FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: March 13, 2026

CONTACT for Supervisor Janet Nguyen: Tori Richards (714) 834-5887
                 for Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen: Billy Le (714) 834-2096

Community Passport Event

WHAT:

Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen, in partnership with Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, will host a Community Passport Event offering residents convenient access to passport services so they can apply early and avoid last-minute travel delays. 

WHEN:

Saturday, April 11, 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE:

Garden Grove Courtyard Center

12732 Main St., Garden Grove

“This event is about making passport services quick, convenient, and accessible,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen. “Residents in the First District can take care of their passport needs close to home.”

"It is a great pleasure for me to bring our Clerk-Recorder on Wheels mobile services directly to our community without them losing a day of work or their children missing school to come to our offices" said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

“As Mayor of Garden Grove, I am proud to partner with Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen to help provide passport services to community.  Whether planning travel, education, or new opportunities aboard, we want to make the process as easy as possible for our residents”, said Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. 

Applicants must apply in person and bring proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport), valid photo identification, Social Security number, and a check or money order for passport fees (two separate payments required: U.S. Department of State and Orange County Clerk-Recorder).

Appointments are recommended due to anticipated demand; walk-ins are welcome. 

To save time, applicants may complete the passport application online in advance at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html and bring it to the event. 

Appointments/ Information: (714) 834-3110             Passport Questions: (714) 834-2248

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Supervisor Janet Nguyen represents the First District of Orange County Board of Supervisors, which is the cities of Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster and the unincorporated areas of Midway City and Rossmoor. Supervisor Nguyen served in the California State Senate, California State Assembly and as Orange County Supervisor and Garden Grove City Councilmember.

(Santa Ana, CA) Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen announced today that CRBot, the department’s interactive chatbot on OCRecorder.com, is now available in multiple additional languages to better serve Orange County’s diverse communities. Customers can now use CRBot in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese, in addition to English.

CRBot provides fast, convenient answers to common questions about Clerk-Recorder services, including vital records, marriage licenses and ceremonies, passport services, and property recording. By helping customers get quick answers online, CRBot also reduces phone calls to the Clerk-Recorder call center, allowing staff to focus on more complex requests that require live assistance. The new language options are designed to help more residents get accurate information at any time, without having to wait for office hours.

To use CRBot in another language, customers should switch their device or computer keyboard to that language (or use their device’s language input feature) and type their questions in the language they prefer. CRBot will respond in the same language.

“Language should never be a barrier to accessing county services,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “This update is about respect and real-world convenience, especially for working families, seniors, and residents who feel most comfortable communicating in another language.”

CRBot is available 24/7 and works on smartphones and mobile devices. When needed, customers can also be directed to live chat support during business hours for more complex questions.

To explore CRBot and get instant answers, visit OCRecorder.com. For additional assistance, call the Clerk-Recorder’s information line at (714) 834-2500, Monday through Friday from 

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen invites families and individuals to get a head start on travel plans at the 10th Special Passport Day on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Old Orange County Courthouse (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701), where residents can apply for a new U.S. passport and have passport photos taken onsite in one convenient stop.

The milestone event marks a decade of Special Passport Day service in Orange County as demand for passport services continues to grow. In 2025, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office accepted 20,197 passport applications, a nearly 30 percent increase over 2024, and took 15,766 passport photos, up more than 38 percent from the year prior. Staff have also heard from families applying for passport cards as a convenient form of identification for their children. 

The Saturday timing is especially helpful for families, since both parents are required to be present when applying for a passport for children under age 16. For applicants ages 16 and 17, only one parent needs to be present.

“Special Saturday Passport Day is one of the ways we’ve helped families take care of passport needs without missing school or work,” said Clerk-Recorder Nguyen. “As travel continues to rebound and major global sporting events approach in 2026, we encourage residents to plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.”

Due to high demand, appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details on requirements for obtaining a new passport and to book an appointment, please visit OCCLERKRECORDER.GOV. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Due to the significant rainfall this week, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is cancelling the planned Clerk-Recorder on Wheels appearance at Irvine Pony Baseball Opening Day.

The mobile unit was scheduled to visit Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvard Community Park (14701 Harvard Ave., Irvine, CA 92606).

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office appreciates the community’s understanding and looks forward to bringing Clerk-Recorder on Wheels to Irvine at a future date. Updated scheduling information will be shared when available.

