NAME & GENDER CHANGE GUIDE FOR OHIO RESIDENTS

NAME & GENDER

CHANGE GUIDE

FOR OHIO RESIDENTS

(ADULTS)

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides information about the legal and

administrative steps associated with changing an adult’s name and

gender on identity documents. Note that some steps may have changed

since this guide was created, and every individual may have unique name

and gender change needs. This guide is to be used as a resource only and

does not constitute legal advice.

Need further assistance? Come to the

NAME & GENDER CHANGE LEGAL CLINIC

Equitas Health, TransOhio, Equality Ohio, and OCTOPUS LLC hold

regular Name & Gender Change Legal Clinics, with financial support

from Living With Change, throughout Ohio to help people living in or

born in the state of Ohio navigate the legal and administrative name

and gender designation change process. For more information, visit

equitashealth.com/legalclinic or call 614-340-6729.

INTRODUCTION

This guide provides an outline for adult Ohio residents who wish to change their legal name or

gender marker on identity documents and other records. An “adult” is someone age 18 or older.

Listed below are the most common steps taken to make these changes. Keep in mind that each

person may have unique needs or goals that require a different approach.

We encourage you to attend the Name & Gender Change Legal Clinic to discuss your specific

situation and goals. This can be a daunting process, and we are happy to guide you through the

name and gender change steps. For more information, visit equitashealth.com/legalclinic, call

614-340-6729, or contact TransOhio.

This guide was developed by C. Benjamin Cooper, of Cooper Elliott, with special thanks and

gratitude to Carly Edelstein and Whitman-Walker Health, and the ACLU of Ohio. Please send

errors or suggestions to [email protected].

This guide was last updated in November 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Getting a court order for name change ................................................................................1

II. Changing name and gender with the Social Security Administration .................................5

III. Changing name and gender with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ................................7

IV. Changing name and gender on a U.S. Passport ..................................................................9

V. Changing name with the Selective Service .......................................................................11

VI. Changing name and gender with insurance carriers, creditors, and others ........................12

VII. Changing name and gender on naturalization/citizenship documents ...............................13

VIII. Changing name and gender on a birth certificate .............................................................14

APPENDIX

Sample doctor’s letter

I. GETTING A COURT ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE

The first step in changing your name in Ohio is to get a court order recognizing your name

change.

The typical steps are:

• file an “application” in the Probate Court of the county you live in,

• publish notice of a hearing about your application, and

• attend a hearing about your application in the Probate Court.

Each part is explained in more detail below.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MINORS: A minor is someone under age 18. There are separate

forms and requirements for minors and their parents/legal guardians to change the minor’s name.

Please see the separate Name and Gender Change Guide for Ohio Residents (Minors).

A. Application for Change of Name

Where to File. You must file your name change application in the Probate Court for the county

you live in.

You must have been a resident of that county for at least sixty days before you can

file.

What to File. In general, you will need all of the following:

1) Application for Change of Name of Adult. Many probate courts use Ohio

Supreme Court Form 21.0, but you should double check with your court.

2) Judgment Entry – Change of Name of Adult. Many probate courts use Ohio

Supreme Court Form 21.1, but you should double check with your court.

3) Notice of Hearing of Change of Name. Many probate courts use Ohio Supreme

Court Form 21.5, but you should double check with your court.

4) Valid (unexpired) identification, like a current driver’s license, state-issued ID

card, or passport.

5) Filing fee. This varies from county to county.

New laws about the name change process went into effect on August 17, 2021. Some courts may not yet have

updated their forms and requirements in light of the new laws.

Ohio Revised Code § 2717.02.

Ohio Revised Code § 2717.03(A).

Many probate courts use standard forms that are published by the Ohio Supreme Court. Those

forms can be found here:

https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/legalresources/rules/superintendence/probate_forms.

But many other probate courts have special forms or additional requirements for changing

your name.

***Visit Equitas Health’s website (equitashealth.com/legalclinic)

for your county’s specific requirements.***

It’s always a good idea to confirm your county’s requirements by checking your probate court’s

website, or by calling your probate court clerk’s office.

General tips for filling out the Ohio Supreme Court’s standard forms:

1) Application for Change of Name of Adult (Ohio Supreme Court Form 21.0)

• Where it says “present name,” write your full current legal name.

• Use your full middle name instead of your middle initial.

• You may leave “Case No.” blank. The court will fill it out.

