Alex Ruben
How to Change Your Facebook ID Name Before the 60-Day Limit
Are you frustrated with Facebook’s 60-day name change restriction? Whether you made a simple typo or need to reflect a significant life change, such as marriage or reclaiming your professional identity, there are ways to navigate this challenge. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to submit a Name Change Appeal, creatively adjust your settings, or even create a new account if needed. By the end of this tutorial, you will have practical solutions to help you change your Facebook ID name and regain control over your digital identity.
Before you begin, make sure you have your official identification ready. This could include a driver’s license, passport, or any government-issued ID that matches the name you want to use. This preparation is crucial for the appeal process and will increase your chances of success.
Step 1: Access Facebook Settings
Start by logging into your Facebook account. Navigate to Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings. This is where you will manage your account settings, including personal information.
Step 2: Find the Name Change Section
In the settings menu, select Personal Information. Scroll down to the section labeled Name. Here, you will find a small link that says Learn More. Although it might be easy to overlook, this link is essential for submitting your Name Change Appeal.
Step 3: Submit Your Name Change Appeal
Click the Learn More link, which will lead you to a form for the Name Change Appeal. This form is specifically for cases where a name change is urgent or legitimate. You will need to upload an official ID that matches your new name exactly—no nicknames, creative spellings, or aspirational names allowed. Ensure that the name on your ID matches the name you wish to change to, as any discrepancies could result in rejection.
Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents
If your official ID does not reflect your desired name (for example, if you are in the process of legally changing your name), you can use alternate documentation. This could include a marriage certificate, a name change decree, or even a utility bill that supports your claim. The more official the documents you provide, the higher the chance Facebook will approve your appeal.
Step 5: Await Facebook’s Response
After submitting your appeal, mark your calendar for a follow-up. Facebook’s response time can vary significantly, taking anywhere from 48 hours to a week. You may receive either a confirmation of the name change or a vague denial with instructions for further action. If denied, ensure your documentation was solid, and consider resubmitting your appeal with adjusted wording to emphasize the urgency of your request.
Step 6: Use the Language Settings Trick (Optional)
As an alternative, some users have reported success by temporarily changing their Facebook language settings. Navigate to Language and Region settings and select a random language (e.g., Toml or Ukrainian). After making the name change, switch back to your original language. Note that this method may not always work, as Facebook continuously updates its systems to prevent such tricks.
Step 7: Create a New Facebook Account (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods succeed, consider creating a new Facebook account with the correct name. While this option is inconvenient, especially if you have a lot of connections and content on your current account, it might be the fastest way to resolve your issue. You can migrate your data carefully from your old account to the new one.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Be persistent in your efforts. If your initial appeal is denied, review your documents and try again. Common mistakes include not matching the name exactly as it appears on your ID or using unofficial documentation. Always double-check before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on Facebook without official documents?
No, Facebook requires official documentation to approve name changes, especially for urgent requests.
How long does Facebook take to approve a name change?
The approval process can take anywhere from 48 hours to a week.
What should I do if my name change appeal is denied?
If denied, review your submitted documents for accuracy, and consider resubmitting with emphasized urgency or altered wording to better convey your request.