Changing your name legally in Ohio involves a specific legal process that must be carefully followed to ensure the new name is recognized by all relevant authorities. Whether you want to change your name due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, or any other reason, understanding the steps is crucial.
This guide will walk you through the entire procedure, including eligibility, required documents, court procedures, fees, and post-approval steps. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to change your name legally in Ohio.
Who Can Change Their Name in Ohio?
In Ohio, any adult resident can petition to change their name legally as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes. Minors can also have their names changed, but the process requires parental or guardian consent and court approval.
Reasons for changing a name can include:
- Marriage or divorce
- Personal preference
- Gender transition
- Religious reasons
- Correcting errors on birth certificates
Note: Ohio law prohibits name changes intended to evade debts, criminal liability, or for fraudulent activities.
Step 1: Prepare Your Petition for Name Change
The first step in legally changing your name in Ohio is to prepare a petition to the court. This petition formally requests the court to approve your name change.
You will need to include the following information in your petition:
- Your current full name
- The new name you want to adopt
- The reason for the name change
- Your place of residence and length of residency in Ohio
- Any previous name changes you have had
- Whether you have any criminal record
The petition must be filed in the court of common pleas in the county where you reside.
Where to File Your Petition
Ohio is divided into 88 counties, each with its own court of common pleas. You must file your petition in the county where you currently live.
| County Name | Court Address | Contact Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County | 373 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 525-3500 | Franklin County Court |
| Cuyahoga County | 1200 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113 | (216) 443-8200 | Cuyahoga County Court |
| Hamilton County | 1000 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 946-6000 | Hamilton County Court |
If you live in a county not listed above, you can find your court information on the Ohio Courts website.
Step 2: File Your Petition and Pay the Fees
Once your petition is complete, you must submit it to the clerk of court at the appropriate county courthouse. Along with your petition, you will need to pay a filing fee.
Typical fees for name change petitions in Ohio range from $150 to $200. Fees vary by county and may include additional charges for fingerprinting or background checks.
Many counties accept payment by cash, check, or credit card. Be sure to verify acceptable payment methods with your local clerk’s office.
Important: Keep a copy of your petition and payment receipt for your records.
Step 3: Background Check or Fingerprinting
Ohio law requires a criminal background check as part of the name change process for adults. This is to ensure the requested name change is not intended to avoid legal obligations or criminal history.
Some counties will require you to get fingerprinted after filing your petition. The clerk’s office will provide instructions on how and where to complete fingerprinting.
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting | Must be done at designated law enforcement agency |
| Background Check | Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) conducts the check |
| Timeframe | Usually 2-4 weeks for results |
If you have a criminal record, your petition may be denied, or the judge may schedule a hearing to review your case.
Step 4: Publish a Notice of Your Name Change
Ohio law generally requires that you publish a notice of your petition for name change in a local newspaper for at least three consecutive weeks. This allows anyone to object to your name change.
The notice must include:
- Your current name
- The new name you want
- The county where you have filed the petition
After the publication period, you must file an affidavit of publication with the court to prove you have met this requirement.
Exceptions: If publishing the notice would cause harm or danger (such as in cases of domestic violence), you can request the court to waive this requirement.
Step 5: Attend the Court Hearing
After the petition, background check, and publication requirements are completed, the court will schedule a hearing. During this hearing, a judge will review your petition and may ask questions regarding your reasons for changing your name.
You should bring the following documents to the hearing:
- Copy of your petition
- Proof of publication
- Background check results (if applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents
If the judge approves your request, they will sign a court order legally changing your name.
Step 6: Obtain Certified Copies of Your Name Change Order
Once your name change is approved, you should obtain several certified copies of the court order. These certified copies are essential to update your name with various government agencies and private institutions.
Certified copies can typically be purchased from the clerk of court for a small fee, usually around $5 to $10 per copy.
Step 7: Update Your Name on Official Documents
After obtaining the court order, you must update your name on all important documents and records. This includes:
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Passport
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Employment records
- Voter registration
- Medical records
- Property titles and deeds
| Agency/Institution | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Administration | Certified court order, proof of identity (ID) | Visit local SSA office or mail documents |
| Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | Certified court order, current driver’s license, proof of residency | Must update within 30 days of name change |
| U.S. Department of State (Passport) | Certified court order, current passport, passport application form | Different forms depending on passport age |
Additional Considerations
Changing a minor’s name: If you want to change the name of a child under 18, you must file a petition and usually have the consent of both parents or legal guardians. The court considers the best interests of the child when deciding.
Changing your name after marriage or divorce: Ohio law automatically allows name changes after marriage or divorce without going through the full petition process. Typically, you can request your new name on your marriage license or divorce decree.
International name changes: If you are not a U.S. citizen or have foreign documentation, additional steps or verifications may be necessary.
Summary of Name Change Process in Ohio
| Step | Description | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Petition | Complete and sign your name change petition | 1-3 days |
| 2. File Petition & Pay Fees | Submit petition to court; pay filing fees | 1 day |
| 3. Background Check | Fingerprinting and criminal records check | 2-4 weeks |
| 4. Publish Notice | Publish name change notice in newspaper | 3 weeks |
| 5. Court Hearing | Appear before judge for approval | 1 day |
| 6. Obtain Certified Copies | Get official court order copies | 1-2 days |
| 7. Update Documents | Change name on all official records | Varies by institution |
Helpful Resources
For more detailed information or to download forms, you may visit the following official websites:
- Ohio Supreme Court
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Final Thought: Changing your name legally in Ohio is a detailed but straightforward process if you follow all the required steps and submit the correct paperwork. Planning ahead and understanding each step will help ensure a smooth transition to your new name.
