For the first time in Orange County’s history, Apostille services will be available locally for one day only. Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the California Secretary of State to host the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building located at 601 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I am excited to save our county residents significant travel and mail time by bringing Apostille services directly to them,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “This partnership with the California Secretary of State underscores our commitment to convenient and accessible service.”

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. 

How do I obtain my birth certificate? What do I bring for my marriage appointment? These are just a few examples of questions that can be answered on your screen right away! Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is launching a chatbot named CRBot to the Clerk-Recorder website allowing customers to get their questions answered instantly during any hour of the day and seven days a week. Starting on March 21, 2024, customers may use this chatbot to input questions about the department’s services and receive immediate answers. The launch of CRBot is anticipated to reduce the number of calls to the department’s information line and result in quicker wait times for customers who need to speak with staff on more complex questions.

“CRBot will be a convenient tool for customers who need information about our services and want quick responses without waiting on the phone,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I understand our customers have busy schedules, and I am committed to implementing innovative technologies to make accessing information on our services efficient as possible.”

To experience CRBot, visit OCRecorder.com and tap on the chat bubble icon on the lower right of the screen. A chat window will appear allowing the user to type in their intended question and receive an instant response. CRBot is also mobile device compatible for users accessing our website from their smartphones.

Key features:

• CRBot is knowledgeable of customers’ most asked questions regarding department services and is accessible 24/7.

• More complex questions may be directed to a live chat agent who will be available during normal business hours.

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 Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen proudly announces the department’s North County branch office will reach its fifth anniversary on March 1, 2024. Located at 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110, Anaheim, CA 92805 inside of the Wells Fargo Building, the North County branch office is a convenient spot for the North Orange County residents to receive many essential services and features two beautiful ceremony rooms for couples to tie the knot.

“I am proud to reach the five-year milestone of our North County branch office as it is a testament to the positive reception from our customers and hard work of our team,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “We are excited to provide great service for many years to come.”

Over the past five years, the North County branch office provided many services and implemented innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and cultivate excellent customer service. In 2023, the North County branch office issued 5,435 marriage licenses, performed 2,138 marriage ceremonies, issued 42,638 vital records, recorded 4,712 real property documents, filed 3,647 fictitious business name statements, accepted 4,716 passport applications, and took 3,574 passport photos. In January 2022, Clerk-Recorder Nguyen implemented the software, Qtrac, permitting customers at this office to be placed in a digital queue. Customers could opt to receive text message updates on their mobile device confirming their place in line and their turn for service. This technology reduced lines and enabled staff to monitor the queue and optimize efficiency by deploying more resources as needed. The North County branch office was where Clerk-Recorder Nguyen first launched the live stream ceremony service in October 2023. Couples getting married at this location have the option to invite loved ones from anywhere in the world to watch their ceremony in real time using Zoom.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s North County branch office is located near the Interstate 5 and State Route 91. Customers may find convenient and complimentary parking in the Wells Fargo Building Parking Garage adjacent to the office.

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

Couples, save the date to say “I do” on an extraordinary day that only occurs once every four years, Leap Day. With 2024 being a Leap Year, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is overjoyed to unveil extended hours for marriage services on Leap Day, Thursday, February 29, 2024 to serve all couples who wish to get married on this special date. The department’s professional and dedicated team will assist couples with marriage licenses and civil ceremonies until 6:00 p.m. at the offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills, and the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Due to the popularity of Leap Day, appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are welcomed and will be served on a first come, first served basis. Couples must complete an online application prior to visiting Clerk-Recorder offices. To complete an application and/or to make an appointment, please visit the following link: OCWeddings.ocrecorder.com.

“Leap Day is the perfect backdrop for couples to let their love take flight into an exciting chapter,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “My department looks forward to making couples’ dreams of a joyous, seamless, and romantic wedding day come true.”

While the typical calendar year is 365 days, it really takes the Earth 365.242 days to complete its orbit around the sun. February 29th is added to the calendar every four years to account for the extra time and keep our seasons aligned yearly. This gift of an extra day in 2024 makes Leap Day a wonderful choice to create lifelong memories, especially celebrating love.

