Guidance
Names that cannot be used in passports: caseworker guidance
Tells HM Passport Office staff about names that cannot be used in passports.
Documents
Details
This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff about names that cannot be used in passports and how to deal with applications that have them, including names that:
- cause public offence
- breach trademark or copyright
- our system cannot accept for technical reasons
Updates to this page
Published 22 March 2021
Last updated 10 April 2025
show all updates
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Added guidance about names that contain apostrophe. Updated information for examiners about adding a name to a passport and how to shorten a child's middle name.
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Updated version published.
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Accessible version added.
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First published.