Can You Go By Your Middle Name Legally?

Many individuals, like myself, choose to go by their middle name due to personal preference or because of misguided beliefs about the legality of doing so. However, it is indeed possible to go by your middle name, albeit with certain considerations and legal formalities.

The Common Misconception

The belief that one must address someone only by their first name is widespread, especially among poorly educated medical professionals. They mistakenly assume that the first name is the only "legal" name and that the law binds them to use only the first name.

Legality of Going by Your Middle Name

Yes, you can go by your middle name. This is true as long as your first name is on your driver's license. It’s important to note that for social purposes, using your middle name is generally acceptable, just as seen with my friend Steve, who has used his middle name for 30 years and had no issues.

Legal and Personal Preferences

My husband uses his middle name informally and it’s what everyone calls him, but for legal purposes, he uses the name on his social security records, passport, and other official documents. He has the choice to use either name for personal or social interaction but must stick to his official name for legal requirements.

Informal and Formal Usage

As long as you are not attempting to defraud anyone, you can call yourself whatever you desire. For official documents, you must use your full legal name, which includes your middle name. Changing your legal name for official documents such as a new Social Security card or voter registration is a legal process that must be followed.

The Importance of Middle Names

Many celebrities and individuals use their middle name for everyday usage while keeping a different name for publicity. Middle names are often given for reasons such as differentiating them from others with the same first name or even as a nickname.

Your middle name is part of your legal name. Therefore, legally speaking, it isn't against the law to use it. However, for legal documents, you will need to sign and identify yourself using your full name, often the name on official documents. In countries where legal name changes are possible, a deed poll or similar process might be required to changeofficial records.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is entirely possible to go by your middle name, it is crucial to keep your first name on legal documents. The choice to go by your middle name is personal and can be made without any legal repercussions, as long as you maintain a clear and consistent identity for official purposes.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this information helpful!