It was demonstrated that a photochromic paper could be made through the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method by grafting spiropyran ether methacrylate (SPMA) onto the fiber surface. The surface composition and topography of the grafted paper were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS). Crystal structures of the cellulosic fibers were also examined after the grafting reaction. The characteristic absorption bands detected in the FTIR spectrum after grafting suggested that a new functional group was formed by the reaction. The XPS and SEM results confirmed that SPMA was grafted onto the surface of the fibers successfully. The grafted spiropyran groups exhibited reversible photochromic properties when exposed to UV light irradiation and visible light. The modified paper showed a purple color under UV light irradiation and changed back to its original color when exposed to visible light. This surface modification using ATRP was demonstrated to be a feasible way to prepare photochromic paper.