With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, efficiency, and affordability, the department has one of the lowest costs for a marriage license and a marriage ceremony in the state. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $61 or a confidential marriage license for $66. A civil marriage ceremony can be performed for an additional $28.

To ensure a smooth experience, couples should review marriage license and civil ceremony requirements at the following link: OCRecorder.com/marriage

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

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is making wishes come true by holding special hours for marriage services on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. exclusively at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana. The Orange County Clerk-Recorder department received a compelling number of requests from couples wanting to get married on this memorable and special date. With this highly sought-after date to tie the knot at the elegant and historic Old Orange County Courthouse, appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are welcomed and will be served on a first come, first served basis. Couples must complete an online application prior to visiting the Old Orange County Courthouse. To complete an application and/or to make an appointment, please visit the following link: OCWeddings.ocrecorder.com.

“I am touched by the number of requests from couples who want 2-24-24 to be their special day,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “My department is eager to accommodate all couples with these special hours along with exceptional service for a seamless wedding that they will remember for a lifetime.”

The choice to get married on 2-24-24 holds a personal significance to each couple. Many enjoy the appeal of the date’s special, repetitive numerical sequence which makes an unforgettable anniversary date. With 2-24-24 falling on the lunar date of a full moon, some cultures see the date as lucky and possessing an ideal symbol for a prosperous and harmonious marriage.

Another reason to join us, the department has one of the lowest costs for a marriage license and a marriage ceremony in the state. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $61 or a confidential marriage license for $66. A civil marriage ceremony can be performed for $28.

To ensure a smooth experience, couples should review marriage license and civil ceremony requirements at the following link: OCRecorder.com/marriage

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

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder department is set to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable for couples as they celebrate love and commitment by saying “I do” in a romantic setting. This upcoming Valentine’s Day, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering extended hours at his offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Due to anticipated high demand, the department’s marriage services units remain open until 6 p.m. Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are welcomed and will be served on a first come, first served basis. However, couples must complete an application online prior to visiting any of the offices. To complete an application and/or to make an appointment, please visit the following link: https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/.

“Valentine’s Day is one of our most popular days of the year, and I am excited to increase accessibility of our marriage services with extended hours. Our department’s priority is to create a memorable start to the new chapter of each couple’s love story.” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

To ensure a smooth experience for couples, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting our offices.
• For couples seeking to obtain a public marriage license and ceremony, at least one witness is required.
• Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
• Payment options include cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order, payable to the County of Orange.

Another reason to join us, the department has one of the lowest costs for a marriage license and a marriage ceremony in the state. In Orange County, couples can obtain a public marriage license for $61 and a confidential marriage license for $66. A civil marriage ceremony can be performed for an additional $28.

For more information, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit us at  OCRecorder.com. The information line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder is bringing together loved ones from all over the world to share in the joy of couples’ marriage ceremonies. Starting Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is making it possible for couples at our South County branch office in Laguna Hills to privately live stream their marriage ceremony and invite their family and friends via Zoom. Those invited will be able to view the marriage ceremony from anywhere using their electronic devices after receiving a secure Zoom link to the ceremony from the couple. This live stream option is already a success at our North County Branch Office in Anaheim and will be expanded to our South County branch office located at 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 160 Laguna Hills, CA 92653. For more information or details, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit us at OCRecorder.com.

“Our live stream option is a wonderful way for couples to invite loved ones from anywhere in the world to join their marriage ceremony in real time,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am excited to expand this service to our South County branch office to create unforgettable moments for couples and those dearest to them, regardless of the physical distance.”

Once a couple completes the marriage license process, department staff will ask the couple if they wish to live stream their ceremony. If they do, a password-protected link will be given to the couple to share with whomever they wish to invite via e-mail or text message. Those invited to the private live stream feed must have an internet connection and the Zoom app downloaded on their device. There is no additional cost to the couple for this service; however, guests should check with their internet or cellular providers for data rates and charges they may incur by joining the live feed. The live feed is private and will not be recorded, so once the ceremony is completed, the department will not be able to retrieve the feed.

