This policy is effective as at 8 April 2024. The policy wording and page layout have been updated for clarity, but our guidelines are unchanged.
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 offensive 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 between 6 and 64 characters, and cannot include spaces.
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 include offensive language
- Can't contain an email address or web address (URL), or the word eBay
- Can't contain a phone number or be entirely numeric
- Must be 6 to 64 characters long
- Can't contain a third party's trademark or brand
- Can't be the same as your email ID
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.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
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, A-Z) and numbers (0-9)
- The following symbols: star *, hyphen -, dot ., underscore _
- 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:
- Any special characters except those listed under Allowed above. 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 full stop . 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 offensive language
- 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 recognise 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.