• You are required to list the reason for your name change. Some people list:

“This is my preferred name, and I want to obtain proper identification” or “I

have used [name] for [number] years and it conforms to my gender identity.”

• You must sign the application with your current legal name.

• You do not have to have an attorney. If there is space for an attorney’s

information, you may leave that part blank.

• Page 2 is titled “Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering Notice.” You

can leave that blank. The court will fill it out.

2) Judgment Entry – Change of Name of Adult (Ohio Supreme Court Form 21.1)

• Fill out the top, except for “Case No.”

• Where it says “On __________ an application for change of name was

heard…” – you may leave that blank. The court will fill it out later.

• Fill out the rest, except where the probate judge and deputy clerk sign.

3) Notice of Hearing of Change of Name (Ohio Supreme Court Form 21.5)

• Where it says “necessary person whose address is unknown,” you may leave

that blank.

• Where it says “The hearing on the application will be held on the ____ day of

_____...” – you may leave that blank. The court will set the hearing date and

time.

• You must sign the application with your current legal name.

B. Publication of Notice of the Hearing

Once you file your name change application, the court may (but is not required to) hold a hearing

about your application.

If the court decides to hold a hearing, it will set a date and time. The court will also probably

require you to publish a notice of the hearing. Each court can decide what must be in the notice,

and how and where the notice should be published.

Many courts require that the notice be

published in a newspaper in the county you live in.

Visit Equitas Health’s website (equitashealth.com/legalclinic) for the specific information

about your county’s publication requirements and fees. Again, it’s a good idea to double-

check this information with your probate court’s website or by calling the clerk’s office.

• Some county courts will get the notice published for you. If so, great!

• If your county requires you to publish the notice yourself, ask the court clerk:

o What newspapers are acceptable to publish in?

o Is there a form to give or send to the newspaper?

o What is required to prove that the notice was actually published?

NOTE: If you believe publication of the notice will jeopardize your personal safety, you may

ask the court to waive the publication requirement and seal the records of your name change.

To do this, you must file an Application to Waive Publication Requirement and Seal File

(sometimes called Form 21.6). You must explain why the notice would jeopardize your safety.

You can attach exhibits in support of the application. The court has the discretion to grant or

deny your application to waive the publication requirement.

Ohio Revised Code § 2717.08.

Ohio Revised Code § 2717.11.

C. Hearing at the Probate Court

If the court decides to hold a hearing about your name change application, you must appear at the

date and time listed on the Entry Setting Hearing. The hearing is typically scheduled to occur 45

to 90 days after the date you file your application.

If you will be late or will miss your court date, you must call the Clerk in advance.

What to take with you to court:

• Copies of your name change application filings,

• Certified copy of your birth certificate (if required by your county),

• Photo ID, and

• Proof of newspaper publication (if required by your county).

When you get to the Probate Court, you will usually wait in the assigned courtroom or out in the

hall until your case is called. During the hearing, the Judge will likely ask you questions about

your name change application. Answer respectfully and truthfully.

The judge might ask Why do you want to change your name? Some people respond with:

“[Name] is my preferred name and I want to get proper identification,” or “[Name] has been my

name for [number] years, and it fits my gender identity.”

If you encounter a problem during the hearing, you may ask the judge for a continuance so

you can consult with an attorney. The judge has the discretion to approve or deny that request.

If the judge grants the continuance, contact TransOhio.

* * *

Once the Judge has approved your application, you will receive certified copies of the court

order approving your name change. This court order is sometimes called an “Entry for Name

Change.” Congrats!

The certified court order approving your name change is the key to updating your legal name

everywhere. It’s a good idea to have a few extra certified copies of the court order on hand. We

recommend you ask for at least six certified copies of the court order.

II. CHANGING NAME & GENDER WITH THE SOCIAL SECURITY

ADMINISTRATION

Once you have obtained a court order recognizing your name change, you must report your name

change to the Social Security Administration (the “SSA”).

A. Name Change

To apply for a name change with the SSA, you will need all of the following:

1) Completed Application for Social Security Card (Form SS-5:

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf).

2) Certified copy of the court order approving your name change.

3) Valid (unexpired) identification, like a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or

U.S. passport (it’s okay if your ID includes your former name).

4) Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, like a U.S. passport,

birth certificate, or immigration documentation (it’s okay if your proof includes

your former name).

You may apply in person or mail the above materials to your local Social Security office. Find

your nearest Social Security office here: http://www.ssa.gov/locator.

