One of our readers had minor name mismatch between his passport and GRE registration. He wrote a small article describing the issue and his experience dealing with it. Thanks to him for sharing his experience. If you have any similar experience, please send to redbus2us(at)gmail.com
Passport , GRE Registration Names different issue :
My original name is XXX YYY ZZZ
Where, first name=XXX, middle, Last.
In short it is given in academic certificates as XXX Y ZZZ.
But in my passport my name was printed as
First YYY and Surname=ZZZ.
During GRE registration my friend wrongly put entry as follows:
First name= XXX YYY middle-name=YYY and Last-name=ZZZ.
Later I figured out the mistake after registration. I contacted ETS regarding this issue but the response was negative, stating that its impossible to change the name adding that if minor issues are their I could change it at the center. On the test day at the Testing center, while taking GRE, I struggled in arguments with the supervisors and finally they modified it in accordance with my request as first name== XXX middle and Last-name=ZZZ. The final conclusion is that there is no need to worry if the difference is minor and if you could reasonably give proof for your identity. On the other hand if the names are totally unrelated of that on the passport then you have to cancel the exam and re-register. Also, at during taking TOEFL exam it was not at all an issue. They allowed me to attend it. Also we can make name modifications in TOEFL exam too at the center.
Conclusion:
Irrespective of the details of the situation, the experience clearly tells us that if there are genuine minor mistake in your name while registering, they do consider the changes at the test center. But, it is always wise to avoid any kind of issues with your name by booking for GRE and TOEFL properly after you get your passport. Read article: Why to apply for Passport before registering for GRE and TOEFL.
Do you have any similar experience with Passport Name and GRE and TOEFL ?
hey
I have my exam in two days
and I have an issue with my name
my name is written as
aaaaaaaa
and my surname is
eeeeee rrrrrr
but i only registered as
e r
can they resolve this at the test centre?
ak,
It should be fine for now. as they translate to the same.
Hi,
I am going to register for gre but I am confused as the registration page is as follows :
First/Given Name :
Middle Initial :
Last/Family Name :
but in my passport it is as :
given name : AAA BBB CCC
surname : DDD
kindly help
Hi Guys,
I was recently sending my scores to grad colleges and I noticed that there was slight mistake in my name in the gre score report.
passport name:
given name:- AAA BBB
Last name:- CCC
GRE registration name:
given name:- AAA
Last name:- BBB CCC
So, Will it be any problem for me in my application process.
pls help. Thanks
Satyadev,
It could be an issue…You should write to ETS and get it corrected by sending them the passport copy. It is better to get it fixed now than later.
hey
i got score card and my name on passport xyyzz and on ets xyzz how can i resolve my issue
sunny,
You can ask them to send updated one by sharing a copy of the passport…try to reach out to them.
Hi all,
Just a simple question, my name is first name AA, middle name BB, and last name/Surname CC as on my passport but on some school /college documents it is in the format like Last name/Surname CC, First name AA and then middle name BB. is it a mismatch or it will work?
Thank you
Junaid,
It will work, sometimes the family name is written at the front and sometimes it is written at the end..So, should be fine. You can attach a Name Reference Sheet, with your application. Check What is Name Reference Sheet for US Study
Dear all,
I recently completed my GRE exam and even got the scores. However, there is a slight deviation in the GRE name when compared to that on my passport.
Name on Passport: Varsha Sunilkumar
Name in GRE score report and account: Varsha Sunil Kumar
Will this be a problem?
Varsha,
it may or may not be a problem. Try to reach out to the ETS and ask them on the issue and get it fixed.
Hello there ,
i want to register for GRE but in all my academic certificate my name is mentioned without Surname but for GRE test they required Surname as well. I am also applying for fresh passport,so kindly tell me which name i should mention in my passport with surname or without surname as per my educational documents.
Hello all,
While registering for my GRE name is as
First name: XXX
Last name: ZZZ
But in passport my name is as
Given name: XXX YYY
Last name: ZZZ
Was I supposed to register with the first name as XXX YYY?
If so, how can I do that?
I have the same issue. Did u find any solution? I am thinking about registering the same as it is on the passport? will it create any problems ahead?
GRE Name:Mahavir D Chhasatiya
Passport Name:Mahavirsinh Dilipsinh Chhasatiya
All academic related Document,Transcript:Mahavir Dilipsinh Chhasatiya
Difference:Mahavir and Mahavirsinh
sinh will create problem on test day?or Is it ok?
