Los Angeles, CA asked in Civil Litigation for California

Q: Name on Birth Certificate is reversed (first name / last name)

Name on Birth Certificate is reversed. I go by my Middle name. For Example: Birth Certificate shows James Steve Miller but i go by Steve James Miller. Even my Social # shows Steve James Miller. My entire life evolves around Steve James Miller. The only documents that has James Steve Miller is my Birth Certificate and Passport. I'm worried that down the line i will have trouble. California is now requiring these new driver's licenses and i will probably have trouble renewing a license in 2020. What do i do? Do I file a petition for name change? I practically have 2 legal names. I think what happened was my mom filed for a SSN# back in the days of it being required.

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1 Lawyer Answer
N. Munro Merrick
N. Munro Merrick
Answered
  • Del Mar, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Your only correct full name is James Steve Miller. In signing letters and most other documents, you do not need to use all three. You can sign J. Steve Miller. When documents ask for your first and last names, you would have to respond James Miller, but your email could be Steve Miller. My full name is Newton Munro Merrick. I sign letters N. Munro Merrick, my email is Munro Merrick. No problem.

However, if it bothers you, change your name. It is no big deal. Talk to almost any lawyer.

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