Your new Social Security card, as well as any documents you submitted with your application,

will be sent to you in the mail.

There is no fee to update your Social Security records or receive a new Social Security card.

B. Gender Marker Change

Even though gender isn’t listed on your Social Security card, the SSA keeps a record of your

gender. You may update your gender marker before, at the same time, or after you update your

name.

To apply to change your gender with the SSA, you will need all of the following:

1) Completed Application for Social Security Card (Form SS-5:

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf). Tip: on the “Sex” line, check the box for

your updated gender marker.

2) Valid (unexpired) identification, like a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or

U.S. passport (it’s okay if your ID includes your former name).

3) Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, like a U.S. passport,

birth certificate, or immigration documentation (it’s okay if your proof includes

your former name).

4) At least one of the following documents as evidence of your gender change:

• Doctor’s Letter: A signed letter from a licensed doctor (M.D. or D.O.) stating

that you have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition. The

letter must be on the doctor’s office letterhead and contain certain items.

Look in the attached appendix for a sample letter.

• Passport: A valid, 10-year U.S. passport showing the correct gender (passports

with less than 10 years of validity will not be accepted).

• Birth Certificate: An original, state-issued birth certificate showing the correct

gender.

• Court Order: An original court order recognizing the correct gender.

You may apply in person or mail the above materials to your local Social Security office. Find

your nearest Social Security office here: http://www.ssa.gov/locator.

Your new Social Security card, as well as any documents you submitted with your application,

will be sent to you in the mail.

There is no fee to update your Social Security records or receive a new Social Security card.

III. CHANGING NAME & GENDER WITH THE OHIO BUREAU OF

MOTOR VEHICLES (BMV)

Note: If you plan to update your name and your gender on your driver’s license/ID, it will save

money to change both at the same time (in other words, wait to update until after your name

change hearing). That way you’ll only pay for one new license/ID.

A. Name Change

To update your name on your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID card, take both of the following

to any local BMV license agency:

1) Your current driver’s license or ID card; and

2) A certified copy of the court order approving your name change.

The BMV should issue you a new license or ID card with your updated name. At this time, you

may also update your name on your voter registration.

If your driver’s license/ID has been expired for more than six months, or if you do not have a

copy of your driver’s license/ID, see http://bmv.ohio.gov/dl-renewal-current.aspx for additional

requirements.

See here for the fees: http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/links/bmv-all-fees.pdf.

B. Gender Marker Change

To update your gender marker on your Ohio driver’s license or ID card, complete these steps:

1) Complete the Declaration of Gender Change form (BMV Form 2369).

The Declaration of Gender Change form is available here:

http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv2369.pdf.

You must complete the parts “To Be Completed by Applicant” and “Release of

Information.”

The bottom half, called “Licensed Professional’s Statement,” must be completed

by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, therapist, or social

worker. The licensed professional does not have to be licensed in Ohio, but they

must be licensed in the United States. The licensed professional must certify that

(a) you are their patient, (b) their practice includes the treatment and counseling of

persons with gender identity concerns, and (c) in their professional opinion, your

gender identity is (male or female). No additional evidence of your transition,

such as medical records or a letter from a surgeon, is required.

***Once the form is completed, make a copy for your records.

2) Mail or fax the completed Declaration of Gender form to the BMV.

Mail or fax the completed form to:

Ohio Department of Public Safety

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Attn: License Control

P.O. Box 16784

Columbus, Ohio 43216

Phone: (844) 644-6268

Fax: (614) 752-7306

In 7-10 days, you will be notified by letter if the gender change is approved, and

you will receive a document that may be presented to any local BMV license

agency.

3) Once you receive the letter, take the following documents to any local BMV

license agency:

• Your current driver’s license or ID card; and

• Declaration of Gender Change approval letter.

The BMV should issue you a new license or ID card with your updated gender marker. (Be

prepared to take a new photo!) Also, note that your old driver’s license/ID must be surrendered.

If your driver’s license/ID has been expired for more than six months, or if you do not have a

copy of your driver’s license/ID, see http://bmv.ohio.gov/dl-renewal-current.aspx for additional

requirements.

See here for the fees: http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/links/bmv-all-fees.pdf.

IV. CHANGING NAME & GENDER ON A U.S. PASSPORT

A. Name and Gender Marker Change on an Existing Passport,

or Gender Marker Change (only) on an Existing Passport,

or Getting a Passport for the First Time

If you want to update both your name and gender marker, to update your gender marker only, to

get your first passport, or to get a passport after your old passport has expired, you must apply

in person. Find your local Passport Acceptance Facility here: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov.

