How to Change the Name on Your PayPal Account
Seamlessly update your name on your PayPal account. This guide provides clear steps to ensure your details are always correct.
Updating your name on a PayPal account is a straightforward process, often necessitated by life changes such as marriage, divorce, or a formal legal name change. Maintaining accurate personal or business information on your account is important for ensuring smooth transactions and compliance. PayPal provides a clear pathway for account holders to reflect their current identity.
Types of Name Changes and Required Documents
PayPal distinguishes between different types of name changes, each with specific documentation requirements. A minor correction, such as a small typo or a change of up to two characters, generally does not require submitting formal documents. This type of correction is typically permitted only once after account creation. For these minor adjustments, you might be asked to confirm your full name as it appears on official identification.
For more substantial updates, such as a legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, specific legal documents are necessary. You will need to provide a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, that clearly shows your new legal name. In addition, supporting legal documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order proving the name change are required for verification. When submitting documents, ensure they are legible, show all four corners, and are not obscured or expired.
Changing Your Personal Account Name
To initiate a name change for a personal PayPal account, log in through a web browser, as this feature is not typically available on the mobile application. Once logged in, locate and click on the “Settings” icon. From the settings menu, you will find an option to “Change Name” or “Update Name” next to your current name.
Selecting this option will present you with choices regarding the type of name change you wish to make, such as a minor correction or a legal name change. Follow the on-screen prompts to select the appropriate category that applies to your situation. If a legal name change is indicated, you will then be guided through the process of uploading the necessary supporting documents. Ensure all documents are clear and meet PayPal’s submission guidelines. After submitting your request and documents, PayPal typically reviews the application within 3 to 5 business days, and you may receive email confirmations regarding its status.
Changing Your Business Account Name
Changing the name associated with a business PayPal account follows a similar procedure to personal accounts, also requiring access through a web browser. Begin by logging into your business account and navigating to the “Settings” section. Within settings, locate “Business Information” and then select “Update” next to your business name.
Follow the prompts to indicate your business name has changed. For business name changes, PayPal requires formal documentation to verify the update. This may include a business registration certificate, an updated government-issued business license, or other legal documents that confirm the name change. It is important that the new business name on your PayPal account precisely matches the name registered with your business bank account to facilitate seamless transactions.
If you are establishing a new business entity, PayPal generally recommends creating a new business account rather than attempting to update the name on an existing one. The review process for business name changes is typically completed within 1 to 2 business days.