User:X!/Changing username/Front matter

 Clerk instructions
 * This page should not be confused with documentation about the renaming of articles.

Registered users on the English Wikipedia are able to seek username changes. Renames are carried out by bureaucrats, in accordance with the username policy and their own discretion.

Before requesting a rename
Before you request a rename, please keep these points in mind:


 * This page is for requests on the English Wikipedia only. To change your username on another Wikimedia project, please ask a bureaucrat on that project or make a request on Meta.
 * It is not possible to merge accounts, nor is is possible to reattribute edits.
 * Your username cannot begin with a lowercase letter or contain underscores. Try placing lowercase on your userpage.

Alternatives
In some cases, it may be easier and more efficient to continue with alternate methods of changing your identity, such as these:


 * Consider changing your signature. This will change your "public appearance" on talk pages and other places where you sign your username with.
 * If you have not made very many edits, it might be more efficient to simply create a new username and discard the old one.
 * If you wish to retire from editing Wikipedia, please use the retired template for that. (If you wish to exercise your privilege to vanish, you may make a request here or email the bureaucrats)

Choosing an appropriate new name

 * First, take a look at the username policy to make sure the username you are requesting is appropriate.
 * Using your real name as a username may put you at risk for harassment. Your request to use your real name will be delayed unless you state explicitly that you are aware of the implications of using your real name.
 * Please note that for technical reasons, your username cannot begin with a lowercase letter, nor can it contain any underscores. However, you can change your signature to say whatever you like, within reason of course. You can also place a lowercase on your userpage, talk page, and subpages to make them display an initial lowercase letter.

Instructions
Archives: See: Changing username/Archives