Franklin County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Franklin County
File your adult name change petition with the Probate Court of Franklin County, Ohio. The filing fee is $120. Publication rules depend on the court.
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 Franklin County, Ohio (Judge Jeffrey D. Mackey)
- Filing fee
- $120
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must have been a Franklin County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (official adult name change packet, Rev. 1-2026).
- Court address
- 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-6311
- Court phone
- (614) 525-3894
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court, R.C. 2717.02/2717.03
- Official forms
- probate.franklincountyohio.gov ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
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
- Varies — confirm with the clerk
- How to file
- online (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 Probate Court of Franklin 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) with the Probate Court of Franklin County, Ohio
- Hearing rule depends on the court: Conditional (most cases need no hearing; if held, a Zoom hearing about 45 days later).
- 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
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 Franklin County, Ohio clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Franklin County, Ohio?
The court filing fee is $120. 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 Franklin County?
File with the Probate Court of Franklin County, Ohio. Venue rule: Must have been a Franklin County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (official adult name change packet, Rev. 1-2026). Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing).
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Franklin County?
The rule depends on the court: Adults: no publication by default; when required the court arranges 30 days of publication from $72. Confirm the exact requirement with the Probate Court of Franklin County, Ohio clerk.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Franklin County?
The rule depends on the court: Conditional (most cases need no hearing; if held, a Zoom hearing about 45 days later). Confirm with the clerk whether your petition needs a hearing.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Franklin County?
1 copy mailed automatically; additional copies requested via e-filing. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.