Lorain County, in northern Ohio, provides a wide range of official forms to assist residents, businesses, and professionals with property management, taxation, and legal matters. These forms are essential for maintaining accurate records, complying with state law, and ensuring transparency in government operations.
Whether you are filing a property valuation complaint, recording a deed, or submitting a court document, the Lorain County Auditor makes these forms accessible through its various offices.
Types of Forms and How to Apply
Auditor’s Office Forms
The Lorain County Auditor oversees property valuation, taxation, and agricultural programs. Common forms include:
- DTE 1 and DTE 1M: Complaints against property valuation for real estate and manufactured homes.
- DTE 26: Application for valuation deduction for destroyed or damaged property.
- DTE 109 and DTE 109A: Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) initial and renewal applications, allowing farmland to be taxed based on agricultural use.
- DTE 23A: Application for remission of late payment penalties.
- Agricultural District Applications: Forms to enroll farmland into Ohio’s agricultural district program.
How to Apply:
These forms can be downloaded from the Auditor’s website or picked up at the Elyria office. Complaints against property valuation must be filed by March 31 of the tax year, while CAUV applications are due by the first Monday in March. Completed forms can be submitted in person or by mail, with supporting documents such as proof of ownership or income verification.
Recorder’s Office Forms
The Recorder’s Office manages property ownership records and related filings. Forms include:
- Deed Recording Forms: Required for transferring property ownership.
- Mortgage and Lien Forms: Used to record mortgages, liens, and releases.
- Plat and Survey Forms: Necessary for recording subdivision plats or land surveys.
How to Apply:
These forms must be filed directly with the Recorder’s Office. Original signatures and notarization are typically required, along with filing fees based on the number of pages. Documents can be submitted in person during office hours or mailed with payment.
Legal Division and Court Forms
The Clerk of Courts Legal Division provides forms for civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases.
- Civil Division: Complaints, motions, foreclosures, and appellate filings.
- Criminal Division: Felony case filings, indictments, and bond postings.
- Domestic Relations: Divorce, custody, child support, and visitation filings.
- Appeals: Forms for cases appealed to the Ninth District Court of Appeals.
- Notary Applications: Available for residents seeking notary public status.
How to Apply:
Court forms can be filed in person at the Clerk’s Office or electronically through the county’s e‑filing system for specific case types. Filing fees vary depending on the case. Identification and supporting documentation may be required.
Records Retention Forms
Lorain County also uses standardized forms for government recordkeeping:
- RC‑1, RC‑2, and RC‑3: Required under Ohio law for documenting retention and disposal of public records.
How to Apply:
These forms are used internally by government offices but are available to the public for transparency. They are filed with the Ohio Historical Society to ensure compliance with archival standards.
Most forms are available online, making them easy to download and complete. For residents who prefer in‑person assistance, forms can be obtained at county offices in Elyria. Offices generally operate during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.