How do I change my PayPal username?
Did you accidentally enter the wrong name while registering on PayPal? Whether it’s a small typo, a legal name change, or a business rebrand, there are several reasons you may need to change your PayPal username.
While PayPal is one of the most popular online payment platforms – used by 429 million people worldwide1, including 278 million in the U.S.2 – it does not allow users to change their username.
However, you can still update your display name, add a nickname, or correct minor spelling errors. This guide will walk you through how to change your name in your PayPal account settings, the required documents, and what to do if a name change isn’t allowed.
Can you change your PayPal username?
Many users often wonder, “Can I change my name on PayPal?” PayPal is widely used for online transactions, but one of its strict policies is that you can’t change your username once your account is created. Unlike social media platforms that allow users to update their usernames at any time, PayPal links usernames to the email address used during sign-up.
While you can update your legal name (for instance, after marriage, divorce, or fixing a typo), changing your username is not an option. This means if you signed up with the wrong name or want to transfer ownership to someone else, PayPal will not allow you to modify it.
How to change your name on PayPal: Step-by-step guide
While you can't change your PayPal username, you can indeed change the display name associated with your account – both personal and business. As a PayPal user with an account, you can’t change PayPal username. However, you can update the display name on personal and business accounts.
Without further ado, let’s find out how you change your name on PayPal:
How to change name on PayPal (for personal accounts)
There are three different name change options available for PayPal users in the same menu. Follow the steps to change the PayPal name on your personal account:
Steps 1
First, open an internet browser like Google, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Then, log into your PayPal account. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen to open your settings.
Step 2
The settings page will display the name currently associated with your PayPal account. To change it, click "Update."
Step 3
The update page will provide you with three choices to alter your name, each with specific requirements. You can request PayPal to modify your legal name, include a "nickname" for your account, or simply fix a typo.
No matter the document you submit, it must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.
Let’s find out what those three options and PayPal requirements are (though we’ll discuss what you’ll need to change PayPal name in detail in the next section).
Change your legal name
If you want to update your legal name (due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason), you’ll need to provide:
- A government-issued photo ID4 (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Legal proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order)
Once submitted, PayPal will review your request. While they state it takes about a week, some users report longer wait times.
Update your nickname
Another option you can use is to ‘update’ your name. It’s increasingly useful if you wish to use a shortened version of your name or a commonly used nickname.
To do it, you’ll need:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Paperwork that shows your current name, such as a utility bill
Like legal name changes on PayPal, this process also requires approval and may take some time.
Correct a typo
If your name has a small spelling mistake, you can fix it without submitting documents. However, PayPal only allows minor corrections (up to 2 characters4), and you can only make this change once.
Follow these steps to ensure your PayPal account reflects your correct name.
How to change PayPal name (for business accounts)
If you have a business account5 and wish to change name on PayPal, follow these steps:
Step 1
Go to PayPal and click "Log In". Now, enter your business account credentials.
Step 2
Click on the ‘Settings’ icon in the top-right corner. Select "Business Information" from the menu.
Step 3
Click ‘Update’ next to your business name and hit the ‘Edit’ button to start the name-change process.
Step 4
Click the ‘Change’ button. You’ll find it under the business name. It’s important to note that PayPal requires legal proof of your business name change6.
You may need to upload:
- A business registration certificate
- A government-issued business license
- Legal documents that verify the name change
Step 5
Once you upload the necessary documents, click ‘Submit’ to send your request.
Step 6
PayPal reviews business name changes in 1 to 2 business days6. Sometimes, it could take a little longer. If more verification is required, PayPal will reach out via email.
What you need to change your PayPal name
Curious how to perform a PayPal name change and what documents you’ll need?
Well, if you want to update your name on PayPal, the process depends on the type of change you’re making. Whether it’s a minor correction, a legal name change, or a business name update, you must provide the proper documentation.
Let’s explore it further.
Minor name corrections (typos)
If you need to fix a small mistake, such as a typo in your name, PayPal allows you to update it by providing a government-issued ID. Your ID must be valid – not expired – and show your correct name.
Legal name changes
For significant name changes – such as after marriage, divorce, or a legal name change – users will have to submit official documents.
Some documents PayPal requires may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Other legal documents proving the name change
The giant payment system may also require you to upload clear, high-quality photos of both the front and back of your ID. Ensure that all four corners are visible, without blur4, glare, or shadows. This is crucial because any missing or blocked parts will result in rejection.
Business name updates
If you’ve legally changed your business name, you can easily change your PayPal name on your account – all you need to do is submit proper business registration documents.
