---
title: O.C.G.A. § 10-1-422. Designation required for use of term “Doctor” or “Dr.”; exceptions.
collection: code
id: 10-1-422
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 10-1-422 (2025)
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md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/10-1-422.md
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source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t10-(v8)-2024-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=1992b47e_0#page=339
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
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---

# O.C.G.A. § 10-1-422. Designation required for use of term “Doctor” or “Dr.”; exceptions.

(a)(1) Each individual who uses the term “Doctor” or “Dr.” in conjunction with his name in any letter, business card, advertisement, sign, public listing, display, or circular of any nature shall designate:

(A) The degree to which he is entitled by reason of his diploma of graduation from a school or other entity, professional or otherwise;

(B) The degree as honorary when an honorary acknowledgment has been made;

(C) “No degree” if he is not entitled to any such recognition.

(2) The designation required by this subsection shall not be necessary:

(A) If the term is a part of the person’s legal name;

(B) In the case of the use in a corporate charter of the name of a professional association or professional corporation organized in this state as provided by law.

(b) Any person willfully violating, with intent to defraud, subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

## History

Ga. L. 1978, p. 2046, § 1; Ga. L. 1979, p. 628, § 1.

## Cross References

Unauthorized use of terms “M.D.,” “Doctor,” “Doctor of Osteopathy,” etc., §§ 43-34-22, 43-34-40.