The Name Path
The Ohio Edition · $27

Ohio

Your name change after marriage in Ohio, in the right order: Social Security, your driver's license or state ID, your passport, voter registration and everything after, with every fact checked against the official source.

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At a glance

Ohio, in six lines

Straight from the Ohio guide. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the guide says to ask the agency, and so does this page.

  • Certified copies

    From the probate court in the county that issued your marriage license (a "certified abstract of marriage"). They're cheap ($2 in Franklin and Cuyahoga), so order several. Agencies want originals or certified copies.

  • BMV

    Ohio requires a deputy registrar visit to buy a duplicate license or ID in your new name.

  • Deadline

    We didn't find a deadline for updating your name with the Ohio BMV.

  • Social Security online

    Ohio licenses and IDs qualify. Ohio marriage records don't. Since Ohio licenses qualify, an Ohio resident is usually only limited by where they married. An Ohio marriage abstract doesn't qualify for the online route, so a couple married in Ohio should plan on the mail or office route.

  • Voter registration

    Ohio law says to report a name change to your county board of elections on a change-of-name form.

  • Social Security first?

    BMV's name-change list asks for your marriage document, not a new Social Security card. Update SSA first anyway, so your records match.

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BMV

Fees (Ohio BMV, deputy registrar fee included)

ItemFee
Duplicate driver license (new name)$29.00
Duplicate state ID card$12.00

From BMV's fee page.

REAL ID

REAL ID

Since May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant card or another accepted ID, such as a U.S. passport, for domestic flights. An Ohio compliant card has a star in the upper part of the card. For a compliant card you need proof of legal name, date of birth, legal presence, Social Security number, two documents from different sources proving your Ohio street address, and proof of name change.

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Step 1 · Certified copies

Where to order your marriage certificate

In Ohio, the probate court in the county that issued your license keeps your marriage record. Its certified copy is often called a certified abstract of marriage. Franklin County Probate Court says you don't need a separate legal name change after marriage: the certified abstract can be used to change your last name. It recommends getting at least five copies (BMV, Social Security, banks, employer). The abstract can only be issued after your officiant returns the signed certification to the court.

WhereCertified copy fee (as published)How to order
Franklin County Probate Court (Columbus)$2.00 per certified abstractIn person, by mail, or online through Point & Pay (plus postage and a $1.00 service fee per transaction)
Cuyahoga County Probate Court (Cleveland)$2.00 per certified copyBy mail with the request form, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order or cashier's check
Other OH countiesSet by each probate court. Confirm with your county.Search "[county] probate court marriage certified copy"
Married in another stateOrder certified copies from the office that issued your certificate in that state (often a state vital records office or county clerk).

Fees as published by the Franklin and Cuyahoga County Probate Courts, checked Oct 21, 2026. See Sources.

Official forms

The Ohio forms, straight from the source

Every link goes to the agency's own page or PDF; we never host copies. Where we couldn't confirm a downloadable form, the row says to ask the agency. Your guide explains which form fits your situation. Links checked Oct 23, 2026.

ForFormOfficial link
Social SecuritySS-5: Application for a Social Security Card (PDF)ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
Social SecuritySSA online: Apply for a Social Security Cardsecure.ssa.gov/ossnap/public/
Driver's license or ID (BMV)Ohio BMV: Duplicate license or IDbmv.ohio.gov/dl-reprint-duplicate.aspx
PassportDS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport for Eligible Individuals: correction, name change to a passport issued 1 year ago or less, and limited passport replacement (PDF)eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504_pdf.PDF
PassportDS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals (PDF)eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82_pdf.PDF
PassportDS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport (PDF)eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF
Vehicle titleOhio doesn't change the name on an existing title (no form needed)clerk.franklincountyohio.gov/Auto-Title/Plan-Your-Visit/Au…
Voter registrationOhio Online Voter Registration (register/update)olvr.ohiosos.gov/
How we checked

Checked against the agency itself

The Ohio guide's verification log lists 17 state facts: 16 confirmed on the official page, and 1 we couldn't confirm, which the guide marks "ask the agency". Sources checked October 21, 2026.

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The Ohio Edition

Your whole Ohio name change, one clear path

$27

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Changing your name with Social Security is free. You can apply directly with the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You don't need to buy this guide, or anything else, to do it.

Private by design · We never ask for your Social Security number, birth date or ID numbers

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