What should I do?
Hai Friends,
In passport given name is Aditi Chabda, surname is blank. In visa application form I mentioned first name as Adtiti Chabda, surname and family name left blank.
In visa my name is Printed twice as Aditi Chabda, Aditi chab.
Will it be a problem? Please let me know
Aditi,
I am not sure, usually, it should be printed as FNU, if the surname is blank. I suggest you check with Consulate to see, if you can get it fixed and understand implications.
I need yo hlp as I registered in gre with first name as Sharath, last name as Kumar where as in my passport it is lik sur name as Shivaraj and given name as Sharath Kumar…. In toefl also I did a mistake where first name as Sharath middle name as s and last name as Kumar…. What shld I do nw plz do hlp me I booked d slot too
I have done the same.mistake..did u find any solution
I too have same problem
I registered as naveen bandaru
But in all my certificates and passport and date of birth my name was writen as naveen sai teja bandaru
How can I correct my name in gre registration
Please suggest me
Naveen,
You should try to call ETS and get it corrected. They can suggest you the way to get it corrected.
Guys
I made a small mistake…..
My family name:XXX
User name:YYY
In my gre i gave it reverse
Will there be any problem?
I am from India . I have spelling mistake in father’s name in my B.tech and 12th class mark-sheet but the name is same in my 10th class , birth certificate and Passport is it make any problem for TOEFL in USA? Is it problematic for getting visa for education?
Basically i am on H4 visa what should i do to convert H4 to student visa?
Please suggest me what should i do.
pratibha,
It should not be an issue. You need F-1 visa for studies. You can study on H-4 as well, but if you want to avail OPT and get H-1 under Advanced Degree cap, then you need to be on F-1.
Dear Seniors,
In Passport name given as under,
Surname JAIN
Given Name(s) RASHMI KIRTI (There is no title of Middle name in passport)
Than how to register name on GRE
Option 1
Given Name(s) RASHMI
Middle Name K
Surname JAIN
Option 2
Given Name(s) RASHMI
Middle Name (Blank)
Surname JAIN
Option 3
Given Name(s) RASHMIKIRTI (GRE registration not allowing space between words)
Middle Name (Blank)
Surname JAIN
My name is Amulya A S and i have applied for GRE exam by above name itself. But in my passport it is mentioned as Amulya Alur Shivananjegowda and i contacted GRE people they are telling me to cancell and re-register it. So please reply me for further step…..
hiii this is umesh ….the same prblm i have facing it now plzz help me
my sur name my appliyng fa gre i entered as suddala bt in passport it is jst ‘s’
Hi,
I have the same problem. Did you have to re-register? Did they refund or no? thanks
Hello Guys,
I had given my GRE last week. In all my educational documents including GRE score card, my name is VM Reddy Kola.
But in my passport it is Venkata Mohan Reddy Kola. With which name should i apply to universoWill there be any problem in applying to universities or during VISA? Do I have to change my name in passport.
Many thanks,
Mohan
You should apply with Venkata Mohan Reddy Kola. You can always attach a Name Reference Sheet with your application . You should not change your name in passport. My certificates in school and all only tell the initial, but not full surname, I had no issues. As your name also has the initials and not the full name, it should be fine. Just attach a name reference sheet, if you think of the need.
hi guys,
in my passport :
surname : soma
given name: nihal reddy
but in gre registration, my name is nihal reddy.
i have my exam on 17th dec 2015.
what should i do now?
will there be any problem at the test center?
please reply
thank you
Niha, I suggest you call ETS and get it fixed. It is just to avoid issues. They may allow you to take test, but just in the long run, make sure your name fully matches with the passport details.
Dear friends,
First I want to clarify reddy word in name,
Middle Name: Reddy (always) — fixed in reddy community..
Common in AP and Telangana states.
First Name: Sarat Chandra ( one word or two words)
Surname / Last Name: Kadiveti
Please follow this standard for all documents….
Lot of people from Reddy community have this doubt.
Also if no Reddy tag in their name then
Only first name and last name. This is for girls in reddy community.
Hello,
Were you allowed to take the exam without having to face any issues? If any, can you please let me know what you went through and what did you do about it?
Will notifying the ETS official about this issue and requesting them to expand the name work out? Haven’t taken the exam yet.
Thank you.
