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 County of Orange).

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.

English • Spanish • Vietnamese • Korean • Chinese

Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department has reached a major milestone by surpassing 11 million electronically recorded documents. This achievement highlights the department’s leadership in innovation and its commitment to providing secure, efficient, and convenient services for Orange County residents.

Orange County made history in 1997 by implementing the first electronic recording delivery system in the nation, forever changing how property documents are recorded. Today, 80% of all documents are recorded electronically in Orange County, making the process faster and more accessible for customers and industry partners.

“Reaching 11 million electronically recorded documents is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Electronic recording not only saves time and resources but also provides enhanced security. Every authorized submitter must pass a Department of Justice background check and Live Scan fingerprinting before approval. This ensures that our system remains one of the most secure in the nation and plays an important role in protecting the public from fraud.”

Since 2008, Orange County has partnered with Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego Counties to operate the SECURE (Statewide Electronic Courier Universal Recording Environment) system, which allows title, escrow, financial, and government institutions to record property documents across multiple counties from a single screen. Today, SECURE has 3,444 authorized submitters, including Customers of Agents, Direct Submitters, Agents, and Government Submitters.

For more information about the services provided by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department or its convenient locations, please visit OCRecorder.com or call (714) 834-2500.

English •  Spanish• Vietnamese •  Korean •  Chinese

Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has earned national recognition for its innovative virtual assistant, CRBot, which has been awarded a 2025 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The honor recognizes forward-thinking and impactful county programs that enhance service delivery and improve residents' experiences.

Launched in March 21, 2024, CRBot is a 24/7 chatbot that helps users navigate Clerk-Recorder services including birth certificates, marriage licenses, property records, and passports, anytime through OCRecorder.com. Designed to reduce call volume and support routine questions, CRBot also connects users to live agents when needed. In its first year, it assisted 7,187 users, with fewer than 8 percent requiring further help.

The department’s commitment to digital innovation and expanding equitable access to government services, especially for residents who need support after regular hours or prefer mobile interaction.

“I am honored and grateful to receive this national recognition,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “CRBot represents how we continue to evolve by embracing innovation to serve our community better. My team remains focused on improving access to public services in ways that are modern, efficient, and customer first.”

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programs across 18 categories that reflect the broad range of services counties provide. These categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement, and more. Launched in 1970, the program celebrates innovation and excellence in county government.

“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore. “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.” 

For more information about the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit - OCRecorder.com.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Hundreds of Orange County residents flocked to the County Administration South building today for a one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop hosted by Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen in partnership with the California Secretary of State. By 4:00 p.m., the combined team had assisted over 706 customers and processed 1,704 apostilles, shattering the county’s single-day record and underscoring the demand for convenient, local document authentication.

“Thank you to the California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, for visiting and witnessing our event. We are very happy for the support of the Secretary of State for nearly doubling her staff to help the public save time and money by processing their apostille in OC without having to travel to Los Angeles or mailing their application to Sacramento,” said Hugh Nguyen.

Secretary Weber toured the operation, applauding the collaboration that spared customers the long drive to Los Angeles or the wait of mailing paperwork to Sacramento.

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.

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office shares footage for use ONLY by the media.

Click on the following link: FOR MEDIA

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248.

After hosting two highly successful Apostille Pop-Up Shops in 2024, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is partnering again with the California Secretary of State to bring the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop back to Orange County. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building on Wednesday, May 14, 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.

“Last year, the Apostille Pop-Up Shops in Orange County helped customers save time and money,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I invite anyone needing Apostille services to visit us on May 14th to receive Apostille services on-the-spot without needing travel to Los Angeles or mail their requests to Sacramento.”

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 mark the one-year anniversary of CRBot, the department’s interactive chatbot that has transformed how the public accesses information about essential services. Since its launch on March 21, 2024, CRBot has provided instant, around-the-clock answers to frequently asked questions on topics like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property records.

In its first year, CRBot served 7,187 users, with 6,651 receiving immediate answers without needing live assistance, helping to reduce call volume and wait times for more complex inquiries. Only 536 users were redirected to a live chat agent during business hours, highlighting the chatbot’s effectiveness in resolving routine questions. The program’s success reflects the Clerk-Recorder’s commitment to modernizing public services and improving the customer experience.

“CRBot has been a game-changer for our office,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “It reflects our commitment to innovation and to making our services more accessible to the residents of Orange County, anytime, anywhere.”

CRBot is available 24/7 at OCRecorder.com and is fully compatible with smartphones and mobile devices. The chatbot’s success stems from its ability to ease staff workload while increasing convenience for users, especially those with busy schedules or urgent questions outside business hours.

Key Milestones in CRBot’s First Year:

• 7,187 total users accessed CRBot

• 6,651 resolved their inquiries through the chatbot alone

• 536 required live agent support for more complex matters

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 is pleased to announce an additional Special Passport Day on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Old Orange County Courthouse, located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701. This event is being organized in response to the overwhelming demand for passport services. Scheduled on a weekend, it is designed to accommodate those with weekday commitments at school or work, which is particularly beneficial for parents. Note that both parents are required to be present for passport applications for children under the age of 16, while only one parent needs to accompany applicants aged 16 and 17.

“This extra Passport Day ensures that more residents can receive timely service, allowing everyone to have the necessary documents for their travels,” said Clerk-Recorder Nguyen. The day offers opportunities for taking passport photos and applying for new passports. Due to the high volume of interest, securing an appointment is highly recommended; however, walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To ensure a smooth process, please bring the following items:

• A completed and unsigned DS-11 Form

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship

• Proof of Identity 

• A check or money order for the U.S. Department of State fees

• Payments for the Clerk-Recorder’s processing fee of $35 and the passport photo fee of $7, which can be made via cash, credit/debit card, money order, or check payable to “Orange County Clerk-Recorder” 

For additional information on passport renewal eligibility and to schedule your appointment, please visit our website at OCCLERKRECORDER.GOV. Our call center is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, at (714) 834-2500. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.