Allen County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Allen County
File your adult name change petition with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio. The filing fee is $140. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Ohio checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio (Judge Todd E. Kohlrieser)
- Filing fee
- $140
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must have been an Allen County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06).
- Court address
- 1000 Wardhill Ave, Lima, OH 45805
- Court phone
- (419) 227-5531
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Allen County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Allen County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available.
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same Ohio guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Allen County, Ohio?
The court filing fee is $140. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.
Where and how do I file a name change in Allen County?
File with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio. Venue rule: Must have been an Allen County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06). Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Allen County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Allen County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Allen County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Probate Court of Allen County, Ohio clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Allen County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.