Lorain County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Lorain County
File your adult name change petition with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division. The filing fee is $139. 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
- Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division (Judge James T. Walther)
- Filing fee
- $139
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must have been a Lorain County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (R.C. 2717.06(A); state baseline).
- Court address
- Justice Center, 225 Court Street, Room 611, Elyria, OH 44035
- Court phone
- (440) 329-5175
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Lorain County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- 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 Lorain County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division 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 in person with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division
- 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 Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Lorain County, Ohio?
The court filing fee is $139. 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 Lorain County?
File with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division. Venue rule: Must have been a Lorain County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (R.C. 2717.06(A); state baseline). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Lorain County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Lorain County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Lorain County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Lorain County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.