any problems. Please provide your comments.
B2 Visa stamping aside – If you are not ready to spend time to get things fixed while in India then get ready to face more problems. Thats what I have mentioned in article – I already have booked GRE dates and answers would be the same. What if you get visa this time with FNU and another visa with surname (more troubles right). My job here is to show you the problems you will face, its upto you to make the decision. If everyting works out good, then you will not run into problems. For some reason (your bad time) you get FNU in F1 Visa, then things will go south!
my name on passport is Raj kumar,in my name i had given it as Raj(space)kumar,but i had booked my slot for GRE as Rajkumar (with out) space does it gonna create any problem please suggest me………….i am having my exam in the next week…..please suggest me……..
hi HSB,sorry to trouble u actually my doubt is
1.Raj kumar Deshetti
2.Rajkumar Deshetti
u just observe the both names,the name in the first line have a space between two words Raj and kumar,which i had given it as in my passport.
and i had booked my gre slot with no space between the two words Raj and kumar,this will not create the problem na………….please suggest me…….
You can get that corrected at GRE test center.
hi…. this is pruthvi……
i m done wid my gre and i m planning to apply for the universities…………
my name in my college marks sheet n birth certificates is PRUTHVI A
n in my passport it is PRUTHVI Axxxxxx….
will this create aany problem for me in my admission process…..actually i didnt know abt this…. by seeing these posts i just got a small doubt……:-P
pls reply me through mail…..
I was hoping not to answer your question, but you made me. I have to ask you only one question – Can you read and understand English? If so you shouldn't have posted this question after reading this article.
Hi
HSB and Rahul,
My name is A.S. Shravan…. in all my academic records.
Axxx: is my family name
Sxxxx: Is my father name
Shravan: Is my name
However in the passport its printed as
Sir Name: Axxxx
Given Name: Sxxx Shravan
in passport it is changing my given name. Instead of my name as given name…. it has added my father name and my name.
Please help me do I have to put it for correction in the passport office or is it ok to continue. I'm worried becz I hve to apply for my masters in US..
Thank you for your help
i dont think u will have any problem with that…
Surname is correct
and ur given name is also correct
Some people use family name as surname and some use father name as surname
In your case, it is ok to have ur father name in ur given name as u have surname as ur family name.The problem arises only if u dont have a surname in ur passport.
Thank you so much Lakshman Sandeep, for addressing my issue I was worried big time. I am now breathing easily after reading your reply….. I will certainly take your words and not putting my passport for any correction.
Hey Thanks for the reply.
In my case,
My name is AXXXX
Father's name is BXXXX
Family name is CXXXX
Passport:
Given name: AXXX BXXXX
Surname : CXXXX
All other certificates: AXXXX B.C. [initials]
GRE : AXXX B.C
TOEFL: same as passport i.e., initials expanded.
I understand from the above replies in this post that it is fine because i have a surname even though my dad's name is joined in my given name.I'll go ahead to apply for MS in USA.
Thank you!!!
Hi HSB,
i have a doubt here.. my name is vivek.v.k.
in my passport
given name: vivek
surname: vxxxx kxxxx
now while registering in ets if i enter the surname it shows an error that we should not use a space between the two names. its asking me to put a hypen..is it ok?
my name in 1oth certificate is “manish billung” and in 12th certificate it is “manish bilung”
can i face problems in future regarding this ??
sir my name chitra
i was completed my 12.an i was completed my u.g in tnou,shall i apply for passport…