How Do I

For information concerning how to become a foster or adoptive parent, contact Butler County Children Services at 1-800-792-3854 or complete the request form on their website. You can also find more information here if you are considering foster care or adoption.

To "Adopt-A-Highway" please contact the appropriate program district coordinator. The list of coordinators and contact information can be found on the ODOT website.

Animal adoption is handled by the Animal Friends Humane Society. They are located at 1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton, OH 45011 and can be contacted at 513-867-5727. You can find more information about the animals currently available by visiting the Animal Friends website.

Building permits are issued by the Building & Zoning department. You can find both residential and commerical permit applications on their website along with permit procedures. You may also look up existing applications online by utilizing the Butler County Citizen Access Portal.

If you are seeking food assistance through the Butler County Department of Job & Family Services you will need to complete the State of Ohio Food Assistance Application. There is also a Food Assistance Fact Sheet available to answer your questions.

Job postings for Butler County offices are listed on the Butler County Employment page as either direct listings or links to the employment pages of the individual offices. Check back often as listings are continuously updated.

Butler County Ohio Means Jobs maintains a list of job openings with local employers and provides an online job search for available positions.

Marriage licenses are issue by the Butler County Probate Court and instructions for applying for a license are available on the Probate Court website. Additionally, the Probate Court now offers an online application that can be completed ahead of time.

Vendor licenses are handled by the Butler County Auditor's office and more information about the type of licenses, fees and answers to common questions can be found on the Auditor's website on the vendor licensing page.

Bid opportunities are listed on Butler County Commissioners Bid Postings page.

Butler County is always open to the receipt of Statements of Qualifications of professional design firms as defined in the Ohio Revised Code 153.65(C) in accordance with the policy adopted by the Butler County Board of Commissioners.

Mail statement of qualifications to:
Butler County Commissioners
Attention: Assets, Procurement and Projects
315 High Street, 6th Floor
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

Questions regarding the process can be emailed to commissioners@bcohio.us.

Butler County surplus equipment is listed on the GOV Deals website. Search under "Butler County" for items currently available from Butler County offices.

For information concerning emergency preparedness, safety tips or updated news about current events please visit the Butler County Emergency Management Agency website.

For information about jury service in Butler County please visit the Butler County Clerk of Court's website. The Clerk also maintains a juror number search so that prospective jurors can verify each day whether they are required to report for service. There is also additional jury information available on the Butler County Common Pleas Court website including a juror orientation video.

The Butler County Auditor Real Estate Division is responsible for property valuation and real estate tax accounting. Information concerning the Real Estate Division can be found on the Auditor's website including reports, forms, maps and a property search portal.

Butler County residents living in the cities of Fairfield, Hamilton, Middletown, Monroe, Oxford, Ross and Trenton have curbside recycling included as part of their regular weekly trash collection service. City residents do not need to contact a waste hauler for residential trash collection and recycling services as municipalities contract for these services.

Questions about trash removal and recycling should be directed to the city's public works office.

Butler County township residents should contact approved waste haulers for trash removal and recycling services.

For more information visit the Butler County Recycling & Solid Waste website.

Birth and Death Certificates are provided by the Butler County General Health District. Please visit the General Health District website for requirements and availability of records.

Birth and Death Certificates are provided by the Butler County General Health District. Please visit the General Health District website for requirements and availability of records.

Dog tags in Butler County are available through the Butler County Auditor's office. Butler County licenses approximately 32,000 dogs per year.  Not only is the license required by law, it ensures your dog a free ride home. When the deputy dog wardens find a licensed dog running loose, they can look up the information and make sure your dog is returned to you safe and sound. 

State law changed effective Dec. 1, 2013 allowing for the purchase of 1-year, 3-year or permanent dog tags. In Butler County, 1-year tags remain $14,  3-year tags are $42, and permanent tags are $140. All these dog tag options are available for purchase in the Auditor's Office or through our online site. Only 1-year tags may be purchased through our agents. The annual renewal period is Dec. 1-Jan. 31.

For more information about licensing your dog please visit the Butler County Auditor's website.

