Changing your name with PayPal

How do I change my name on PayPal?#

You make the change yourself, in your account settings on PayPal's website. PayPal's help gives these steps:

1. Go to Settings and log in.
2. Click Change name.
3. Select your type of name change.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen, then click Continue or Update Name.

For a legal or major change of name PayPal says you "may be required to upload supporting documentation", and gives valid photo ID as the example. Its help pages mention no fee.

Correcting a misspelt name#

PayPal treats a spelling mistake differently from a change of name. You can correct a misspelt name on the web by "up to 2 characters", and "only once after creating your PayPal account". Anything larger, such as a new surname, is a legal or major change, which may need documents.

What documents does PayPal ask for?#

PayPal's name change page gives one example: "a valid photo ID". Its other help pages fill in what that means.

• Photo ID. PayPal accepts copies of a passport, a driving licence ("the plastic card, not the official letter"), an identity card or other photo ID issued by a government body. It must not be expired, and the name, date of birth, issue and expiry dates and document number must show.
• A document linking the names. PayPal's page on correcting personal data says it may ask for more information to confirm a change, and that "a marriage license may be required to confirm a name change". Its page on account limitations adds that if your document does not match the name on your PayPal account, it may ask for "more documentation that shows the name change".

None of PayPal's UK help pages mentions a deed poll. In practice that means the smoothest route is to change your driving licence or passport first, then PayPal, so the photo ID you upload already shows the new name. DVLA changes the name on a licence free, by post. Keep a photo or scan of your deed poll or marriage certificate in case PayPal asks for the link between the two names.

How to upload your documents#

PayPal asks for photos of the front and back of your ID. The whole document should show clearly, with all four corners visible and "no blur, glare or shadows"; nothing may be covered or missing. Its upload help adds that each file must be at least 30kb, and suggests turning off the flash. You never send an original.

PayPal does not give a time for a change of name. For its identity checks it says it tries to review documents within 2 business days, and if you hold more than one PayPal account, documents must be uploaded "separately for each PayPal account".

Your bank account and cards after the change#

PayPal is strict about names where money leaves your account. It says the name on your bank account must match the name on your PayPal account, and if it does not, "the transfer could fail".

So once your bank has your new name, PayPal asks you to:

1. go to your Wallet, click the bank and choose Remove bank;
2. link the bank account again;
3. confirm it.

The order matters. Change your name with your bank before, or at the same time as, PayPal, so the two agree. Most banks accept a deed poll on its own, but Lloyds, Halifax and Santander accept an unenrolled one only with a passport or driving licence in the new name, and Barclays wants government photo ID in the new name for a new first, middle or full name: changing your name with your bank compares them. Your cards follow their issuers: American Express and other credit cards.

Business accounts#

A business name is changed under Business Information in your account settings: click Update next to your business name, then Edit, then Change, and choose "Your business name has changed". PayPal says you must be able to verify the legal change, that a new business needs a new PayPal account rather than a renamed one, and that the business name must match the name on the bank account you transfer to. Your own name as the account holder follows the personal steps above.

If something goes wrong#

If the Change name option does not offer the change you need, PayPal's page on correcting personal data gives a second route: Settings, then Data and Privacy, then Correct your data, or the same under your profile icon in the app. PayPal's contact page lists the other ways to reach it.

PayPal also says it cannot change the name on an account to another person's name. A change of ownership is possible only on a business account. Changing your name on Facebook, Amazon and other accounts covers the other online accounts.