Where to find your name settings on Amazon

Your name on Amazon lives in your account settings, not in a separate profile page. To reach it, sign into your Amazon account and look for the account icon — a small circle or silhouette in the top right corner of the page, next to the search bar. Click it and select "Account" from the dropdown menu.

Once you're in your account page, scroll down until you see a section called "Login & security". This is where Amazon stores your name, email, and password information. You'll see your current name displayed there. Click the "Edit" button next to your name to open the editing window.

Key Takeaways

  • Your name on Amazon is stored in Login & security settings, reached through the account icon in the top right corner of any page.
  • Amazon accepts first and last name changes but does not allow you to change the name associated with an active order or return.
  • The name you enter must match the name on your payment method, or your next purchase may be declined.
  • Changes take effect when ready, but Amazon may send a confirmation email to verify the change was made by you.
  • If you've changed your legal name, you may need to update your payment methods and addresses separately to match.

What name format Amazon requires

Amazon asks for your first name and last name in two separate fields. You cannot use special characters, numbers, or symbols — only letters, spaces, and hyphens. If your legal name includes a hyphen (like Mary-Jane) or a space in your last name (like Van Der Berg), Amazon will accept those.

Do not use nicknames, initials, or titles like "Dr." or "Mrs." in the name fields. Amazon uses this name to match against your payment methods and shipping addresses, so it needs to be exactly as it appears on your ID or credit card. If your name doesn't match your payment method, your purchase may be flagged as suspicious and declined.

Updating your name before and after orders

You can change your name at any time, but the timing matters for active orders. If you have an order that hasn't shipped yet, changing your name won't affect that order — it will ship with the name that was on file when you placed it. Once an order has shipped, you cannot change the name associated with it.

If you're in the middle of a return, do not change your name until the return is complete. Amazon matches returned items to your account using the name from the original order, and changing your name mid-return can cause the refund to be delayed or sent to the wrong account. Wait until the return is processed and the refund appears in your account before you make the change.

How to actually enter your new name

In the editing window, you'll see two text boxes: one for your first name and one for your last name. Clear the existing text completely and type your new name. Check for typos — Amazon does not flag misspelled names, so if you type "Micheal" instead of "Michael," that's what will appear on your account.

After you've entered both names, click the "Save changes" button at the bottom of the window. Amazon will process the change and return you to your account page. Your new name should now appear in the Login & security section. If you don't see it update within a few seconds, refresh the page.

What happens to your name on receipts and addresses

When you change your name on Amazon, it updates your account name when ready, but it does not automatically change the name on your saved addresses or payment methods. If you've saved a shipping address under your old name, that address will still show your old name when you use it for checkout. You'll need to edit each address separately to match your new name.

The same applies to your payment methods. If your credit card is registered under your old name, update that information in your payment settings so it matches your account name. Go to "Your payments" in your account menu, find the card you use most often, and edit the name associated with it. This prevents your card from being declined due to a name mismatch.

Why Amazon sends a confirmation email

After you change your name, Amazon may send you a confirmation email at the address on file. This is a security measure — it alerts you that your account information has changed and gives you a chance to undo the change if someone else made it without your permission. You don't need to do anything with this email unless you didn't make the change yourself.

If you did not request the name change and receive this email, click the link in the email to review the change and reverse it if needed. You can also contact Amazon's account support team directly through your account settings if you believe your account has been compromised.

Changing your name if you've had a legal name change

If you've legally changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you'll want to update Amazon to match your new legal documents. Start with your account name using the steps above. Then update your payment methods and addresses so everything matches your new legal name.

You may also want to update the name on your Amazon Prime membership if you have one. This is done in the same Login & security section. Some services tied to your account, like Alexa or Amazon Music, may also pull your name from your account settings, so changing it once updates those services as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Amazon if I have an active order?

Yes, you can change your name at any time. However, the change won't affect orders that have already shipped. If your order hasn't shipped yet, it will still go out under the name that was on your account when you placed it. Wait until the order arrives before changing your name if you want the package to reflect your new name.

What if my new name doesn't match my credit card?

Your purchase may be declined if your account name doesn't match your payment method. Update your credit card information in the payment settings to match your new name, or add a new payment method that's registered under your new name. This prevents fraud checks from blocking your checkout.

How long does it take for the name change to show up everywhere?

Your account name updates when ready in your Login & security settings. However, it can take a few hours for the change to appear on receipts and in your order history. If you place an order right after changing your name, that order will use your new name.

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes. Go back to Login & security, click Edit next to your name, and enter your previous name. There's no limit to how many times you can change your name on Amazon, though doing it frequently may trigger a security review.

Do I need to update my addresses after I change my name?

Not when ready, but it's a good idea. Your saved addresses will still work for checkout, but they'll show your old name. If you want all your shipping labels and receipts to match your new name, edit each address in your account and update the name field.