Marriage Records are available at the Butler County Records Center & Archives.  Please visit the Records Center to request a copy of a marriage record.

Passport applications are accepted at the Butler County Clerk of Court's title offices, which are located in Fairfield, Hamilton and West Chester.  Passports are delivered by mail from the United States Department of State, and should arrive within six to eight weeks. Expedited passports may be requested for an additional fee and usually arrive within three weeks.  Passports are not delivered on holidays or weekends.

In order to obtain a passport you must appear in person, pay any related fees and present any required documents at a Clerk of Courts title office. More information about documentation and associated fees can be found on the Butler County Clerk of Court's website as well as directions to the title offices.

The Butler County Recorder's Office is pleased to announce a new initiative in the works that will benefit our United States Military Veterans.

In conjunction with the Butler County Veterans Services, Butler County Veterans will be able to obtain a Veteran Identification Card from our office.  This card will display a picture of the veteran as well as various information regarding his, or her service to our country.

In order to receive an identification card, a veteran must record their military discharge with the Butler County Recorder's Office and show TWO of the following identifications. One of these forms of identification MUST contain a photo.

•     An original or certified birth certificate;
•     An identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs;
•     A United States military identification card;
•     A social security card;
•     A license or permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by this state or any other state;
•     A motor vehicle operator's license issued by this state or any other state that bears a photograph of the individual;
•     An identification card issued by this state or any other state that bears a photograph of the individual;
•     A valid passport that bears a photograph of the individual to whom the passport was issued.

Please note that the recorder's office must have the original or a certified copy of the DD214 for recording if it is not on file.

The fee to receive a Veteran ID Card will be $1.00.  There is no charge to record the DD214.  ID Cards will be issued between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. For more information visit the Recorder's website.

You can make one time payments or set up automatic recurring payments from your bank account by accessing the Water & Sewer website, selecting the "View or Pay Utility Bills" button and following the instructions. You can also sign up for e-billing but you will no longer receive a paper bill.

To pay your real estate tax bill please visit the Butler County Treasurer's website and follow the instructions to view your tax bill or make a payment.

You can make one time payments or set up automatic recurring payments from your bank account by accessing the Water & Sewer website, selecting the "View or Pay Utility Bills" button and following the instructions. You can also sign up for e-billing but you will no longer receive a paper bill.

For information concerning watercraft registration please visit the Butler County Clerk of Court's website.

For information concerning watercraft registration please visit the Butler County Clerk of Court's website.

Driver's License renewals are processed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Information can be found on their website that explains the process and required documentation.

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, as Dog Warden, is committed to serving the community by protecting the health, safety and welfare of animals. BCSO’s Deputy Dog Wardens are primarily focused on domestic animal issues and the enforcement of dog laws. They are also certified humane officers.

In their role as Dog Warden, deputies respond to calls for dog abuse, abandonment or neglect, as well as dogs running at large or any other violation of dog laws. Removal of wild animals, including feral cats, is a service provided by commercial animal removal companies and not a Dog Warden responsibility. As Humane Officers, our deputies will respond to assist local law enforcement with injured or neglected animals. If it is unclear whether your situation requires the assistance of the Dog Warden or a commercial animal removal service, contact your local law enforcement agency for guidance.

BCSO Deputy Dog Wardens serve the cities of Hamilton, Middletown, Monroe and Trenton as well as the townships and villages of Butler County. Services are coordinated through your local law enforcement agency.

For animal-related issues in the City of Fairfield, call the Fairfield Police at 513-829-8201.

For animal-related issues in the City of Hamilton, call Butler County dispatch at 513-785-1300.

For animal-related issues in the City of Middletown, call the Middletown Police at 513-425-7700.

For animal-related issues in the City of Monroe, call the Monroe Police at 513-539-9234.

For animal-related issues in the City of Oxford, call the Oxford Police at 513-523-4321.

For animal-related issues in the City of Trenton, call the Trenton Police at 513-988-6341.

For animal-related issues in the West Chester Township, call West Chester PD at 513-777-2231.

For all other townships and villages, call the Butler County Sheriff dispatch center at 513-785-1300.

If you have a question for a Deputy Dog Warden, call (513) 887-PAWS (7297).