Surname: XXX(7)
First name: AAAA(9) BBB(7) CCC(10)
My first name is so long that there is no enough space for it. I removed spaces also, but still no enough space for my first name.please help me:-(
Phani, I suggest you can keep full letters of First AAAA(9) and just leave the initials for BBB(7) and CCC(10). Make sure you leave a space between the initials.
Hello Sir
On my Passport
GivenName : SAI KRISHNA
Surname : ALLUKALAPALLI
While Registering On ETS Site:
First name: SaiKrishna
Surname: Allukalapalli
Do I Have A Problem?
Please Help Sir!
Bro u got any answer for this ! Same prob fa me too ! Kindly reply
Hi
On my Passport
given name : AA BB
surname : cc
while registering on ets site:
firstname : AaBb
surname: CC
Is that fine?
Please help
hi bro have you got any solution.. if u found please notify me.please bro
My name is Harinder Singh and I dnt have my surname on my passport. The surname field was mandatory so I accidentally put Singh in surname field. Is that a major problem?
Reply ASAP
Hi, even I did the same thing. Did you get any solution??
In my passport my
Given name: charan kumar
Surname:murarisetty
And I registered for GRE as
charan murarisetty
Is that a problem? Do the ETS centers easily agree to edit our name?
Please help!
Did you get any solution?
I also did the same thing. Did anyone find the solution?
I did the same thing now what should we do?
i also do samething,what you get reply
Hello sir.please help me regarding my name issue. On my gre registration. I have entered my first name as last name. And last name as first name.
Example
First name:yyyy.
Last name:xxxx.
Instead of this i entered.
First name:xxxx.
Last name:yyyy.
In test center they allowed me to change this into proper…? Please help me…
Hello frndss…please help me to answer my question….i have registered to GRE exam…i have given my first name as last name. As well as last name as first name….i can change my name in test center…? or i want to cancel or reschedule….plzzz help me brothers…thanx in advance.
Hello sir…..while registering to gre exam….i entered my name in small letters…is there any problem with this
First name:amudala
Last name: harish
Plzzzzzz reply for me sir…..
Nope you should be fine . Why would you enter it that way on something that important dint you check it twice or thrice ?
Not like that sir….i thaught after creating gre account,It will be having profile update option,but except name remaining details we can change,before i dont know about that sir….thats y it wont effect me know….?
hello sir even i tooo did a same mistake.is there any problem regarding that??
please help me sir…
Hey guys ,
Please help..
In my passport my
Given name: XXX YYY
Surname:ZZZ
And I registered for GRE as
XXX ZZZ
Is that a problem? Do the ETS centers easily agree to edit our name?
Please help!
Usually ets does not allow name changes . i had to cancel and reschedule my test because i had entered my name wrong but this was 3 years ago. Email or call ETS explaining the issue , they tell you what to do.
Hey Ragini,
I am facing the same situation. I am appearing for GRE on 13th July 2015. What solution did you find for the same?
Hi,
My passport name is
GIVEN NAME: HENRY JONES
SURNAME: JEBASINGH ELILARASU
In ETS
FIRST NAME: HenryJones
LAST Name: JebasinghElilarasu
Have I done it correctly?
Hi Guys,
I have applied for B1 visa on 14 Nov 2014 & my interview was on 17 Nov 2014. During interview visa officer said from mine side your visa is approved , now it will go for some administration process. She also asked me to submitted my CV on email id which is given on 221(g) form & write down my previous travel history on sheet given by her.
But still I didn’t get any response from embassy.
Hai freinds are you put wrong surname when you are booking slot time?
no problem !
When i booked slot my surname was put wrong, that time iam so suffered i searched for alternatives even i called to helpline they said thay agian you apply a fresh one.
But i dont apply new one, just i went PSK and there is Citizen Service Executive (CSE),. he asked one request letter for what “surname “you want instead of “wrong name” to Regional passport officer.thats it simply solved my problem.
Hi ,
I gave my GRE before a week and there is some name mismatch. It seems like minor, but i want to know, whether it will affect my score card or college admissions ? I stated the mismatch below:
INSTEAD OF GIVING
First Name : Mohana Priya
Last Name : Asokan
I GAVE
First Name : Mohana
Last Name : Priya
and i made the same mistake in TOEFL too but 18 days left for TOEFL… Is there any solution for this issue ?
