Yes, you can change your RuneScape username, but the process and cost depend on which version of the game you play

RuneScape offers username changes through its official account management system, but the rules differ between RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Both games let you change your display name — the name other players see — but the character name itself (your login identifier) works differently on each version. RuneScape 3 lets you change both your display name and your character name. Old School RuneScape only lets you change your display name. The first change is free on both versions; subsequent changes cost real money.

Key Takeaways

  • RuneScape 3 players can change both their display name and character name, while Old School RuneScape players can only change their display name.
  • Your first display name change is free on both game versions; additional changes cost 6.99 GBP (or the equivalent in your region's currency).
  • You change your display name through the Account Settings page on the RuneScape website, not inside the game client.
  • Character name changes on RuneScape 3 require a separate process and also cost money after the first free change.
  • If your desired name is already taken, you cannot use it — the system does not hold names or create waiting lists.

How to change your display name on RuneScape 3

Log into your RuneScape account on the official website and go to Account Settings. Look for the "Display Name" section. Click the option to change your display name. Type your new name into the field. RuneScape checks whether the name is available in real time — if it is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you cannot proceed. If the name is available, confirm the change.

Your first display name change costs nothing. If you change your display name again later, the cost is 6.99 GBP (prices vary by region and may be charged in your local currency). You can change your display name once every 28 days, whether you pay or not. The new name takes effect when ready in the game world and on the website.

How to change your character name on RuneScape 3 only

Your character name is the name you use to log into the game — it is different from your display name. RuneScape 3 lets you change this separately. Go to Account Settings on the website and find the "Character Name" section. Click to change it, type your new character name, and confirm. Like display names, character names must be unique and available. Your first character name change is free; later changes cost 6.99 GBP.

Character name changes take effect when ready, but you must log out and back in with your new character name to see the change in the game client. Old School RuneScape does not offer character name changes — your login name stays the same for the life of the account.

What happens to your old username

When you change your display name, your old name becomes available for other players to use after a short delay. RuneScape does not reserve old names or hold them for you. If you want to reclaim an old name later, you would have to wait for someone else to use it first, then change your display name again when it becomes free.

On RuneScape 3, if you change your character name, the same rule applies — the old character name enters a pool of available names. This matters if you have built a reputation under a particular name and other players know you by it. Changing your name does not transfer any account history or achievements to a new identity; your account record stays the same.

Restrictions and rules for new usernames

RuneScape enforces rules about what names are allowed. You cannot use names that contain offensive language, impersonate Jagex staff members, or include real-world contact information like email addresses or phone numbers. Names with excessive numbers or special characters may be rejected. The system checks your proposed name against these rules before you confirm the change.

If you choose a name that violates the rules, you will see an error message and cannot proceed. You must choose a different name. There is no appeal process for rejected names — if the system says a name is not allowed, you need to pick another one.

Costs and payment methods

Your first display name change is free. Your first character name change on RuneScape 3 is also free. Any change after that costs 6.99 GBP per change. RuneScape accepts payment through credit card, debit card, and PayPal. The charge appears on your statement under Jagex Limited. If you have a RuneScape membership, you can also use bonds (in-game currency purchased with real money) to pay for name changes, though the bond cost varies and is set by Jagex.

Prices are listed in GBP on the RuneScape website, but if you are in a different region, the amount you pay will be converted to your local currency. The exact conversion depends on your payment method and your bank's exchange rate.

If your desired name is already taken

RuneScape does not hold names or create waiting lists. If the name you want is in use by another player, you cannot have it. Your only options are to choose a different name or wait for the other player to change their name or abandon their account. Accounts that have been inactive for a very long time may eventually be cleaned up by Jagex, which could free up a name, but there is no public schedule for this and no way to request it.

If you see a name you want that belongs to an inactive account, you cannot reserve it or ask Jagex to free it up. You would have to check back periodically to see if it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, if no one else has claimed it. After you change your display name, your old name becomes available to other players. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again unless they change their name first. You can change your display name as often as you want (once every 28 days), so you can switch back and forth between names if they remain unclaimed.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your password stays the same. On RuneScape 3, if you change your character name (your login name), you will log in with the new character name, but your password does not change. On Old School RuneScape, your login name never changes, so your password remains exactly as it was.

Will my friends still see me after I change my name?

Yes. Your account stays the same — only your display name changes. Your friends list, achievements, and game progress are all tied to your account, not your name. Other players will see your new name in the game world and on the high scores, but it is still you.

Can I change my username if I have been banned or muted?

Yes, you can change your display name even if your account is muted or banned. However, changing your name does not lift the mute or ban. If your account is banned, you cannot log in to play, so changing your name would not help you access the game. The ban applies to your account, not your username.

What if I forget my new username after I change it?

You can see your current display name and character name by logging into your account on the RuneScape website and checking Account Settings. You can also see your display name in the game client after you log in. If you forget your login credentials entirely, use the "Forgotten your password?" option on the login page to reset your account access.