Display your ID name as an additional name on your profile

Last updated: 3 months ago

We can use your ID name to verify your identity on LinkedIn if your name on your profile doesn’t match the name on your government-issued ID (your “legal name” or your “ID name"). We match your ID name because your ID name can be verified.

We understand that your LinkedIn name may not always match your legal name. That’s why we offer flexible identity verification options tailored to your situation. Participating in identity verification is optional.

Display your legal name on your profile

One way to verify your identity is by consenting to display your legal name alongside your LinkedIn name. 

  • This will not replace your LinkedIn name but your legal name will appear in parenthesis after it. 
  • Your ID name will also appear if you have a secondary profile in another language. 
  • However, your ID name will not be visible on public profiles to anyone who is not logged in to LinkedIn. 

If your LinkedIn name does not match your legal name, your identity verification is contingent on the legal name being displayed.

ID name with profile name

Add your legal name to your profile

If you have not added your legal name to your profile and you receive a message stating that verification couldn’t be added yet, follow these steps:

  1. Select Display your ID name as an additional name on your profile.
  2. Select Display ID name to consent to displaying your ID name as an additional name on your profile.
  3. When completed, you’ll see a confirmation that identity verification has been added.

Find your legal name

  • You can view your additional name when you edit your profile. (To edit your profile click your profile image and then select the  edit icon on your profile).
  • Your ID name is view-only and cannot be changed or updated.
  • Deleting your ID name will remove both your legal name and your identity verification.

Who can see your legal name?

If you choose to display your ID name, it will be visible to all logged-in LinkedIn members. 

However, it will not appear:

  • On public profiles
  • To visitors who are not logged into LinkedIn
  • In public search engine results

What happens if you delete your verification?

If you delete your identity verification in Settings, your legal name will also be removed from your profile.