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call Butler County Children Services. We have staff available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.

Hamilton/Fairfield Area
(513) 887-4055
Toll Free
(800) 325-2685

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
(513) 785-5915

You can also notify us in writing at:
Butler County Children Services
Attention: Intake
300 North Fair Avenue
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

When making a report of child abuse or neglect, please try to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected.
• The age of the child.
• The name and address of the child’s parent or guardian.
• The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child.
• The reason you suspect the child is being abused or neglected.
• Any other information you feel would be helpful to the investigation.

Children Services is required by law to keep any information about the person who reports abuse or neglect confidential.  Giving your name, however, makes it possible for a caseworker to get in touch with you later if more information is needed.

To report a fire hydrant that is out of service or other issues related to the main water supply or sewer system please contact the Butler County Water & Sewer department.

Office Hours and Customer Care
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(513) 887-3066
24-Hour Emergency Service Line
(513) 887-3066 Option 1

More information can be found on the Butler County Water & Sewer website.

To file a health related complaint please contact the appropriate office. Contact information and procedures can be found on the Butler County General Health District website.

To report a fire hydrant that is out of service or other issues related to the main water supply or sewer system please contact the Butler County Water & Sewer department.

Office Hours and Customer Care
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(513) 887-3066

24-Hour Emergency Service Line
(513) 887-3066 Option 1

More information can be found on the Butler County Water & Sewer website.

To report a fire hydrant that is out of service or other issues related to the main water supply or sewer system please contact the Butler County Water & Sewer department.

Office Hours and Customer Care
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(513) 887-3066

24-Hour Emergency Service Line
(513) 887-3066 Option 1

More information can be found on the Butler County Water & Sewer website.

To report a zoning violation, contact the Butler County Department of Development Building and Zoning division. Contact information is available on the Department of Development website.

Name changes are handled by the Butler County Probate Court. A person desiring to change his or her name must be a resident of the county for at least one year prior to the filing of an application.

Applications must be filed in the probate court in the county in which the applicant resides.

A name change is an amendment to the birth certificate, it does not change the original birth certificate.

For more information contact the Butler County Probate Court.

To register as an Ohio voter, update a voter name or update a voter address please complete the Voter Registration and Information Update form from the Ohio Secretary of State's website.

To register as an Ohio voter, update a voter name or update a voter address please complete the Voter Registration and Information Update form from the Ohio Secretary of State's website.

If you are interested in reserving a County Park facility, please contact MetroParks of Butler County, OH by visiting their website.

Court records for the Butler County Common Pleas court and the Domestic Relations court are available through the Butler County Clerk of Courts case management system and are available via an online search tool.

Court records for the Butler County Probate Court are available through a separate online search tool on the Probate Court website.

Court records for the Butler County Area Courts located in Oxford, Hamilton and West Chester are available via an online search on the Area Courts website.

To access Butler County Juvenile Court records please contact the court or visit their website for more information.

There are three ways that you can get a copy of your deed, mortgage or other documents on file in the Recorder's office.

1. Stop in and see us.  Using your name and address, we will locate your documents and make you copies.  Copies are 15 cents if printed off the computer, $2.00 per page if we have to pull the book.
2. Send us a written request.  You can mail us a request along with the correct fee and a self addressed stamped envelope and we will mail your copy back to you.  All mail in copies are $2.00 per page.
3. Search our web site.  Documents recorded from 1987 to the present are available on the Recorder's website.

Property records are maintained by the Recorder's office and all documents recorded from 1987 to present are available via online search.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers an online search tool for Ohio title information that is accessible to the public.

For a listing of Boards & Commissions as well as current vacancies please visit the Butler County Board of Commissioners Boards & Commissions website.

For more information about the Butler County Port Authority please visit their website.

Information about recycling and the various programs offered within Butler County can be found on the Butler County Recycling & Solid Waste website.

The Clerk of Courts, in partnership with the Ohio BMV, has opened driver exam stations at our Hamilton West and Fairfield title office locations. The exam station is part of the Ohio BMV's Third Party Class D Program.  To schedule a driving test, visit the Clerk of Courts office.