Darth Vader

A "Star Wars" fan in Upstate New York has legally changed his name to Darth Vader.

(Lucasfilm)

An Upstate New York man has officially gone to the Dark Side.

"Star Wars" fan Eric Welch legally changed his name to Darth Vader last year, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reports. He doesn't wear a mask like the Sith Lord in his driver's license photo, but the ID does, in fact, name him as "Darth Vader" of Canandaigua.

The 43-year-old man has been dressing up like the "Star Wars" character for years, and made it official in time for new movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

"I wanted to do something of my own," he told the newspaper. "I had no strong family ties to my name. I wanted a separation from my self and my past."

The 1991 Penfield High School graduate and former Marine told the D&C that he grew up in foster care, living in eight homes and attending 15 different schools while growing up. Most people still call him Eric, though some jokingly bow to him as "Lord Vader."

Vader, a Tough Mudder competitor who owns a gym in Canandaigua called Allegiant Fitness, says he's battling leukemia and will eventually require a bone marrow transplant. He's completed 15 sessions of chemotherapy since 2002 and is using GoFundMe to raise money for medical expenses not covered by insurances. (And yes, his name on the crowd-funding site says "Darth Vader.")

Vader told the D&C that the name change wasn't difficult, but he did have to sign documents promising not to use the

Force for evil

character's likeness for his own profit. He doesn't even get paid when he dresses up at events.

As for why he chose Vader and not Luke Skywalker or Han Solo (or Yoda), he said he's always been a fan of the Evil Empire and the fictional villain formerly known as Anakin Skywalker.

"They had better weapons, better vehicles," Vader said. "I just gravitated toward Darth Vader, he was the man. He carried an aura of leadership, toughness and didn't say much to get his point across."

Meanwhile, in the Boston suburb of Woburn, a couple tried to keep the galaxy balanced between good and evil by naming their newborn baby Jedi. Ryker Jedi Gracie was born Thursday, the same day "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opened in theaters nationwide to a record weekend of $238 million.