Change Your Name in Account Settings
To change your name on PayPal, log into your account, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Personal info. You'll see your current first and last name. Click Edit next to your name, type in your new name, and click Save. The change takes effect when ready in your account.
PayPal will send you a confirmation email to the address on file. Keep that email — it documents when you made the change. If you're changing your name because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you may need to provide supporting documents later if PayPal flags your account for review.
Key Takeaways
- Name changes in PayPal Settings take effect right away, but PayPal may ask for proof if the change looks unusual to their system.
- If you've had a legal name change, keep your court order or marriage certificate handy — PayPal may request it.
- Changing your name does not change your email address, phone number, or payment history tied to your account.
- If you cannot edit your name yourself, your account may be limited, and you'll need to contact PayPal Support to restore access first.
When PayPal Asks for Proof of Your Name Change
PayPal's system flags accounts when a name changes suddenly or in ways that don't match their records. If this happens, you'll see a message in your account asking you to confirm your identity. You may be asked to upload a photo of a government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) that shows your new name.
For legal name changes — marriage, divorce, or court order — PayPal may also ask for the legal document itself. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change is usually enough. Upload clear photos of the front and back, or a full scan if you have one. The review typically takes a few business days.
Changing Your Name if Your Account Is Limited
If PayPal has limited your account for security reasons, you won't be able to edit your name yourself. You'll see a message telling you your account is under review or restricted. In this case, you need to contact PayPal Support directly before you can make any changes.
Go to the Help Center (the question mark icon), scroll down, and select Contact Us. Choose the reason that matches your situation — usually "Account access" or "Account limitations" — and PayPal will give you options to chat, call, or message. Explain that you've had a legal name change and want to update your account. They'll walk you through what documents they need and restore your access once the review is complete.
What Stays the Same When You Change Your Name
Your PayPal email address, phone number, and account history don't change when you update your name. All your past transactions, payment records, and seller history remain attached to your account. If you're a seller, your business name and store name are separate from your personal name — changing your personal name won't affect those unless you edit them separately.
If you're receiving money through PayPal, the person sending it won't see your new name until they look at their transaction history after the change. Your new name will appear on future invoices and receipts you send out.
Changing Your Name on a Business Account
Business accounts work differently. If you're the account owner, go to Settings and select Business info instead of Personal info. You can edit your business name there. Your personal name on file is separate — it's under Personal info — and you can change that the same way as a regular account.
If you're changing your business name legally, PayPal may ask for documents like an updated business license, DBA certificate, or articles of amendment. Keep these ready in case they request them during review. The process is the same: upload clear photos through the Help Center if PayPal asks.
If You Need to Change Your Name for a Different Reason
Sometimes people need to change their name because they made a typo when they first signed up, or because they go by a different name now. PayPal allows this, but the reason matters to their review process. A typo correction usually goes through without questions. A change from a nickname to a legal name, or vice versa, may trigger a review.
Be honest about why you're changing it if PayPal asks. If it's a typo, say so. If it's a legal name change, provide the documents. If it's a preference — you've always gone by a middle name, for example — explain that. PayPal's goal is to prevent fraud, not to police how you use your name, so straightforward explanations usually clear things up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for PayPal to approve a name change?
If you change your name and PayPal doesn't flag your account, the change is when ready. If they ask for proof, the review usually takes three to five business days. During that time, your account works normally — you can still send and receive money.
Can I change my name back if I made a mistake?
Yes. Go back to Settings, Personal info, and edit your name again. If you change it multiple times in a short period, PayPal may flag your account for review, so make sure you have the right name before you save.
Do I need to change my name on my bank account or card linked to PayPal?
No. Your PayPal name and your bank account name are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, if you've had a legal name change, you should update your bank account and ID with your bank as well — that's a separate process with them.
What if PayPal rejects my name change?
PayPal rarely rejects a name change outright. If they do, it usually means your account is flagged for fraud review or other security concerns. Contact PayPal Support through the Help Center to find out why and what you need to do next.
Can someone else change the name on my PayPal account?
No. Only the account owner can change the name, and only if they're logged in. If someone else has access to your account and changed your name without permission, that's a sign your account has been compromised. Change your password when ready and contact PayPal Support.