How to renew a foreign passport abroad in Tbilisi after a legal name change (do you need an apostilled marriage certificate)?

From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 73 days ago

TL;DR

Russia has no embassy in Georgia (diplomatic ties cut since 2008); passport services are handled by the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi, on Chavchavadze Ave; apostille on a Russian marriage certificate is not required for this internal Russian consular service — the original document is enough.

What the community said

You can apply for a renewed passport after a name change through the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi — this functions as Russia's de facto consular office in Georgia since there's no direct embassy.

Russian Interests Section, Chavchavadze Ave, Tbilisi

Apostilling the marriage certificate isn't required for this — apostille is only needed when a document is used in a foreign country's legal system, not for your own country's consular services abroad.

Book an appointment in advance and bring the original marriage certificate, old passport, and a domestic ID that already shows the updated surname.

Because consular capacity in Tbilisi is limited, passport renewal can take longer than usual — some travelers report it's faster through a consulate in a neighboring country, such as Armenia.

Russian consulate in Yerevan (alternative)