5 min article

Username policy

A username is the unique name used to identify yourself on eBay. We have a few rules on what you can and can't include in your username. Please see our full policy guidelines below for all the details, including examples of the types of usernames that are and are not allowed.

This policy was updated on 18 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.

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?

You can report a username that may be inappropriate here.

Read our full policy

Username policy overview

A username is the unique name used to identify yourself on eBay. At registration, you should choose a username you like and will remember. Usernames cannot be profane, obscene, or violate any eBay guidelines. Furthermore, usernames may not be an email address or web address (URL) or represent an email address or web address. See examples 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.

Report a username that may be inappropriate.

Some examples

  • You might use words identifying you and your favourite area of collection for example, JoeTheBookCollector
  • You could refer to your business for example, BertsBestBikesnTrikes
  • You could refer to your home state for example, georgia_peachman
  • You can refer to your own sense of style or your personality for example, happyharriett

Additional information

Usernames may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and/or some symbols. They must be at least two characters long.

What you can't include in your username:

  • The @, &, ', (, ), <, or > character
  • Spaces or tabs. Tip: You can use a hyphen to represent a space instead
  • 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 for example, _com or -com. (Your username can, however, contain an element of an email address or web address that, when viewed outside the context of the email address or web address, identifies you or your brand for example, xyz)
  • Phone numbers (numeric or alphanumeric)
  • Consecutive underscores __
  • An underscore _, hyphen -, or period . at the beginning of the username (for example, -pezcollector)
  • The word 'eBay', 'PayPal', 'Skype', 'Gumtree' (only eBay employees may use these in a 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)

You can only change your username once in a 30-day period. This is to prevent confusion for other eBay members. 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.

eBay Store names follow the same guidelines and restrictions as eBay usernames with two exceptions:

  • Spaces (example: Georgia Peachman)
  • Symbols such as '&' (example: Bert's Best Bikes & Trikes)

Why does eBay have this policy?

Usernames are a key building block of member identity and the eBay community. This policy helps members understand how to choose good eBay usernames.

Help us get better