Why your legal name is locked on Remote and how to update it

Article author
Temitope Olamolu
  • Updated
This article explains why your legal name may be locked in Remote and how you can request an update if your name changes for legal reasons.
 

Who this applies to

This information applies to our users (employees and contractors) using Remote services, including Employer of Record (EOR), Payroll, Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Contractor Management or Contractor of Record.
 

Why your legal name is locked

To protect your account and prevent fraud, Remote locks your legal name field after identity verification or once you complete onboarding. This means you cannot edit your name in your profile without verification, though you can still request updates through our automated validation system.
 

When the name field becomes locked

For new users under EOR and Contractor Management who verify their identity with Persona, the legal name field locks immediately after verification.
For new users under Global Payroll and Professional Employer Organization (PEO), the legal name field locks after onboarding.
For existing users who already have a Remote profile, the field will appear greyed out and can't be edited.
 

How to request a legal name update

If your legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, you can request an update through our automated verification system.
 
  • Step 1: Prepare your documentation

Prepare a valid government-issued ID that shows your new legal name. This will be used for verification through our Persona system. Note that if the ID cannot be automatically verified, your request will go into manual review, at which point our team may request additional documentation (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
 
  • Step 2: Start the verification process

From your Remote account, select Account or profile changes → Update legal name. You'll be directed to our Persona ID verification system.
 
  • Step 3: Complete Persona verification

Follow the prompts to verify your identity with Persona using your new ID documentation. This automated process helps us securely verify your identity and update your information.
Tip: Make sure your documents are clear and readable. Blurry images may delay processing or cause verification to fail.
 

If verification fails

If your Persona ID verification fails or goes into manual review, please contact our Compliance team directly at compliance@remote.com. The team will assist you with completing your name change request and validating the information.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I can't edit my legal name in my profile. Is this expected?

Yes. The field is locked after verification or onboarding for security reasons.

Does this affect everyone?

Yes. It applies to team members and contractors across Remote services where identity verification or onboarding is required.

What documentation do I need to update my legal name? 

You'll need a valid government-issued ID or other official document showing your new legal name. If applicable, include supporting legal paperwork such as a marriage certificate or court order.

When did this change take effect? I don't remember seeing this requirement before.

This feature is scheduled to go live on October 1, 2025.

Why was this feature implemented? 

The change was implemented to address fraud risks. Uncontrolled legal name changes posed a security vulnerability to our users.

I'm a new user. When exactly does my name field become locked? 

For new users the legal name field locks immediately after verification.

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