contain the # < > [ ] | { } / @ : = characters, among other restrictions
Check that your new username is not already in use by searching for it on Special:CentralAuth. If the name is registered, even on another Wikimedia project, it is taken. If the target name hasn't made any edits to any Wikimedia project, you may request usurpation at meta:Steward requests/Username changes.
Log in with your current username. Requests will not be approved if the requester is not logged in.
Add a reason for the change after REASON=. Requests without a valid reason will not be approved.
Do not change anything else.
Select Publish changes.
Check back on this page periodically to answer any inquiries regarding your request. Consider watching the page so you can monitor updates. Requests may be closed if there are unresolved queries.
Requests that do not follow these instructions or that are grossly malformed are subject to removal.
Only stewards and global renamers have the authority to approve or decline requests. Requests are automatically clerked by a bot, but occasionally human intervention is required, particularly for malformed requests. If you would like to help out with clerking, please see Wikipedia:Changing username/Assistance.
Notice to renamers
Please remember to check Special:CentralAuth to see if an account is subject to blocks on another project before renaming.
Do not be surprised if you suddenly cannot log in to your old account; this merely indicates that you should log in under your new user name as the request has been fulfilled.
