Important Ohio Birth Record Correction ALERT

Ohio's Bureau of Vital Statistics is currently reviewing and proposing changes to the rules governing corrections and amendments to Ohio birth records.

So what does this: Important Ohio Birth Record Correction ALERT Mean?

  • All trans people who have not yet updated birth records regardless of their county of birth or residence COULD potentially be affected.

  • The proposed rules have not been published yet, so we do not know exactly when any new rules may take effect or precisely how they may affect trans Ohioans seeking changes to their birth certificates.

  • Because of this uncertainty—and because the Ohio Department of Health can take up to six months to process a birth-record request once it receives the required documentation: we strongly encourage you to move forward with your application as soon as you are able if it’s something you want. Do not put this off.

If you have not yet filed a correction to your birth record with a Probate Court

  • Please consider filing your birth-record correction application with the appropriate Ohio Probate Court as soon as possible and, if you are able, before the end of 2026.

  • Getting your application filed now may help you avoid unnecessary delays if Ohio's birth-record procedures change.

    If you have filed a correction to your birth record with a Probate Court

  • There is nothing else that you need to do at this time.

Need help paying legal fees?

  • TransOhio continues to offer scholarships to help eligible participants with legal fees associated with the name change or birth record correction process.

  • If you previously told us that you needed financial assistance but have not yet used your scholarship, or if your circumstances have changed and you now need assistance, please let us know. We want to make sure available funds can be used to help you move forward.

  • Apply here:  transohio.org/legalclinic

Need a notary?

  • Gone through the clinic and need a virtual notary, you can request an appointment here:  tinyurl.com/TOnotary

Why are we encouraging you to act now?

  • There is currently a lot of uncertainty surrounding Ohio's legislative and administrative future. We do not want to alarm anyone or suggest that a particular change is definitely going to happen.

  • However, given the potential changes and ODH's processing taking some time, we believe it is prudent to encourage anyone who is ready and able to begin or complete the process now.

  • If you have already filed your application with Probate Court, you do not need to file again. If you are waiting on something, have questions about your next step, or are unsure whether you still qualify for financial or notary assistance, please reply to this message.

  • Stay alert for additional guidance — We’ll keep you posted as we learn more! We are here to help you get through the process.

What if you aren’t currently able to update your gender marker due to the combination of the countries where you were born and live?

  • There is still time to establish legal residency in another county before this takes affect, IF it takes affect.

Will this proposed change effect sex/gender marker and changes of legal name?

  • No, this will not affect name changes

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