Minor Child Name Change in Ohio: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Ohio Probate Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Ohio is filed in the County Probate Court, costs about $100–$175 (typical $150, varies by county), and requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 6–10 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Same county Probate Court fee schedule as an adult petition (about $100–$150 plus publication). Confirm the exact amount with your county Probate Court.
Probate Court in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
A parent or guardian completes Form 21.2 (Application for Change of Name of Minor) and files it with the county Probate Court.
- 2
File the written consent of both living, legal parents on Form 21.4 (Consent to Change of Name), OR give notice of the hearing to any non-consenting parent by certified mail, return receipt requested, as required by R.C. 2717.01.
- 3
Publish the Notice of Hearing (Form 21.5) once in a county newspaper at least 30 days before the hearing.
- 4
Attend the hearing; the judge decides based on the best interest of the child and signs Form 21.3 (Judgment Entry – Change of Name of Minor).
- 5
Obtain certified copies of the judgment to update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
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- • R.C. 2717.01 requires the consent of both living, legal parents on Form 21.4, or certified-mail notice to any parent who does not consent; if there is no known father, notice goes to the alleged father named by the mother.
- • The court weighs the child's best interest, not just the parents' preference.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Ohio license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Ohio: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Ohio?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Ohio?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Ohio?
How long does it take in Ohio?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Ohio?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2717.01
- www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/forms/all-forms/change-of-name/14
- www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-identity-documents.aspx
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.