There are a few advantages to live streaming a ceremony on Zoom. First, family and friends from near and far away can be part of the ceremony. This is a great option for those who can’t travel because of health concerns or physical limitations. Second, couples can get married and share the moment live with anyone from anywhere in the world and to as many people as they wish. Finally, Zoom is incredibly user-friendly; all anyone needs is an internet connection, a device with the Zoom app installed and a link sent out by the couple to join.

For more detailed information, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com. The information line is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. 

Have you checked your e-mail or text messages? Someone is getting married, and you’re invited! Can’t make it? No problem! Starting Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is making it possible for families and friends to join couples during their marriage ceremony online. Couples visiting the department’s North County branch office in Anaheim will now have the option to live stream their marriage ceremony and invite their family and friends via Zoom. Friends and family members will be able to join from anywhere using their electronic devices after receiving a secure Zoom link to the ceremony from the couple. This is a pilot program, so this service will only be available at the department’s North County branch office located at 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110A in Anaheim, CA 92805. For more information or details, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit us at OCRecorder.com.

“I am excited and looking forward to offering this option to couples,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Zoom makes it easier for couples to plan their special day without having to worry that someone is being left out because a loved one can’t travel or simply can’t make it to the ceremony for a variety of reasons.”

Once a couple completes the marriage license process, department staff will ask the couple if they wish to live stream their ceremony. If they do, a password protected link will be given to the couple to share with whomever they wish to invite via e-mail or text message. Those invited to the private live stream feed must have an internet connection and the Zoom app downloaded on their device. There is no additional cost to the couple for this service, however, guests should check with their internet or cellular providers for data rates and charges they may incur by joining the live feed. The live feed is private and will not be recorded, so once the ceremony is completed, the department will not be able to retrieve the feed.

There are a few advantages to live streaming a ceremony on Zoom. First, family and friends from near and far away can be part of the ceremony. This is a great option for those who can’t travel because of health concerns or physical limitations. Second, couples can get married and share the moment live with anyone from anywhere in the world and to as many people as they wish. Finally, Zoom is incredibly user friendly, all anyone needs is an internet connection, a device with the Zoom app installed and a link sent out by the couple to join.

For more detailed information, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com. The information line is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays. 

Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Reducing Costs and Increasing Efficiency: The Orange County Passport Program in the County Administration and Management category. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

In May 2021, The Orange County Clerk-Recorder department launched an efficient passport acceptance program to address long wait times and difficulty securing appointments at passport acceptance facilities due to the surge in demand. The department trained and certified staff as passport agents, opened offices strategically to best serve the public, offered appointments and accepted walk-in customers. Initially, the department offered two passport acceptance facilities and has added more since the implementation of the program.

“Once again, I am honored and humbled by this award,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen “We wouldn’t be able to celebrate this achievement if it wasn’t in large part due to the dedication and professionalism of my staff. Their dedication to serving the public and giving them their best day after day is truly admirable.” 

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

“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.”

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

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

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The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department is proud to announce the grand opening of Passport Services inside its expanded South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills. Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be conducting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Laguna Hills Civic Center at 24031 El Toro Rd., Suite 160, in Laguna Hills. Several civic leaders plan to attend, and the public is invited.

“With travel demand on the rise, this is the perfect time to offer South County residents convenient and easily accessible passport services,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “This location is basically a one-stop shop for passports, even offering passport photos for a low cost of $7,” he added. 

The Passport Services is located inside the department’s new expansion suite. Customers will be able to apply and submit their applications for a passport and obtain their passport photos. Applicants born in Orange County will have the ability to obtain their birth certificates, needed for their application, in Suite 150. Customers will save time and money by not having to travel far from their homes to obtain passport services. The Laguna Hills office also offers free and convenient parking.

Only new passport applications will be accepted at this location. Renewal applications will not be accepted. Due to demand, appointments are highly recommended; however, walk-ins are welcomed. All applicants must bring a completed and unsigned passport application prior to visiting the office. To complete an online application and to make an appointment for passport services, please visit us online at OCRecorder.com. Appointments will be available starting Monday, May 15, 2023.

Passport application fees must be paid by check or money order and are made out to the U.S. Department of State. A Clerk-Recorder Department processing fee of $35 can be paid using any form of payment. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for the low cost of $7. For complete fee information, please visit this link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/passport

For more information about all the services available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit us at OCRecorder.com.