For more information or to request Clerk-Recorder on Wheels for a community event, visit OCRecorder.com, or call (714) 834-2500 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays). For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen announced that the department’s mobile unit, Clerk-Recorder on Wheels, will visit Irvine for the first time during Irvine Pony Baseball Opening Day. The mobile unit will be on-site Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvard Community Park (14701 Harvard Ave., Irvine, CA 92606).

Clerk-Recorder on Wheels helps families access services that often come up at key moments, like the start of a new school year or sports season. This includes vital records that may be needed for school enrollment and youth sports registration, such as obtaining a child’s birth certificate to participate in programs and activities.

“Opening Day is a perfect example of why we have Clerk-Recorder on Wheels,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Parents are juggling a lot, and when a birth certificate is needed to register a child for school or sports, we want to make it easier to start that process close to home. We’re excited to bring this mobile unit to Irvine for the first time and support families right where they are.”

“Irvine Pony Baseball is proud to partner with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder´s Office to bring services directly to our community. This is exactly the kind of practical support that makes a difference for families, especially at the start of a new season,” said J.D. Hardin, President of Irvine Pony Baseball. 

"Clerk-Recorder on Wheels" will offer the following services:

• Vital Records (Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates)

• Fictitious Business Name Registrations

• Official copies of property records (Grant Deeds, Deeds of Trust, etc.)

Customers are strongly encouraged to complete the vital records application before arriving at OCRecorder.com/vitalapp.

For more information or to request Clerk-Recorder on Wheels for a community event, visit OCRecorder.com, or call (714) 834-2500 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays). For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen announced that the department’s mobile unit, 

Clerk-Recorder on Wheels, will visit Irvine for the first time during Irvine Pony Baseball Opening Day. The mobile unit will be on-site Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvard Community Park (14701 Harvard Ave., Irvine, CA 92606).

Clerk-Recorder on Wheels helps families access services that often come up at key moments, like the start of a new school year or sports season. This includes vital records that may be needed for school enrollment and youth sports registration, such as obtaining a child’s birth certificate to participate in programs and activities.

“Opening Day is a perfect example of why we have Clerk-Recorder on Wheels,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Parents are juggling a lot, and when a birth certificate is needed to register a child for school or sports, we want to make it easier to start that process close to home. We’re excited to bring this mobile unit to Irvine for the first time and support families right where they are.”

“Irvine Pony Baseball is proud to partner with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder´s Office to bring services directly to our community. This is exactly the kind of practical support that makes a difference for families, especially at the start of a new season,” said J.D. Hardin, President of Irvine Pony Baseball. 

"Clerk-Recorder on Wheels" will offer the following services:

• Vital Records (Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates)

• Fictitious Business Name Registrations

• Official copies of property records (Grant Deeds, Deeds of Trust, etc.)

Customers are strongly encouraged to complete the vital records application before arriving at OCRecorder.com/vitalapp.

For more information or to request Clerk-Recorder on Wheels for a community event, visit OCRecorder.com, or call (714) 834-2500 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays). For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Santa Ana, CA - Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen proudly announces the launch of "Clerk-Recorder on Wheels," an innovative mobile van designed to bring essential Clerk-Recorder services directly to communities throughout Orange County. 

Media outlets are invited to attend the official debut and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the County Administration South Building’s P4 Parking Lot (630 North Broadway St., Santa Ana, CA 92701).

"We’re excited to be the first County Clerk-Recorder’s office in California to offer mobile passport services, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of State’s Los Angeles Passport Agency," said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Clerk-Recorder on Wheels reflects our commitment to accessibility, innovation, and public service by bringing essential services directly to the community. During our pilot testing phase, the mobile unit has already traveled more than 260 miles, helping us refine operations. It is also ready to support disaster recovery efforts by providing critical records to residents across Orange County’s 34 cities.”

"Clerk-Recorder on Wheels" will offer the following services:

• Vital Records (Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates)

• Passport Services and Passport Photos

• Marriage Licenses and Marriage Ceremonies

• Fictitious Business Name Registrations

• Official copies of property records (Grant Deeds, Deeds of Trust, etc.)

Service availability may vary depending on location and event logistics. The mobile van may travel to community events, local schools, senior centers, and scenic locations suitable for wedding ceremonies within Orange County cities, expanding access to Clerk-Recorder services throughout the county.