I request anyone to reply…
Hi ,
I gave my GRE before a week and there is some name mismatch. It seems like minor, but i want to know, whether it will affect my score card or college admissions ? I stated the mismatch below:
INSTEAD OF GIVING
First Name : Mohana Priya
Last Name : Asokan
I GAVE
First Name : Mohana
Last Name : Priya
and i made the same mistake in TOEFL too but 18 days left for TOEFL… Is there any solution for this issue ?
I request anyone to reply…
Hi Priya,
I have done the same mistake too. Exactly as yours. and I have my GRE exam day after tomorrow. Can you pls tell me what is to be done and how u got it resolved?
my name in passport given name:”faraz ahmed”.what should be last/family name in gre registration
I hav filled my lastname wrongly plz help me with your kind comments.
even i filled my last name wrongly for my toefl exam pls help me
hey krishna,
even i have same problem…can u tell me if u have got any suggestion.i have exam tomorrow,i am really worried
dimple i have problem in my dob and name plz suggest me to over out 4rm my prblems plz its my humble requst plz plz plzzzzz. on my old pasport and present dob andname at ending.i am going to higer studies 4r abrod.its my titilate
Hi.
I made the same mistake. Instead of november 17 i wrote it as november 11.
Could you please tell how did you resolve the issue.
Do they correct it at exam centre?
Do we need to make any prior request?
Please let me know the process.
Thanks in advance.
hi…i too have same problem…plz anyone suggest something. By the way,hav u take the test. you found any problem???
Dear Seniors,
In Passport name given as under,
Surname SHARMA
Given Name(s) ANIL NATVARLAL (There is no title of Middle name in passport)
Than how to register name on GRE
Option 1
Given Name(s) ANIL
Middle Name N
Surname SHARMA
Option 2
Given Name(s) ANIL
Middle Name (Blank)
Surname SHARMA
Option 3
Given Name(s) ANILNATVARLAL (GRE registration not allowing space between words)
Middle Name (Blank)
Surname SHARMA
Please help me to complete my registration process with ETS-GRE
Regards
I have registered for gre. My friend filled the form , she used my surname when asked while registering. But i hvnt used my surname in my documents n either in my password . I have although mailed gre website regarding that… But still can you help me regarding the matter…? What should i do now..??
Hi guys,
I recently registered for the GRE test, While registering I typed my name to be ROHITH R PAI, while in my passport it states ROHITH RAMDAS PAI.
Will it affect my chances of taking the test. And how do i go around rectifying it. Please help in in this regard.
Hi there,
I think i’m also in a similar kind of problem. Please let me know if there’s any rectification needed.
hello,
My passport name is as follows MOHAMMAD SHOAIB(GIVEN NAME) but in gre slot which i booked it is as follows MOHAMMAD-SHOAIB MOHAMMAD SHOAIB ‘TWICE ‘ will it be a problem ,any issues with that on the test date any kind of help would be appreciated .But there are no spelling mistakes in the name.
thanks, shoaib
HI, My First name: ARAVINDHAN and SurName: CHITTAPURAM PRAVEEN KUMAR in the passport. But during GRE exam registration i have give my First name: ARAVINDHAN and LASTNAME as PRAVEEN and registered for the exam. Now my GRE exam schedule is having the name ARAVINDHAN PRAVEEN. My question is “will i be able to attend the GRE exam?” when my last name in passport and in GRE Exam is having different name. or should i cancel and apply new
I too have the same problem.So I wish to know whether yours is rectified or amplified ? please do reply… But i took my GRE and whether it is possible now to change ?
hi my name in passport is XXX YYY(in capital)
and in my ets gre website its xxx yyy(in small letters)
will it be a problem ??? if yes what should i do i have aready booked my test date
No, it should not matter. Capitals or small letters, it should be fine as long as the name is spelled correctly.
hi
my name ch.v.v.phani teja i registered with this name in gre exam but in passport full name is printed i am getting nervous about this help me , can change my name at center. plzzzzzz help me
Hello sir,
I’ll be appearing for my GRE shortly.My name in passport goes as follows –
Given Names-FARDEEN AHMED
Surname-KHAN
since ets doesn’t accept any spaces in first name I entered my name as
Given Name-FARDEEN
Middle initial-A
Surname-KHAN
The middle initial A is for AHMED.
Do i need to change it at the centre and even if I’m allowed to appear for the exam with the same,will there be any problem when i send my scores to the Universities.
