Wikipedia:Changing username/Simple

Changing username/Simple
This page is a forum in which users can request, and global renamers (including stewards) can consider and carry out, requests to rename accounts to usernames that are not yet taken on any Wikimedia project. While global renamers carry out renames, other users (including bots) help by "clerking" the mechanics of this process. If you wish to help as a clerk, please read the linked page carefully.

Instructions
For help 'vanishing' from Wikipedia,
please see courtesy vanishing.

Once you have decided on the name you would like:

  1. Read this page first. You must be aware of, and understand, all of that information before requesting a username change
  2. Check to make sure this username is not already in use. Do this by searching for the name here. If the name appears in the results, even if on another Wikimedia project, it is taken.
  3. Do not create an account under the new name or move/redirect your userpages. We'll do that for you.
  4. Log in with your present username in order to place your request. Renames will not be approved if the requester is not logged in.
  5. Click here to place your request.
    • Add your desired username after NEW=
    • Add a reason for the change after REASON=
    • Do not change anything after CURRENT=
  6. Make sure that you have spelt your desired name correctly, including capitalization and spacing. Save the page. If your request is submitted malformed, please remedy it according to this page.
  7. Check back on this page periodically to answer any questions that may arise regarding your request. Please be patient. It may take a few days for your request to be completed. If you do not answer any questions, your request may be declined due to no response.
  8. Once your request has been completed, please do not remove or change your request. It will be archived automatically by a bot.
  • Requests that do not adhere to these instructions or that are grossly malformed are subject to removal.


Important Notes After you are renamed...
  • Due to technical limitations, usernames may not start with a lowercase letter. However, you may use the template {{lowercase title}} on your user and user talk pages, and change your signature to reflect your preference.
  • Underscores and spaces are considered identical by the MediaWiki software.
  • Use of a company, organization, group, website, or product name as a username is prohibited by the username policy.
  • Please understand the implications of using your real name before requesting a name change to it.
  • ... your name will be changed to the new one in the page history of every page you've edited.
  • ... your userpage and any subpages will be moved to the new name automatically. Please do not attempt to move them yourself.
  • ... links left by your previous signatures will still point to the old userpage; however, a redirect will be left behind to your new userpage.
  • ... your request will be automatically moved to the archives in the interest of transparency.