Franklin County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Franklin County
Court Information
- Court
- Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division
- Filing fee
- $128
- Fee waiver
- Confirm with the clerk — not recorded in our data
- Where to file
- 60 days of county residence
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court, R.C. 2717.02/2717.03
- Official forms
- probate.franklincountyohio.gov/Forms/Name-Change-Forms ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Franklin County
- Newspaper publication
- conditional (adults: no publication by default; when required the court arranges 30 days of publication from $72)
- Court hearing
- conditional (most cases need no hearing; if held, a Zoom hearing about 45 days later)
- How to file
- online only (e-filing)
Getting Certified Copies
1 copy mailed automatically; additional copies requested via e-filing
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 Franklin County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($128), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online only (e-filing) with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — 1 copy mailed automatically; additional copies requested via e-filing
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division clerk before filing.