Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen invites families and individuals to prepare for their summer travels at the 9th Special Passport Day on Saturday, March 15, 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 Special Passport Day will be a one-stop shop to get passport photos taken and apply for a new passport. Due to high demand, appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted on a first come, first served basis. To book an appointment for Passport Day, please visit OCCLERKRECORDER.GOV. 

“Since 2017, Special Passport Day has been a fantastic opportunity for busy families and individuals to apply for a new passport without missing school or work,” said Clerk-Recorder Nguyen. “Let us help you get a head start on your travel plans.”

Special Passport Day is scheduled on a weekend to accommodate those with weekday commitments at school or work. This timing is particularly beneficial for parents, as both parents are required for passport applications for children under the age of 16. For applicants aged 16 and 17, only one parent's presence is necessary.

To ensure a smooth experience, please bring the following:

• 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 "County of Orange" 

For passport renewal eligibility, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

For more information, call (714) 834-2500 or visit OCCLERKRECORDER.GOV. Our information line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

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Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen, in collaboration with the City of Westminster, will perform the first-ever renewal of vow ceremony during the highly anticipated annual 2025 Westminster Tet Parade on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The parade begins at the intersection of Bolsa Ave. and Magnolia St. and will head eastbound on Bolsa Ave. The opening ceremony is scheduled at 8:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 9:30 a.m. For the first time in the event’s history, one special couple will have the unique opportunity to renew their vows during the parade in front of thousands of attendees and viewers worldwide.

“The Westminster Tet Parade and Lunar New Year celebrates unity, family, love, and new beginnings,” said Clerk-Recorder Nguyen. “It is the perfect occasion to honor these values, and I am thrilled to perform a renewal of vow ceremony for one couple to reaffirm their commitment to each other and celebrate their love in front of loved ones and the community.”

The Westminster Tet Parade is the world’s largest Tet Parade and has been held in the heart of Little Saigon for over 20 years. The event is a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year and the Vietnamese American community, complete with beautiful floats, lion dances, community organizations, and cultural performances. With the renewal of vow ceremony, Clerk-Recorder Nguyen will be bringing a special and heartfelt addition to the parade.

The renewal of vow ceremony offers a meaningful way for couples to reaffirm their commitment. Whether celebrating a milestone anniversary, recreating a ceremony delayed by the pandemic, or simply looking for a unique way to honor their love, this renewal of vow promises an intimate and unforgettable experience. Couples are welcome to have their children, parents, grandparents, or any loved ones join the special moment. Couples wishing to renew their vows at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s three beautiful locations in Santa Ana, Laguna Hills, or Anaheim may book their appointment at: https://cr.ocgov.com/OCRenewalVows/ 

For more information, call (714) 834-2500 or visit  OCRecorder.com. The information line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will once again extend ceremony hours until 6 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Anaheim, Laguna Hills, and Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana for marriage services only. The extended hours aim to accommodate couples looking to tie the knot or renew their vows on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day.

Appointments are highly recommended to avoid delays; however, walk-ins will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Before arriving, couples must complete a marriage license application online at: https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com

“With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, it may be one of our busiest days, and we want to ensure every couple has a beautiful, unforgettable experience as they begin or reaffirm their love story,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

To help couples share their special day with loved ones both near and far, the department offers live-stream weddings. For married couples wishing to reaffirm their bond, renewal of vow ceremonies are also available, complete with a complimentary souvenir certificate as a keepsake of the special day.

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. The information line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

(Orange County, CA) Following popular requests, married couples now have a special way to celebrate their anniversaries as Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen introduces renewal of vow ceremonies, a first in Orange County’s history. Beginning on October 19, 2024, married couples can reaffirm their vows at the Old Orange County Courthouse, the North County branch office in Anaheim, or the South County branch office in Laguna Hills. For a ceremony fee of just $28, couples can enjoy a memorable celebration and receive a complimentary souvenir certificate as a keepsake of the special day.

This service offers a wonderful opportunity for couples to celebrate milestone anniversaries, whether it’s their 5th or 50th, or to share a heartfelt moment with loved ones, including children and grandchildren. At no additional cost, couples can also livestream their ceremony via Zoom, allowing friends and family, regardless of distance, to join the celebration.

Though symbolic with no legal significance, the ceremony offers a meaningful way for couples to reaffirm their commitment. Whether celebrating a milestone anniversary, recreating a ceremony delayed by the pandemic, or simply looking for a unique way to honor their love, this renewal of vow promises an intimate and unforgettable experience.

“Getting married is an incredible milestone, and I believe couples deserve more than one celebration over the years,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am excited to provide renewal of vow ceremonies for the first time in our department’s history and help married couples add another beautiful and memorable moment to their love story.”

There are no residency restrictions, and couples from anywhere are welcome to participate. To schedule a renewal of vow marriage ceremony at our department’s three beautiful locations, visit OCRecorder.com and click on the “Renewal of Vow Ceremonies for Married Couples” link on the homepage. Walk-ins are always welcome.

For questions, call (714) 834-2500 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For media inquiries, contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

(Santa Ana, CA) Due to popular demand, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is excited to once again partner with the California Secretary of State to host the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 North Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We served nearly 500 customers during our first one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop this past May,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am excited to provide our county residents convenient access to Apostille services on-the-spot without needing travel to Los Angeles or mail their requests to Sacramento through this special partnership with the California Secretary of State.”

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. 

