Defiance County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Defiance County
File your adult name change petition with the Probate Court of Defiance County, Ohio. The filing fee is $175. 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 Defiance County, Ohio (Judge Jeffrey A. Strausbaugh)
- Filing fee
- $175
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must have been a Defiance County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06).
- Court address
- 221 Clinton St, 2nd Floor, Defiance, OH 43512
- Court phone
- (419) 782-4181
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Defiance County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- by mail 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 Defiance County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Probate Court of Defiance 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 by mail or in person with the Probate Court of Defiance 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 Defiance County, Ohio clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Defiance County, Ohio?
The court filing fee is $175. 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 Defiance County?
File with the Probate Court of Defiance County, Ohio. Venue rule: Must have been a Defiance County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06). Accepted filing methods: by mail or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Defiance County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Defiance County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Probate Court of Defiance County, Ohio clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Defiance County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Probate Court of Defiance County, Ohio clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Defiance County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.