Ohio Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee (deposit)
- ≈$100–$300county-set — e.g., Lake County $105
- Publication
- Yes — once, ≥30 days before hearingwaivable for safety (R.C. 2717.11)
- Fingerprints
- No statewide mandatecourt may require a background check at applicant's expense
- Court
- Probate Court
Ohio routes name changes through each county's probate court, with cost deposits typically $100–$300 (Lake County charges $105 plus publication). Notice is published once in a county newspaper at least 30 days before the hearing — so the process takes about six weeks at minimum.
Since Ohio's 2021 revision of R.C. chapter 2717, courts can waive publication and seal the record for personal safety, and the statewide probate Form 21.0 standardizes the application. Certain criminal convictions bar a change under R.C. 2717.16.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Application depositLake County: $105; Butler County: $100 + publication | ≈$100–$300 (by county) | Official fee |
| Newspaper publication (one run) | $30–$100 | Estimate |
| Certified copies | a few dollars each | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | File in your county of residence (1-year county residency requirement) |
| Publication | Once, at least 30 days before hearing; waivable for safety with sealing |
| Cause | Reasonable and proper cause shown at hearing |
| Criminal bars | Certain offenses disqualify (R.C. 2717.16); court may order a background check |
The process, step by step
- File Form 21.0. Application for Change of Name (Adult) in your county probate court; pay the deposit.
- Publish once. The court or applicant arranges one newspaper run at least 30 days before the hearing date.
- Attend the hearing. Show reasonable and proper cause; uncontested applications are routinely granted.
- Update records. SSA, BMV, passport, banks with certified copies.
Forms & where to file
Probate Court of the county where you have lived for at least one year.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Ohio name change cost?
County deposits run about $100–$300 (Lake County: $105) plus $30–$100 for the single newspaper publication.
How long does it take?
About 6–10 weeks: the hearing must be at least 30 days after publication, and courts schedule a few weeks out.
Can publication be waived?
Yes — R.C. 2717.11 allows a waiver application where publication would jeopardize personal safety, with the file sealed.
Related information
Sources & verification
- Lake County Probate Court — name change
- Butler County Probate Court — adult name change instructions (R.C. ch. 2717)
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.