How to Change Your Name
in Ohio
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Ohio.
Filing Fee
$100-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Probate Court
Where you file
Ohio Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Probate Court
Where to File
File in the Probate Court in the county where you have resided for at least one year
Filing Fee
$100-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Ohio
Ohio requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for six consecutive weeks.
Ohio-Specific Rule
Ohio processes adult name changes through the Probate Court. Publication is required, and the petitioner must have been a resident of the county for at least one year prior to filing.
Required Documents in Ohio
Application for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of county residency for at least one year
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Ohio
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Probate Court in the county where you have resided for at least one year. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Application for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of county residency for at least one year, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Ohio is approximately $100-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Ohio requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for six consecutive weeks.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Ohio courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Ohio?
In Ohio, you file in the Probate Court. File in the Probate Court in the county where you have resided for at least one year. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Ohio?
The filing fee in Ohio is approximately $100-$200. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Ohio?
Ohio requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for six consecutive weeks.
How long does a name change take in Ohio?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Ohio. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Ohio?
For your name change petition in Ohio, gather: Application for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of county residency for at least one year, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Ohio-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Ohio-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Ohio document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Ohio.
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