As of June 2021, you can obtain a passport reflecting your gender simply by submitting an

application with the chosen gender marker selected (M or F). There is no need for any medical

history or documentation.

You will need to submit all of the following:

1) Completed Application for a U.S. Passport (Form DS-11, which can be found

here: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/forms.html). Select M

or F for your gender. You do not need to provide medical documentation or a

physician’s letter, even if the gender you select on Form DS-11 does not match

the gender on your previous passport or other documents.

2) Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a previous U.S. passport, certified birth

certificate, certificate of naturalization, or report of birth abroad (it’s okay if the

document includes your former name or different gender marker). You must

submit the original (or certified copy) and provide a photocopy of the front and

back with your application.

3) Proof of identity that contains your signature and photograph that is “a good

likeness to you,” such as a previous passport, driver’s license, certificate of

naturalization, or military ID (it’s okay if your ID includes your former name).

You must present the original and provide a copy of the front and back with your

application.

4) Recent color photograph 2x2 inches in size. Read the application’s instructions

for the specific guidelines you must follow for your photo.

5) Certified copy of the court order approving your name change (if updating

your name).

6) Fee. See here for the amount:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html.

Note: The State Department has said that it intends to offer passports with the X gender marker

as an option sometime in 2022.

B. Name Change (only) on an Existing Passport

If you already have a valid passport and only want to update your name, you may apply by mail.

You will need to submit all of the following:

1) Completed U.S. Passport Renewal Application (Form DS-82, which can be

found here: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/forms.html).

2) Your most recent passport (book or card).

3) Recent color photograph 2x2 inches in size. Read the application’s instructions

for the specific guidelines you must follow for your photo.

4) Certified copy of the court order approving your name change.

5) Fee. See here for the amount:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html.

C. Passport Card

A U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized card that looks like a driver’s license. It is significantly

less expensive than a traditional passport book. It may be used as everyday identification and

proof of U.S. citizenship.

A passport card cannot be used for international air travel, however.

Application forms and documentation requirements for a passport card are the same as those for

a passport book. Simply check “passport card” on the application form.

V. CHANGING NAME WITH THE SELECTIVE SERVICE

A. Individuals Assigned Female at Birth

People assigned female at birth, regardless of their current gender or transition status, do not

have to register with the Selective Service.

However, if you are applying for federal financial aid, grants, loans, or other benefits as a man,

you may be asked to provide proof that you are exempt from the Selective Service. To obtain

such proof, you should request a Status Information Letter.

To request a Status Information Letter, call 888-655-1825 or download a request form here:

http://www.sss.gov/Portals/0/PDFs/Status.pdf. You must provide a copy of your birth certificate

showing your birth-assigned sex. (If the sex on your birth certificate has been changed, attach

proof showing that.) If you changed your name, also provide a copy of the court order approving

your name change.

This service is free. Also, the Status Information Letter does not specify why you are exempt, so

it will not force you to out yourself in any other application process.

B. Individuals Assigned Male at Birth

People assigned male at birth, regardless of their current gender or transition status, must register

with the Selective Service within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. You may register

online at http://www.sss.gov, or by mailing a registration form available at any post office.

You still must register even though it is currently unclear whether transgender people are eligible

for military service. Registration is necessary to access certain government benefits.

If you change your name, you must notify the Selective Service. Use SSS Form 2, which is

available online at http://www.sss.gov/Forms, or at any post office. You must attach a certified

copy of the court order changing your name.

You are not required to notify the Selective Service of a change in gender.

VI. CHANGING NAME & GENDER WITH INSURANCE CARRIERS,

CREDITORS, AND OTHERS

A. Insurance

Name Change: You should inform your insurance companies (e.g., health, property, auto, life)

immediately after you receive your court order approving your name change. They may ask you

to provide a certified copy of your court order.

Gender Marker Change: You should talk with your doctor about whether to update your

gender marker with your health insurance company. It’s important that your health insurance

company’s records match your doctor’s records to avoid confusion and delay or denial of claims.

Your doctor may opt to keep filing claims reflecting your sex assigned at birth.

If you have changed your gender and encounter issues with your health insurance company due

to medical care related to either your new or previous gender, contact Equitas Health.

