Like others said, as long as you’re not trying to abuse it (by claiming any academic qualifications), you’re fine. You could use the title “Doctor/Dr” because it’s a real honorary degree. It does also depend on where you live. Some countries require you to specify, such as Dr.h.c. or Dr.(h.c.) for honoris causa. You could also put “Hon” before your degree to specify that.
That being said, there are many celebrities and Special People who have received and used honorary titles. Mark Twain received a DLitt from Oxford. Edwin Land, co-founder of Polaroid, was awarded one. Dr Billy Graham, world famous minister, only earned a bachelor’s in anthropology.
They’re usually PhD, EdD, DD, ScD, LittD, LHD, or something specific like musical ones. For instance, a famous musician could be awarded one for contributing to the world of music.
So… is it legal? Yes. Can you use the title Doctor? Depends on your jurisdiction. Is it iffy? It can be, if you try to pass it off as an academic degree. Most I know are aware mine are honorary, and if asked I’ll say yes, it’s honorary. But would you doubt a traditional minister who uses RevDr as a title?
Besides… it’s pretty damn cool to have a reason to be called “Doc” like a lot of my friends have been doing for years. May as well have the proof! 🙂
Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer, although I studied law. Can’t answer much more beyond this.
PhD = doctor of philosphy; not technically for philosophy but from the origin of the word meaning “love of wisdom”. EdD = doctor of education. DD = doctor of divinity. ScD = doctor of science; like a PhD but for science and scientific achievements or also for academic study. LittD = doctor of letters; like a PhD but for humanities or an academic degree. LHD = doctor of humane letters; almost always honorary; for stuff that’s not science, religion, humanities, literature, or government.
