When you register your account, choose a username that you like, and that you'll find easy to remember. We don't allow usernames that include profane or obscene language, third-party trademarks, email or web addresses, or the word "eBay".
Frequently Asked Questions
What can usernames include?
Your usernames can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. Usernames have to be at least six characters long. You're not able to use spaces, or these symbols: @, &, ', (, ), <, or >.
How do I report an inappropriate username?
If you think a username is inappropriate, you don't need to report it to us. eBay has a number of systems in place to identify usernames that violate our policies. If we detect a name that violates our policies, we'll take steps to address and prevent it.
Read our full policy
Username policy overview
Your username is the unique name that you use to identify yourself on eBay, like SuperSeller or Nothing_but_Posters. When you register, you should choose a username that you like and will remember. Use your imagination, but keep in mind that there are a few rules you need to follow. Remember that usernames:
- Can't be obscene or profane
- Can't contain an email address or web address (URL), or the word eBay
- Can't contain a phone number
- Must be at least 6 characters long
- Can't contain a third party's trademark or brand
There are also a few formatting guidelines you need to follow. For more specific information and examples of what is and is not allowed, please take a look at the guidelines below.
Make sure you follow these guidelines. If you don't, you may be subject to a range of actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.
If you see a username on the site that you think violates this policy, report it - opens in new window or tab.
If you're having trouble signing in to eBay or can't remember your username or password, get help.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
Usernames can contain:
- Letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and some symbols
- An element of an email address or web address (URL) that identifies you or your brand. For example, if your website is www.mikes_bikes.com, your username can be mikes_bikes.
Not allowed
Usernames can't contain:
- The @, &, ', (, ), <, or > character. Note: eBay Store names can contain some symbols, such as &.
- Spaces or tabs. Note: eBay Store names can contain spaces.
- Elements that imply an email address or web address (for example, xyz.com), including but not limited to .com, .net, .org, .edu or any variation of such (for example, _com or -com).
- Phone numbers (numeric or alphanumeric)
- Consecutive underscores __.
- An underscore _, hyphen -, or period . at the beginning of a username (for example, -pezcollector).
- The word eBay (only eBay employees can use the word eBay in their usernames).
- The letter e followed by numbers.
- Obscene or profane words that violate eBay's guidelines. See eBay's rules on profanity.
- The same username as another seller or similar to an eBay Store name.
- A term that is similar to, or might be confused with, a third party's trademark or brand (for example, CocaColaSeller).
Additional information
You can only change your username once in a 30-day period. This is to prevent confusion for other eBay members as well as potential fraud. Keep in mind that your username is a valuable asset on eBay, like your Feedback score. Buyers and sellers will recognize you by your username, so it's a good idea to choose one that you'll want to use for the long term.
Information for members whose current username is—or represents—an email address or web address (URL): If you have a current eBay username registered after November 2001 that is also an email address, a web address (URL), or is a look-alike for either, you must change your username - opens in new window or tab to comply with this policy.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We want all our members to choose a username they like, but we don't allow members to choose a username that might be offensive to others, might violate a copyright or trademark, or might mislead or confuse other members.