Facebook requires users to provide their real names and identities when creating accounts. However, sometimes users may want to change their names on Facebook for various reasons. It is possible to change your name on Facebook, but there are certain requirements and procedures that must be followed. In this article, we will explore whether it is truly possible to change your real name on Facebook and the steps involved.
Why Would You Want to Change Your Name on Facebook?
There are a few common reasons why someone might want to change their real name on their Facebook profile:
- Legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or other court order
- Prefer to use a nickname rather than legal name
- Change in gender identity
- Protect privacy or dissociate from old name
- Fix spelling errors or change name format
A legal name change is one of the most straightforward reasons for wanting to update your info. If you’ve changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or another court-ordered name change, you’ll want your Facebook profile to reflect your new name.
Others may prefer to use a nickname rather than their legal names on Facebook. For example, someone named Elizabeth may prefer to go by Liz or Beth online.
For those who are transgender or nonbinary, changing their name on Facebook is a way to affirm their gender identity. It helps others refer to them correctly.
In some cases, people want to change their names on Facebook to increase privacy or dissociate themselves from an old name they no longer use.
Finally, some name change requests are simply to correct spelling errors or change the name format (like adding a middle name).
Facebook’s Name Policy
Facebook has a “real name” policy for all users. According to their terms of service, users are required to:
- Provide your real name as it appears on legal documents such as your driver’s license or passport
- Avoid using fake or impersonator accounts
- Avoid names using celebrity or intellectual property references
- Avoid offensive or suggestive names
This policy is in place to help maintain authenticity and accountability on the platform. User profiles represent real people, not characters or pseudonyms according to Facebook.
However, the company understands that there are valid reasons people may need to change their names. The name policy states:
“We recognize that, in certain circumstances, some users might want to change the name they use on Facebook to reflect their identity…In these situations, we require you to provide documentation showing the legal or professional name change.”
So Facebook does allow for name changes in special circumstances as long as the proper procedures are followed.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook
If you want to change the name displayed on your Facebook account, here are the steps to follow:
- Go to your Facebook profile page and click on the “About” tab
- Click on the Contact and Basic Info link
- Click on the Edit button next to your name
- Enter your new name and click Review Change
- Select reason for name change from options
- Upload copy of legal name change document
- Submit request and await Facebook approval
The key steps are providing the new name you want displayed and uploading a legal document supporting this name change.
Facebook requires proof of your name change to prevent fraud and misrepresentation. Let’s look closer at the documentation requirements.
Documentation Requirements
To change your name on Facebook, you need to provide official documentation. Acceptable documents include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order approving name change
- Passport
- Drivers license
- Birth certificate
- Green card or visa
The documentation must clearly show your old name and new name. Make sure the image you upload is clear and legible. Photocopies and photos of your documents are acceptable.
If you are changing to a nickname rather than legal name, Facebook may ask for additional proof like school ID cards or mail addressed to that nickname.
Transgender users changing their names on Facebook must follow additional steps to confirm their identity. This involves submitting a personal statement explaining why you are changing your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about changing your name on Facebook:
How long does Facebook take to review name change requests?
Facebook aims to review name change requests within 1-3 business days. However, it may take longer if additional identity confirmation is needed. Be patient as Facebook thoroughly verifies all name changes.
Can you change your name multiple times on Facebook?
Facebook limits users to changing their name a maximum of 5 times within 60 days. If you reach this limit, you may be temporarily blocked from making further name changes. Excessive name changes are reviewed for any policy violations.
Does changing your Facebook name update past posts?
Yes, when you change your name on Facebook, it will automatically update on all past posts, photos, videos, comments, and other content you’ve shared. Your old name will be replaced with the new name across Facebook.
Can you revert back to your old Facebook name?
If you go through the steps to change your name and later decide you want your old name back, you can revert by submitting another name change request. As long as you have not reached the 5 name changes per 60 days limit, you can toggle between names by repeating the process.
Will changing your Facebook name impact your privacy?
Changing your name on Facebook should not directly impact your account privacy settings. However, it is wise to double check that your name change has not altered the privacy levels you previously established. Additionally, a new name essentially creates a new digital identity, so it may be harder for old friends to find or recognize you.
Pros and Cons of Changing Your Name on Facebook
Before going through the process to change your name of Facebook, consider some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
- Reflect your true identity
- Match other legal documents like passports or drivers licenses
- Disassociate from a previous name
- Use a preferred nickname rather than legal name
- Protect privacy or limit unwanted friend requests
Cons
- Friends may not be able to find or recognize you
- Loss of branding if name is used professionally
- Past comments and conversations are disjointed
- Difficult to revert back if you change your mind
- No guaranteed approval from Facebook
For many users, the pros outweigh the cons. But be thoughtful about your decision before embarking on a name change.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Name
To ensure your Facebook name change goes smoothly, beware these common mistakes:
- Forgetting to upload proper legal documentation
- Providing a fake name or impersonating someone else
- Exceeding the 5 name changes per 60 days limit
- Changing to a celebrity, offensive, suggestive, or inappropriate name
- Removing your last name or providing only initials
- Using titles like “Dr.” or “Lord” as part of your name
Following Facebook’s policies carefully and providing valid ID documents will help prevent delays or problems with your name change.
Special Cases
While most name changes on Facebook are straightforward, there are some special cases worth mentioning:
Businesses and brands
If your Facebook account represents a business, changing the name requires proving you have the rights to use that business name. You’ll need to submit company registration documents proving ownership.
Extreme circumstances
For name changes involving domestic violence, abuse, or harassment, Facebook has special procedures in place to protect privacy and safety. Contact Facebook support for assistance.
Impersonation
If someone has created a fake account impersonating you, report it to Facebook immediately and submit identity documents to reclaim your name.
Underaged users
Minors under 18 have additional restrictions around name changes. A parent or guardian must approve and validate any name change requests.
Appealing Name Change Rejections
In some cases, Facebook may reject a name change request if you’ve violated policies or failed to provide adequate documentation. If you feel this rejection was unwarranted, you can file an appeal:
- Click on the notification saying your name change was declined
- Select “appeal this decision”
- Provide additional details and documentation to support your appeal
Persistence and clearly explaining your circumstances can overturn an initial name rejection. Be cooperative as Facebook reviews your appeal.
Conclusion
While Facebook requires users to provide real names, the platform does allow you to change your name in special circumstances. The key is submitting proper legal documentation like a marriage certificate, court order, or passport that proves you have legitimately updated your identity in real life.
With valid proof, the name change process through Facebook is relatively quick and straightforward. However, be mindful of the pros, cons, and restrictions around how many times you can change names. Overall, Facebook aims to accommodate major life changes like marriages and gender transitions that necessitate updating your profile name.