B. Banks, Creditors, and Financial Institutions

You must inform your banks, creditors, and financial institutions of your name change

immediately after you receive your court order approving your name change. They may ask you

to provide a certified copy of your court order.

You may also wish to inform the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) of your

name change.

C. Military Records

Veterans may wish to update their military records with their changed name or gender marker.

To do so, follow the National Center for Transgender Equality’s guide here:

http://www.transequality.org/know-your-rights/military-records.

D. Other Legal Documents

After you receive the court order changing your name, it’s a good idea to change your name in

any legal documents that name you, such as a lease, mortgage, will, power of attorney, or deed.

Updating your name on these documents ensures that your rights and powers in the documents

remain intact.

You may also consider updating your name and gender marker in your education records, such

as high school or college transcripts and diplomas.

VII. CHANGING NAME & GENDER ON

NATURALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTS

To update your name and gender on any immigration document, follow the National Center for

Transgender Equality’s guide here: http://transequality.org/know-your-rights/immigration-

documents.

VIII. CHANGING NAME & GENDER ON A BIRTH CERTIFICATE

A. Birth Certificates Issued in Ohio – Name Change

To update your name on an Ohio birth certificate, provide a certified copy of the court order

recognizing your name change to the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.

You may mail the certified copy of the name change court order to:

Ohio Department of Health

Bureau of Vital Statistics

P.O. Box 15098

Columbus, Ohio 43215

It may take 4-6 weeks to process the name change.

Once processed, the updated name will be appear on the birth certificate. In addition, a footnote

will appear on the birth certificate indicating that a legal name change is on file.

You may request a copy of your new birth certificate by completing an “Application for

Certified Copies,” which is available on the Bureau of Vital Statistics website, along with a fee.

If you have questions, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 614-466-2531 or

[email protected].

B. Birth Certificates Issued in Ohio – Gender Marker Change

In 2021, Ohio implemented a new process to update a gender marker on an Ohio birth certificate.

This process currently requires an order from a probate court for “correction of birth record.”

The court order will then be sent to the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics,

which will automatically update your gender marker.

Some Ohio probate courts, however, have not been receptive to issuing these orders.

Because this process is new and evolving, we strongly encourage you to attend a Name and

Gender Change Legal Clinic

or consult with an attorney before filing an application.

To get the “correction of birth record” court order from an Ohio court:

Visit www.equitashealth.com/legalclinic for information on how to register and attend.

Where to File. You may file an Application for Correction of Birth Record in any of these

probate courts in Ohio:

• probate court of the county you were born in,

• probate court of the county you currently reside in, or

• probate court of the county where your mother resided at the time you were born.

What to File. This process is new in Ohio, and some probate courts are still deciding what

materials to require. Some probate courts also have special forms for this process. In general,

you will probably need:

1) Application for Correction of Birth Record. Most probate courts will probably

accept Ohio Supreme Court Form 30.0,

but you should double check with your

court.

Form 30.0 is available here:

https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/LegalResources/Rules/superintendence/proba

te_forms/birthCertificate/30.0.pdf.

2) Certified copy of birth certificate.

3) Valid (unexpired) identification, like a current driver’s license, state-issued ID

card, or passport.

4) Filing fee. This varies from county to county.

Some probate courts may have additional requirements.

*** Please confirm your county’s requirements by checking the probate court’s website, or

by calling the probate court clerk’s office.***

Ohio Revised Code § 3705.15.

According to the Ohio Supreme Court’s Office of Public Information, Form 30.0 was created “in response to

recent federal litigation concerning the ability of transgender Ohioans to change their gender designation.”

http://courtnewsohio.gov/happening/2021/birthCertificateRule_081721.asp#.YYnYRC-B1hA (last visited Nov. 8,

2021). It is “for use by those seeking to correct their birth certificate.”

General tips for filling out the Ohio Supreme Court’s standard form:

1) Application for Correction of Birth Record (Ohio Supreme Court Form 30.0)

• Where it says “In the matter of the correction of birth record of ______,” write

your full current legal name.

• You may leave “Case No.” blank. The court will fill it out.

• Fill out the rest of the Page 1.

• Sign the application with your current legal name, and have your signature

notarized.

• Page 2 is titled “Judgment Entry Ordering Correction of Birth Record.” You

can leave that blank. The court will fill it out.

