Being Your Authentic Self on Facebook
We understand that changing your name can be a challenging process for transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer and non-binary people. You can use your authentic name, the name you go by in everyday life, to update information like your bio, personal account, payment info, and to update your gender identity on Facebook.
Please note that updating your name in some places on Facebook may require you to submit one or more documents with your authentic name.
Gender identity and personal pronouns aren't required on Facebook, but if you add them to your account, note that:
- When Facebook contacts you, we'll only refer to you by the name on your Facebook account. This will appear as the name listed in your General Account Settings.
- Pronouns are not an option made available to advertisers in ads tools.
- You can, but aren’t required to, add or update your gender identity in your About settings.
- If you connect your Facebook account to a third-party app or website, the app or website may ask if you want to share your name.
For more information about changing your name and gender on government IDs in a US state, visit the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Verifying your identity
You may be asked to upload documents with your name to start or continue using features like Marketplace or Dating on Facebook. You can upload a government ID or something else from our ID list (example: mail, membership card) that shows your legal or authentic name.
Why am I being asked to upload an ID to Facebook?
How do I upload my ID to Facebook?
What types of ID does Facebook accept?
What happens to my ID after I send it to Facebook?
How do I review settings related to my ID being stored on Facebook?
Updating your profile information
You can update your name, nickname and gender that appear on your Facebook profile. If you have a verified account, you may need to provide a government ID or something else from our ID list that shows your legal or authentic name.
What names are allowed on Facebook?
How do I change my name on Facebook?
Why can't I change my name on Facebook?
Why was my name rejected during signup for Facebook?
How do I add or edit another name (example: nickname, maiden name) on my Facebook profile?
How do I add or edit a language-specific name on Facebook?
What if I have one name instead of a first name and a last name?
I'm in the process of changing my name. Which name should I use on Facebook?
How do I add a pronunciation guide to my name on Facebook?
Staying safe on Facebook
If you’re experiencing bullying or harassment on Facebook, you can take steps to stop seeing unwanted comments and messages and report offensive content you see. Learn more about how to report abusive content and spam on Facebook.
What is blocking on Facebook and how do I block someone's profile?
How can I stay safe on Facebook and what safety resources are available to me?
What should I do if I'm being bullied, harassed or attacked by someone on Facebook?
What should I do if someone dares or challenges me on Facebook to do something I’m not comfortable with?
What should I do if someone is asking me to share a nude or sexual picture of myself on Facebook, or is threatening to share a photo that I already sent?
A relationship on Facebook is making me uncomfortable. What should I do?
What can I do if my current or ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse is controlling or monitoring what I do on Facebook?
What should I do if I see images on Facebook of a child being physically abused or sexually exploited?
What should I do if someone posts something on Facebook related to human trafficking?
What is the Facebook Safety Advisory Board and what does this board do?
Facebook Pay
If you've connected Facebook Pay to your Facebook account, you'll need to update your payment information on Facebook to reflect your authentic name.
How do I get started with Facebook Pay?
How do I connect Facebook Pay across Instagram and Facebook?
Why is Facebook Payments asking for my ID?
How do I update my name on my Facebook Payments profile?