H.B. 775 Summary

• Establishes probate court procedures for legal name changes and correcting errors in official identity documents, reducing residency requirement from one year to thirty days.

• Creates two application processes: one for changing a legal name (sections 2717.03-2717.10) and another for correcting misspellings or inconsistencies in existing identity documents (sections 2717.13-2717.18).

• Permits courts to order criminal records checks via fingerprinting for name change applicants and allows courts to seal records if applicants demonstrate personal safety concerns.

• Prohibits name changes for individuals with duties under Ohio's sexual offender registration laws or those convicted of identity fraud, unless conviction is reversed on appeal.

• Authorizes courts to require applicants to submit official identity documents and allows applications on behalf of minors with parental consent or certified notice to non-consenting parents.