For more information or to request the mobile van for your event, visit OCRecorder.com and complete the request form, or call (714) 834-2500 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays). For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is excited to announce a unique Special Saturday Opening for Valentine’s Day marriage services on Saturday, February 14, 2026. 

Couples are invited to celebrate love and new beginnings with marriage services available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clerk-Recorder offices in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Laguna Hills. With Valentine’s Day landing on a Saturday, interest in this special date is high, and appointments are filling quickly. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

During this Special Saturday Opening, couples may obtain a marriage license, enjoy a civil marriage ceremony, or renew their vows, making it the perfect opportunity to start or celebrate a love story on one of the most romantic days of the year.

“Valentine’s Day on a Saturday is something couples truly look forward to,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.               “We’re happy to offer this Special Saturday Opening so couples can make the day official and create memories they’ll cherish.”

Important reminders to ensure a smooth experience for couples.

• Online Application: Required for marriage licenses prior to arrival.
• Identification: Both parties must present valid government-issued photo ID.
• Witness: At least one witness is required for a public marriage license ceremony.
• Payments: Accepted forms include cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier’s check, or    money order (payable to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder).

Marriage Services & Fees

• Public Marriage License: $61
• Confidential Marriage License: $66
• Civil Marriage Ceremony: $28
• Renewal of Vow Ceremony: $28

For more information, call (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com, where the public can also chat with CRBot, the Clerk-Recorder’s 24/7 virtual assistant. The information line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is partnering with the California Secretary of State to bring the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop to Orange County. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 N. Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The incredible turnout to our past three Apostille Pop-Up Shops emphasizes the importance of Apostille services in our community,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am proud to save our residents time and money from traveling to Los Angeles or mailing their request to Sacramento. Visit us during our last Apostille Pop-Up of the year to get this service on the spot.”

What is an Apostille?

• An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates California public officials’ signatures on documents intended for use outside of the United States. 

• Examples of documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, single status certificates, educational records, and more. 

• Typically, individuals seeking in-person Apostille services must travel to the California Secretary of State’s offices in Los Angeles or Sacramento, or they may mail their request to the Sacramento office. 

To ensure a smooth experience, please bring the following:

• A document signed by a California public official or an original notarized and/or certified document. Photocopy is not acceptable. 

• A completed Apostille Pop-Up Shop Request Cover Sheet found at:

     https://notary.cdn.sos.ca.gov/forms/apostille-request-apus.pdf

• California Secretary of State processing fee is $20 for each apostille document, along with a $6 special handling fee for every public official’s authentication signature. Payments for apostille services can be made using Visa, Mastercard, checks, or money orders. No cash accepted.

• Notary public services will be available on-site from the OC Clerk of the Board office for $15 per signature and paid for by personal check or cash only. Make check payable to the County of Orange.

For more information about obtaining an Apostille, visit the California Secretary of State’s website. 

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Visit OCRecorder.com for details. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248. 

Santa Ana, CA – Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to highlight the success of the department’s Pre-Paid Marriage Certificate Program, a convenient service designed to save newlyweds time, travel, and stress after their wedding.

The Pre-Paid Marriage Certificate Program is available only to couples who obtain their marriage license and have their ceremony performed at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. At that time, couples may choose to pre-order their certified marriage certificate for $17 per copy. By doing so, they automatically receive their official marriage certificate by mail without needing to return to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, make a separate purchase after their ceremony, or call in to check if their certificate is ready — saving them valuable time and effort.

“This program has become one of our most popular services because it allows couples to focus on celebrating their special day instead of worrying about paperwork,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “By streamlining the process, we’re helping newlyweds save valuable time, reduce phone calls and trips to our offices, and begin their new chapter with ease.”

In 2024, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office issued 25,688 marriage licenses and fulfilled 23,741 pre-paid marriage certificate orders, underscoring both the strong demand and the convenience this program offers to newlyweds. This successful program is ongoing and continues to provide the same convenience today. For couples wishing to marry in Orange County, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses, performing ceremonies, and providing certified marriage certificates, making this program an essential resource for newlyweds across the county.

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office remains committed to innovation, efficiency, and customer service. For more information about marriage services or to learn how to take advantage of the Pre-Paid Marriage Certificate Program, please visit OCRecorder.com or call (714) 834-2500.

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