Changing Parents Information

A paternity or legitimization is any action taken by a parent to add a father to your child's birth certificate. In some cases you may also be given an opportunity to change your child's name during the paternity process. The only way to remove a father or change a father is through a local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) or juvenile court.

There are several ways to establish paternity/legitimization for a child. Each action is governed by its own law and regulations.

The Ohio Department of Health does not charge a fee to change your child's birth certificate. If you would like to have a copy of the new record after the amendment has taken place, you may write to the following:

Ohio Department of Health
Revenue Room
246 N. High Street
P.O. 15098
Columbus, Ohio 43215-0098

The cost is $16.50 for each certified copy of your child's birth certificate, please make your checks or money order payable to the "Treasurer, State of Ohio."

Below is a list of the different paternity actions that the Vital Statistics office in Ohio provides:

• Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit

• Determination of Paternity (D.O.P.'s)

Last Reviewed: 7/31/08