***Due to a change in Ohio Law regarding names changes, effective August 16, we are unable to accept new name change filings. Our internal computer system requires a major programming change that has not been completed yet. We are working with IT partners. However, with the new law the process will be faster and cheaper in many cases, so it may reduce the wait time overall. We will post updates and new forms on our website as they are available. Please check back for updates.***

Court Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
Cashier Closes at 4:30 p.m. Please arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. if your business with Court requires a filing fee or payment.
The Court remains open until 5:00 p.m. for informational, non-transaction purposes only.

 

If you have been a Franklin County resident for the past 12 months you may apply for an adult name change for yourself, or a minor name change for your minor child. Applicants must appear in Court with picture identification. If a minor is involved; a certified copy of the child's birth certificate is required. Once the application is made and Court costs are paid, the Court will set the application for hearing. The court will publish the application in a local newspaper of general circulation 30 days prior to the hearing on the application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Name Changes

How Do I Apply For A Minor Name Change?

The applicant for the name change of a minor must obtain the consent of the minor's parents, or notice of the hearing must be given to the non-consenting parent(s). Notice is usually given by Certified U.S. Mail (service available at any local post office) with the green card filed with the Court. Consent must be obtained or notice given to anyone who could be considered a parent of the child.
 

What Is The Hearing Process?

Approximately 45 days after the Application For Name Change has been filed with the Court, a hearing before a Court magistrate will be held. You will need to arrive at the Court 15 minutes prior to your hearing time. The magistrate will determine if all of the statutory requirements have been met and that there is reasonable and proper cause to grant the requested name change. The magistrate will make this determination based on the testimony at the hearing and the information submitted to the Court's file.

If the name change is for a minor, the magistrate will also determine whether both parents have consented to the name change and whether the name change is in the best interest of the child. The consent of both parents is not always necessary for the approval of a name change for a minor but a magistrate must decide, after reviewing all of the facts, that the name change is in the minor's best interest and it is reasonable and proper to change the minor's name.

Once the application is approved, the Court will provide the applicant with 4 certified copies of the Journal Entry Changing Name. The applicant should make a list of all the creditors, agencies, schools, financial institutions, employers, and government offices that need to be informed of the new name. Making a list then notifying everyone on the list helps insure that every one is informed of the name change. If the approved name change is substantially different from the name that is on the applicant's birth certificate or is for a minor, notice should be given to the Ohio Department of Health, Vital Statistics Division, if the person was born in Ohio, or the equivalent agency in the state where the person was born. The Name Change Entry does not change an Ohio birth certificate, but appends to it and becomes a part of the person's birth records if they were born in Ohio.