How to Legally Change Your Name in Ohio
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Ohio is filed in the County Probate Court and costs about $100–$175 (typical $150, varies by county). In Ohio, you must publish a notice in a newspaper, and most cases finish in 6–10 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Ohio Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Ohio name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Ohio Probate Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division (through the divorce/dissolution decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | County Probate Court | $100–$175 | Required | 6–10 weeks |
| Minor child | County Probate Court | $100–$175 | Required | 6–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | County Probate Court | $100–$175 | Required (waivable) | 6–10 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division (through the divorce/dissolution decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$100–$175 · County Probate Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$100–$175 · County Probate Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$100–$175 · County Probate Court
The Ohio name-change process
Most legal name changes in Ohio that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the County Probate Court. You file where you live — Probate Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $100–$175 (typical $150, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
After you file, you publish a legal notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–10 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
For a name change to match your gender identity, Ohio treats it more privately: Under R.C. 2717.01(A)(4) the court waives newspaper publication if you show that publication would jeopardize your personal safety, and under R.C. 2717.11 the court seals the records — request this with Form 21.6..
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Ohio driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Ohio name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Ohio?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Ohio?
How long does a name change take in Ohio?
Which court handles name changes in Ohio?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Ohio?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/forms/all-forms/change-of-name/14
- www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-identity-documents.aspx
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3105.16
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2717.01
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2717.11
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.