Putnam County, OH
How to Change Your Name in Putnam County
File your adult name change petition with the Putnam County Probate Court. Our directory does not record the filing fee — confirm it with the clerk. 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
- Putnam County Probate Court
- Filing fee
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must have been a Putnam County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06(A)).
- Court address
- 245 E. Main St., Ottawa, OH 45875
- Court phone
- (419) 523-3012
- Jurisdiction
- Probate Court
- Official forms
- putnamcountyohio.gov ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Putnam 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 Putnam County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Putnam County Probate Court 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 Putnam County Probate Court
- 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 Putnam County Probate Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Putnam County, Ohio?
Our directory does not record a filing fee for the Putnam County Probate Court. Confirm the current amount with the Putnam County Probate Court clerk before filing. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition.
Where and how do I file a name change in Putnam County?
File with the Putnam County Probate Court. Venue rule: Must have been a Putnam County resident for at least 60 days prior to filing (ORC 2717.06(A)). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Putnam County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Putnam County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Putnam County Probate Court clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Putnam County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Putnam County Probate Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Putnam County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.