However, this process is only available if your business name has changed, not if you start a new business. If you’re setting up a PayPal account for a different business, you should open a new PayPal business account instead.
Restrictions on name changes
Here are a few restrictions users should watch out for:
- You can’t change your PayPal name to another person’s name.
- Ownership changes are only allowed for Business Accounts and only when proper documentation is provided.
What if you can’t change your PayPal username?
Your PayPal username is an important part of your account, but sometimes you may need to change it – only to find out that it’s not possible. PayPal has strict rules about name changes, and in certain situations, they won’t allow it. If your request to change your username is denied, fret not, as there are still a few things you can do.
Situations where PayPal won’t allow a name change
There are several reasons why PayPal might refuse a name change request. These include:
PayPal accounts are tied to individual users or businesses. If you try to change the name on an account to someone else’s, PayPal won’t allow it. Instead, the new user will need to create their own PayPal account. This policy helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
If your account isn’t verified, PayPal may reject a name change request. Verification typically requires linking a bank account or providing proof of identity. If your account is unverified, you may need to complete the verification process before attempting to update your name.
When requesting a name change, PayPal usually requires supporting documents, such as a government-issued ID, marriage certificate, or business registration papers. If the documents you provide don’t exactly match your PayPal account details, your request may be denied. Make sure your documents are clear and valid and match the information on your PayPal account.
Alternative solutions
If PayPal won’t allow you to change your username, you still have options. Here are a few workarounds to consider:
Create a new PayPal account
If you’re unable to change your name and it’s essential that your account reflects the correct details, creating a new PayPal account may be the best solution.
Before doing this, consider the following:
- If your current account is linked to a bank account or credit card, you will need to remove these payment methods before adding them to a new account.
- If you regularly receive payments through PayPal, notify your contacts of the new account details.
Update your email address
If you are rebranding a business and can’t change the PayPal business name, update your email address. PayPal allows users to add multiple email addresses to an account. You can update your primary email to reflect your new brand and keep the account active.
This solution is useful for businesses that want to maintain transaction history but need a new point of contact.
Common issues when changing your name on PayPal
While PayPal allows users to update their names under certain conditions, the process is not always smooth. Several issues can arise, which may lead to delays or denials.
Below are the most common problems users encounter when attempting to change their name on PayPal.
Verification delays
One of the biggest reasons for delays is submitting incorrect or incomplete documents. PayPal requires clear, valid proof of your name change.
However, if you upload blurry images, expired documents, or files that don’t match the details on your account, your request may take longer to process or even be denied.
To avoid delays, double-check that your documents are correct before you submit them.
Rejected requests
PayPal may reject a name change request if the documents provided don’t exactly match the account holder’s details.
This is especially common if your PayPal account was created with a nickname, a misspelled name, or an incorrect legal name. If your request is denied, review the reason and try again with accurate documentation.
Business account restrictions
If you have a business PayPal account, changing the name can be more complicated. In many cases, you’ll need to provide legal proof of the business name change, such as updated registration documents.
Some types of business names may not be changeable at all, depending on PayPal’s policies.
Want to know more about how to change your PayPal username? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I change my PayPal username?
No, PayPal doesn’t allow users to change their usernames. However, you can update your personal or business name if you meet the criteria.
How long does it take for PayPal to approve a name change?
Although processing times vary, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days for PayPal to review and approve a name change request.7
Do I need to submit documents to change my name?
Yes, you will need to provide valid government-issued identification or legal documents, depending on the type of name change.
What if my name change request is denied?
If PayPal denies your request, they will usually specify why. Double-check your documents and ensure they match your PayPal account information. If needed, contact PayPal customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
There you have it – the answer to the query, “How do I change my name on PayPal”?
While PayPal won’t allow people to change their usernames, it does provide a few options to update their legal names and business names in specific circumstances. Ensure you have the required documents ready, and follow the steps we mentioned to the T to prevent any delays.
For the latest (and most up-to-date information), don’t forget to check PayPal’s official support page or contact their customer service.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of February 24, 2025
- https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/how-many-people-use-paypal
- https://www.demandsage.com/paypal-statistics/
- https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/About-Settings/How-do-I-submit-a-5MB-file-to-prove-my-address/td-p/1462412
- https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/how-do-i-change-the-name-on-my-paypal-account-help564
- https://www.paypal.com/sz/cshelp/article/how-do-i-change-my-business-name-help372
- https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Security-and-Fraud-Archives/How-long-do-PayPal-take-to-review-documents/td-p/613442/page/2
- https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Disputes-and-Limitations/Been-waiting-3-weeks-for-last-name-change/m-p/2267915/highlight/true
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
