Lichess Username Checker

By WhatsMyName Apps · Reviewed October 18, 2026 · Editorial policy

On Lichess, the username you pick at sign-up stays with the account. That makes checking first more important than on most sites. Enter a name below for a Lichess username search, then read the Lichess username policy.

Lichess username rules

Changing it	Not possible, for technical and practical reasons. Lichess allows a one-time change to the capitalisation.
Allowed characters and length	Not published in the Lichess FAQ or username policy.
Banned names	Offensive or sensitive topics, names that disparage others, and names impersonating living people.
Titles	Names that imply you hold a FIDE title or the Lichess Master title are not allowed.
Enforcement	An account with an inappropriate username may be closed.

Sources: Lichess FAQ: can I change my username, Lichess username policy, Lichess Terms of Service. Last reviewed 2026-10-18. Platforms change their rules; the linked help pages are the final word.

How to check a Lichess username

Type the name you want. Capitals do not matter for the lookup.
We ask Lichess's public player API whether an account with that exact name exists. It answers yes or no.
A "no" means no current account has the name. Closed accounts may still hold a name, so the sign-up form has the final word.
For a taken name, the result links to the player profile, lichess.org/@/<name>.

Lichess username taken? What you can do

Add a chess word or number: janeplays, jane_knight, jane1990.
Avoid anything that looks like a title, such as GM, IM or FM. Lichess closes accounts whose names imply a FIDE or Lichess Master title.
Since you cannot change the name later, take your time and say it out loud before you sign up.
Lichess does not publish a way to claim an unused name, so pick a variation.

How to change your Lichess username

You cannot change a Lichess username. The FAQ says this is for technical and practical reasons.
You can make a one-time change to the capitalisation, for example from janedoe to JaneDoe.
The sign-up page warns that you cannot change the name later and that accounts with inappropriate usernames will be closed.
Check the name here first, with the exact capitals you want, before you create the account.

Reserved and restricted names

Lichess bans offensive and disparaging names, names that impersonate living people, and names implying a FIDE title or the Lichess Master title. Its Terms of Service say a name chosen to provoke negative reactions will be closed.

Tips

Pick the capitalisation you want at sign-up. You only get one chance to change it.
A plain name is easier for friends to find when they challenge you.
If you also play on Chess.com, check the same name there so opponents recognise you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my Lichess username?

No. Lichess does not allow username changes, except for a one-time change of capital letters.

What usernames are not allowed on Lichess?

Offensive or disparaging names, names impersonating living people, and names implying a FIDE title or the Lichess Master title. The account can be closed.

How long can a Lichess username be?

Lichess does not publish a length rule in its FAQ or username policy. The sign-up form tells you if a name is too short or too long.

How do I search for someone on Lichess by username?

Open lichess.org/@/username, or type the name here and we ask Lichess's public API whether the account exists. You can also use the search on Lichess itself. Capitals do not matter for the lookup, and this page does not look up real names.

Also check on other top platforms

Each platform has its own checker page with its own rules. Pick one to test the same name there.

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