Please do reply
THANK YOU
I have the same querry how was your problem resolved?
even i am having same problem please help me am getting nervous please any body help
even i am having same problem please help me am getting nervous please any body help………
Hello Fardeen! Did you face any problem at test center?
Dear Fardeen, Please please reply, what happened to your case. It will be helpful to all others.
My real nsme is ulku pala but I mistakenly wrote it ulku o pala. There is a middle name o in my GRE account. Is it a big problrlem? Should I contact ghe ETS?
sir,
my name in my passport is
GIVEN NAME – VIVEK VARDHAN REDDY
SURNAME- GANGANAGARI.
in my gre registration i gave my FIRST NAME – VIVEK
LAST NAME- GANGANAGARI
i missed out my middle name. i dint even gave the middle initial.
will it be a problem during the admissions??
kindly reply me.
what was the solution for your query????
hello.. even i have same problem… whats the solution… have you taken your exam or canceled the exam..
My original name is XXX YYY ZZZ
Where, first name=XXX YYY
my last name =ZZZ
But in my GRE account it is printed as
First name= YYY middle-Y and Last-name=ZZZ.
MY exam is on 13feb ..
please help me.
Hi my last name(surname) is repeated twice i e.(vyuhareddymatta matta) so im worried.I contacted ets regarding this issue but the response is to change my name at exam center. is it possible?is it minor or major prblm.what should I do to slove my prblm?plzz plzzz help me
no need to worry gre member will send u another password…..you can register again
hi there my name in all my 10th to b-tech certificates v v s narayana murty p
but in passport veeravenkatasatyanarayanamurty with sir name it is (36 char long )ind gov extend my name is there any problem with my name in exam time and admission time and visa process time please clarify me here
for Indians facing problem with middle name
i.e they have no middle name and there given name is Xabc Ydef and surname is Zghi
you can give
given name as Xabc
middle intial as Y
and last name as Zghi
i did the same mistake and got the reply from GRE
Thank you for contacting the GRE Program.
Dear Candidate,
Regarding your inquiry:
Please be informed that when registering for a GRE test, your first (given) name and last (family) name are required fields. You have the option to indicate your middle initial on your registration, but it is not a requirement.
Also be informed that if you have initialized your middle name. Therefore you will not face any issue while testing.
We hope this explanation is helpful.
GRE Services India | Himanshu Sharma
If the name in my passport has one extra alphabet (which doesn’t majorly alter the name) but all my certificates have the correct spelling, and I have an affidavit to prove that my correct spelling doesn’t have the extra alphabet, can I apply for GRE with the correct spelling? Can the issue be resolved at the exam centre? Please please help.
hello ppl,
plz help me my exam is on 26 sept 2013
In my passport my name goes like this
Surname: xxx
given name : abhishek yyy
In my gre appointment
first name : Abhishek
last name : yyy
so finally my name is showing as
Abhishek yyy
is this a problem plz help
what should i do plz help me
Hey Abhishek,
I have the same problem as yours, was there any problem with the name at the test center ?
Can you please tell me what to do, you can contact me sriram180792 gmail com
my name is printed as vinay reddy polati in passport,but I gave my name as
vinay polati instead of vinay r polati during gre regristation.
how can I overcome this problem.
will they allow me to test center .
please do give reply
Hi, I have a similiar prob with my name. in my passport its given as
Given Names: Rachana XXX
Surname : [This field is empty]
But while registering for my GRE Exam, I have given as the following
First/Given Name: Rachana
Last/Family Name: XXX
Pls Help. Thanx
what reply did u get..can u please tell me ..coz i too have the same problem. thank you
hello
my name is abhay, i have made a error in last name column .in my passport it is channagiri but here i have given channa..so i m very worried ..pl somone help me out..should i cancel or is there a way out..wat are documents that they will check at the venue..i have made minor errors in selcting countries and subject..will they matter..pl someone help me out…pl pl pl pl,,
i too have the same problem and if you find solution pls mail me at visu.jpr at gmail dot com
Hi Guys,
Please help.
I have written my GRE on dec 4th 2013, actaully i did a small mistake while registering a letter is missed in the name. I asked the test center people to change it, but they asked to call customer care for that. I completed my exam and submitted the scores to the college.
But, after reading this blog i realised that name should be changed at Test Center itslef. Please help me, how can i overcome this problem. Will it be any problem for me in getting admission into college.
Please respond.
Thanks,
Chandu.
i had same problem … please suggest me.