An alias is a name used other than the given name of a person, which may be an attempt to hide his/her identity. In criminal law, court and police records may list aliases of a person, along with their given name. This is often accomplished by using the term a.k.a (also known as) after the given name, followed by known aliases.
Generally, a person can use whatever name they wish, however, legal documents issued, such as driver's licenses, will require proof, such as a birth certificate and may require a legal change of name if the alias is used.