September 13, 2024

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Santa Ana, CA – In response to the local state of emergency declared by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the State of California declaration due to the ongoing “Airport Fire,” the Office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is offering support to residents directly impacted by the fire. To help ease the burden on those affected, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office will provide free replacement of essential Orange County records lost or damaged in the fire. 

Services available at no cost include: 

• Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates

 • Replacement of property records, including deeds and other land-related documents 

“Our office is committed to assisting residents during this challenging time,” said Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “We want to ensure that everyone affected by the fire can easily access the important Orange County documents they need to begin the recovery process.” 

Residents can obtain these records by visiting any of the Clerk-Recorder offices in Santa Ana, Anaheim, or Laguna Hills. 

Office Locations: 

• Santa Ana Main Office: 601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 

• Anaheim Office: 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 

• Laguna Hills Office: 24031 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills, CA 92653 

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit OCRecorder.com for details. 

For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

Santa Ana, CA – In response to the local state of emergency declared by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the State of California declaration due to the ongoing “Airport Fire,” the Office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is offering support to residents directly impacted by the fire. To help ease the burden on those affected, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office will provide free replacement of essential Orange County records lost or damaged in the fire. 

Services available at no cost include:

• Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Replacement of property records, including deeds and other land-related documents

“Our office is committed to assisting residents during this challenging time,” said Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “We want to ensure that everyone affected by the fire can easily access the important Orange County documents they need to begin the recovery process.”

Residents can obtain these records by visiting any of the Clerk-Recorder offices in Santa Ana, Anaheim, or Laguna Hills.

Office Locations:

• Santa Ana Main Office: 601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

• Anaheim Office: 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

• Laguna Hills Office: 24031 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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

Santa Ana, CA – The Bridging Distances for Love: Clerk-Recorder’s Virtual Marriage Ceremony Initiative has been recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative and effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Virtual Marriage Ceremony Initiative facilitates remote participation in civil marriage ceremonies via live streaming technology. Designed to transcend geographical barriers, the program allows couples to invite family and friends from anywhere in the world to witness their special day in real-time. Couples visiting branch offices are offered the option to live stream their ceremony at no additional fee via Zoom and are provided a secure link to share with their invited guests for seamless connectivity. The initiative aims to enhance inclusivity, enabling couples to share their joyous occasion with loved ones who may be unable to attend physically due to health concerns or distance.

“I am humbled to receive this recognition,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Receiving this award highlights my dedicated staff’s commitment to thinking how best to serve our couples on their special day through the use of available technologies.”

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.

“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities.”

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

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

Santa Ana, CA – Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen proudly introduces a cutting-edge service set to elevate the wedding experience for couples at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse located at 211 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701. Starting on Friday, May 17, 2024, couples exchanging vows at this iconic venue will have the opportunity to privately live stream their civil ceremony, extending an invitation to loved ones worldwide through Zoom. This innovative offering builds upon the department's commitment to modernization and accessibility, now seamlessly integrated across all Orange County Clerk-Recorder marriage units.

"Our live stream service represents a milestone in enhancing couples’ wedding day," said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. "By overcoming physical barriers, we help couples to unite with their cherished guests, regardless of distance, fostering a truly inclusive celebration of love in real time."

Upon completion of the marriage license process, couples will be invited to opt-in for the live stream service. A secure, password-protected link will then be provided to the couple for sharing with desired invitees via email or text message. Utilizing the Zoom application on their electronic devices, guests will watch the ceremony in real-time, allowing for a shared moment of joy and connection. Notably, this service incurs no additional cost to the couple, although guests are advised to consult their internet or cellular providers regarding potential data charges.

The advantages of live streaming on Zoom are plentiful, offering a solution for guests unable to attend due to health considerations or travel limitations. Moreover, couples can celebrate their special day by engaging a global audience, fostering an unforgettable experience regardless of geographical boundaries. With Zoom's user-friendly interface requiring only an internet connection and the link, participation is effortless and accessible to all.

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. 

For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248

Orange County, CA – Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is pleased to announce the hiring of Martin Plascencia to assist his department in outreach efforts. Plascencia will work closely with Orange County’s Spanish-speaking residents, ensuring effective communication and access to vital services.

Martin Plascencia brings over 35 years of journalistic experience to his new position. His illustrious career includes two decades as a news reporter for Telemundo Channel 52-Los Angeles, where he also served as the overseer of the Orange County News Bureau for 15 years. Plascencia’s reporting has covered landmark events, but his true passion lies in sharing the daily stories of Latinos living in California.

“Martin Plascencia has more than 35 years’ working experience as a journalist and his experience working with the Latino communities is important for my office to continue to let our community know what services we provide,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I’m honored to have him as a member of our Clerk-Recorder family.”

Plascencia’s educational journey began at Preparatoria No. 2 of the Universidad de Guadalajara. He continued his studies in the United States, graduating from East Los Angeles College with a degree in Social Science and Journalism. His academic pursuits also led him to Cal State University Los Angeles, where he delved into Sociology. Plascencia’s dedication extends beyond reporting; he has been a respected Professor in the Extension Program of Spanish Language Journalism at UCLA.

“My name and face may be familiar to some members of the Spanish-speaking community who have seen me on television news for three decades. Now I have been offered the opportunity to continue serving the Hispanic community by promoting the many programs and services offered by the Office of Hugh Nguyen Orange County Clerk-Recorder to all of Orange County's 3.2 million residents, including 34 percent of them Latinos," said Martin Plascencia, Community Outreach Manager for the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

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