How to Domesticate an Out-of-State Subpoena in Ohio

To domesticate an out-of-state subpoena in Ohio, attorneys must submit the foreign subpoena to the clerk of court in the county where discovery is sought. The clerk will issue an Ohio subpoena mirroring the original terms—filing or issuance fees typically range between $25.00 and $80.00, depending on the county.

How to Domesticate an Out-of-State Subpoena in Ohio
AUTHOR:

Countrywide Process

DATE:

November 12, 2025

The State of Ohio has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), codified under Ohio Revised Code §2319.09. This statute streamlines the process for out-of-state attorneys to obtain discovery from witnesses or entities located within Ohio without the need for formal court appearances or local counsel, unless litigation arises regarding enforcement or objections.

Governing Law

Ohio Revised Code §2319.09 establishes the process and definitions under the UIDDA. It applies to subpoenas issued by a foreign jurisdiction—any U.S. state or territory outside Ohio—and outlines how these are recognized and issued locally for discovery purposes.

Key definitions include:

  • Foreign Jurisdiction: Any U.S. state or territory outside Ohio.
  • Foreign Subpoena: A subpoena issued by a court in another jurisdiction.
  • Subpoena: A document compelling testimony, document production, or inspection.

Ohio’s UIDDA implementation ensures consistency with other UIDDA states, promoting a uniform and streamlined discovery process.

Step-by-Step Domestication Process & Filing Procedure

1. Prepare the Foreign Subpoena:
Obtain a properly issued subpoena from the originating court where the action is pending.

2. Prepare and Submit the Ohio Subpoena to the Clerk of Court:
File the foreign subpoena along with the prepared Ohio Subpoena with the clerk of court in the Ohio county where discovery is to be conducted.

  • No formal “appearance” is required by the out-of-state attorney.

3. Clerk Issues the Ohio Subpoena:
The clerk will promptly issue an Ohio subpoena that:

  • Incorporates and mirrors the terms of the foreign subpoena; and
  • Lists the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all counsel of record and any unrepresented parties.

4. Serve the Subpoena:
The issued Ohio subpoena must be served in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 45).

5. Enforcement or Objections:
Any motion to enforce, quash, or modify the subpoena must be filed in the same Ohio county where discovery occurs, per Rule 45(C).

Filing and Issuance Fees

While fees may vary by county, Ohio clerks of court generally charge between $25 and $80 to issue or domesticate a subpoena under UIDDA.

Example:

  • Franklin County Clerk of Courts: ~$30 issuance fee
  • Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts: ~$35 filing fee
  • Hamilton County Clerk of Courts: ~$25–$80 depending on document type

These fees cover the clerk’s administrative costs to process and issue the Ohio subpoena.

Legal Authority and Uniformity

Under division (G) of the statute, courts are encouraged to interpret the UIDDA in a way that maintains uniformity among states that have enacted similar laws, ensuring predictable handling of interstate discovery requests.

“In applying and construing this section, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact a substantially similar statute or rule.”
Ohio Revised Code §2319.09(G)

Key Takeaways for Attorneys

  • The UIDDA eliminates the need for local counsel to appear solely to issue a subpoena.
  • The foreign subpoena acts as the basis for the Ohio subpoena, ensuring consistency.
  • Clerk processing time is generally prompt—same day or within 1–2 business days.
  • Fee payment is required at submission, typically via check or online payment, depending on county procedures.
  • No hearing or judicial signature is required unless contested.

How Countrywide Process Enables Efficiency & Compliance in Ohio

As a premier subpoena domestication company, Countrywide Process simplifies and accelerates every step of the Ohio UIDDA subpoena domestication process—from intake to filing and issuance—so attorneys can focus on their case, not the paperwork.

Why Our Team Can Help

We provide the Ohio UIDDA subpoena form, ensure all discovery language matches the originating subpoena, and file directly with the appropriate Ohio county clerk where discovery is sought.

Our team:

  • Coordinates directly with the clerk of court to ensure prompt issuance of the Ohio subpoena.
  • Advances all applicable court filing fees on your behalf for one streamlined, itemized invoice.
  • Ensures every filing complies with Ohio Revised Code §2319.09 and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 45).
  • Monitors issuance status and confirms clerk processing with automated digital updates.
  • Delivers filed subpoenas to vetted Ohio process servers for compliant service—maintaining accuracy and speed across all 88 counties.

Technology That Keeps You Informed

Through our nationwide UIDDA management system, attorneys gain:

  • Real-time tracking of subpoena domestication and filing progress.
  • Secure cloud access to issued subpoenas, filing receipts, and court confirmations.
  • Digital proof of service and automated notifications when the subpoena is filed or completed.

Our platform seamlessly integrates with top practice management and eFiling systems—bridging compliance, speed, and transparency in one place.

Trusted Nationwide by Legal Professionals

With three generations of experience in litigation support and process management, Countrywide Process has earned the trust of law firms, corporations, and government agencies nationwide.

We handle every UIDDA and non-UIDDA jurisdiction, providing attorneys with confidence that each subpoena is filed, issued, and served correctly the first time.

Ohio UIDDA Subpoena Checklist

Ohio UIDDA Subpoena Domestication Checklist

Before You File

  • Obtain a certified foreign subpoena from the issuing court.
  • Confirm the Ohio county of the witness, business, or records custodian.
  • Prepare a cover letter identifying the case caption, originating court, and requested documents or testimony.
  • Include contact information for all counsel of record.

File With
Submit to the Clerk of Court in the county where the discovery is to take place:

County Clerk of Court Direct Link
Franklin County Franklin County Clerk of Courts https://clerk.franklincountyohio.gov
Cuyahoga County Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts https://clerk.cuyahogacounty.us
Hamilton County Hamilton County Clerk of Courts https://www.courtclerk.org
Summit County Summit County Clerk of Courts https://clerk.co.summit.oh.us
Lucas County Lucas County Clerk of Courts https://co.lucas.oh.us/170/Clerk-of-Courts

 

Filing Fee: $25–$80
Processing Time:
1–2 business days
Statutory Authority:
Ohio Revised Code §2319.09

Ready to Begin?

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Yes. Ohio has adopted UIDDA at Ohio Rev. Code §2319.09, which provides a clerk-issued process to recognize a foreign subpoena for discovery in Ohio.

Submit the foreign subpoena to the clerk of court in the Ohio county where discovery will occur. The clerk promptly issues an Ohio subpoena that incorporates the terms of the foreign subpoena and lists counsel of record and any unrepresented parties.

Filing or issuance fees typically range between $25 and $80, depending on the county clerk’s office where the subpoena is filed.

No. Requesting issuance under UIDDA does not constitute an appearance in Ohio courts. Local counsel is only needed if there is a motion to enforce, quash, modify, or for a protective order.

Service and compliance are governed by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (including Rule 45) and any applicable Ohio statutes for subpoenas requiring testimony, production of documents or ESI, or inspection of premises

Provide the foreign subpoena, a cover sheet or letter identifying the originating court and case caption, contact information for all counsel of record and unrepresented parties, and fee payment in the form accepted by the clerk. Ensure requested discovery terms in the Ohio subpoena mirror those in the foreign subpoena.

Issuance is typically prompt—often same day to 1–2 business days depending on county procedures. Any motion to enforce, quash, or modify must be filed in the Ohio court of the county where discovery is to be conducted.