Legal Definitions - full name

The term full name refers to the complete legal name of an individual, typically including all given names (such as a first name and any middle names) and the surname (last name), exactly as it appears on official identification documents or government records.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a full name:

• Applying for a Passport: When an individual applies for a passport, they must provide their full name. This ensures that their identity can be accurately verified by international authorities and that the travel document precisely matches their legal identity. For instance, if someone's birth certificate lists their name as "Eleanor Marie Rodriguez," they must use this exact full name on their passport application, rather than just "Ellie Rodriguez" or "Eleanor R."

• Signing a Legal Contract: To make a contract legally binding and clearly identify the parties involved, individuals are often required to sign using their full name. This practice helps prevent disputes over identity and ensures that the person entering into the agreement is the legally recognized individual. For example, if "David Michael Chen" is purchasing a property, he would sign the purchase agreement with his full legal name, not just "Dave Chen," to ensure the document's validity and clarity regarding the contracting party.

• Registering a Birth: When a child is born, their full name, including their given name(s) and surname, is officially recorded on their birth certificate. This document serves as the foundational legal record of their identity from birth. For instance, parents registering their newborn might choose "Sophia Grace Miller" as the child's full name, which then becomes their official legal identity for all future purposes.