• Page 3 is titled “Supporting Affidavits.”

o You may skip the affidavit of physician on page 3 of this form because

that one is only for use by a physician who witnessed the birth, and who

will attest that the gender marked on the original birth certificate was

erroneous.

o When that is not the case, Form 30.0 states that the applicant must submit

affidavits of two people who have “personal knowledge of the facts”

supporting the request for your gender marker change. Both people must

sign their affidavit, and their signatures must be notarized.

Special note on medical documentation: The Ohio Supreme Court’s standard form does not

require any other supporting documents besides the form, including any medical documentation.

That said, this area of law in Ohio is new and still evolving. Even if medical documentation is

not required, it may strengthen your application to include it. If you wish to include medical

documentation, consider having one of the Form 30.0 affidavits be signed by your physician,

psychologist, therapist, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical provider who can attest to

your gender identity.

Hearing. Once you file your birth certificate correction application, the court may (but is not

required to) hold a hearing about your application.

If the court decides to hold a hearing, it will set a date and time and provide you with a notice of

hearing. The court may also require you to publish a notice of the hearing in a newspaper in the

Ohio Revised Code § 3705.15(A).

county you live in.

Check with your probate court about these potential requirements. If

required, attend the hearing.

If you will be late or will miss your court date, you must call the Clerk in advance.

What to take with you to court:

• Copy of your birth certification correction application,

• Certified copy of your birth certificate (if required by your county),

• Photo ID, and

• Proof of newspaper publication (if required by your county).

When you get to the probate court, you will usually wait in the assigned courtroom or out in the

hall until your case is called. During the hearing, the judge will likely ask you questions about

your birth certification correction application. Answer respectfully and truthfully.

The judge might ask Why do you want to change your birth certificate? Some people respond

with: “This is my correct gender and I want to get proper identification.”

If you encounter a problem during the hearing, you may ask the judge for a continuance so

you can consult with an attorney. The judge has the discretion to approve or deny that request.

If the judge grants the continuance, contact TransOhio.

* * *

Once the probate court grants the order to correct the gender marker on your birth certificate, it

must forward a copy of its order to the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Once the Bureau of Vital Statistics receives and processes the court order, the updated gender

marker will appear on the birth certificate. There will be no indication on the new birth

certificate that the gender marker has been updated. In addition, the Bureau of Vital Statistics

will seal your old birth certificate so that no one else can access it.

You may request a copy of your new birth certificate by completing an “Application for

Certified Copies,” which is available on the Bureau of Vital Statistics website, along with a fee.

If you have questions, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 614-466-2531 or

[email protected].

Ohio Revised Code § 3705.15(A).

Ohio Revised Code § 3705.15(D)(1).

If you live outside of Ohio: You may follow the process outlined above by:

• getting an order from an Ohio probate court (as discussed above), OR

• getting an order from a non-Ohio civil court in the county where you live. The non-Ohio

court order must request that the Ohio Department of Health correct your Ohio birth

record to reflect your correct gender marker. Call your local court or contact a local

attorney to ask about this process in your state. Once you have a court order, send a

certified copy of the order to the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital

Statistics.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MINORS: A minor is someone under age 18. There are separate

forms and requirements for minors and their parents/legal guardians to change the minor’s name.

Please see the separate Name and Gender Change Guide for Ohio Residents (Minors).

C. Birth Certificates Not Issued in Ohio

The procedures and rules for changing your birth certificate are governed by the laws of the state

or territory that issued your birth certificate.

Visit the National Center for Transgender Equality’s website about name and gender changes

here: https://transequality.org/documents. Select the state or territory that issued your birth

certificate, and read on for more information.

Ohio Revised Code § 3705.15(D)(1).

APPENDIX

PRINTED ON PHYSICIAN’S LETTERHEAD

Letter Certifying Applicant’s Gender Change

I, ___________________________________________________________________________,

(Physician’s Full Name)

____________________________________, ____________________________________,

(Physician’s medical license/certificate number) (Issuing State/Country of license/certificate)

am the physician of _________________________________________________________,

(Name of Patient)

_________________________________________.

(Date of Birth of Patient)

with whom I have a doctor/patient relationship and whom I have treated, or

with whom I have a doctor/patient relationship and whose medical history I

have reviewed and evaluated.

______________________________________________________________, has had

(Name of Patient)

appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender of

male female.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the

foregoing is true and correct.

_______________________________________ ____________________________________

Signature of Physician ____________________________________

Physician’s Address

_______________________________________

Typed Name of Physician ____________________________________

Date

_______________________________________

Physician’s Phone Number