During the COVID-19 mandated office closures in March 2020, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department managed to continue recording real property documents without experiencing any service disruptions. Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen credits the department’s multi-county SECURE electronic delivery system for this accomplishment. Despite the closures, the department experienced a significant increase in the number of documents submitted electronically from 68% in 2019 to its current level of 85%. SECURE, which launched in 2007, became essential during a time when contactless recordings became crucial, especially during an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.  

“SECURE allowed us to continue this vital service for the public,” Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said. “I am glad to see that the system worked despite the pandemic and that customers were still able to record their important real property documents during these unprecedented times.”

Despite the closures, in 2020, the department recorded 781,414 documents, 83% electronically. Compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic, the department recorded 552,688 documents, 68% electronically. In 2020, new California Department of Justice regulations helped the department approve 1,011 new SECURE authorized submitters. Currently, there are 16 SECURE partner counties. In October 2021, the department reached a major milestone by reaching its 10 millionth electronically recorded document since the implementation of electronic recording back in 1997. This number makes Orange County the nationwide leader in electronic recordings. SECURE has seen steady growth since the program’s inception, though the past couple of years has been unprecedented.

SECURE allows title, escrow, and financial companies to record property documents electronically and safely to multiple counties from a single computer screen, providing efficiency by reducing delivery expense, staff time, and allowing quicker confirmation times. Orange County is the lead county for the system which it co-owns with Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties. As lead county, Orange County works closely with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that all regulations meant to keep SECURE safe are strictly adhered. This includes working with the DOJ to ensure that every SECURE submitter passes a thorough background check and is issued the proper credentials prior to using the system.

The department also has a government-to-government component to SECURE (SECURE G2G) which allows other government entities to submit recordable documents electronically. This has allowed several government entities to continue recording documents even during the pandemic.

To learn more about the services offered by the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com or contact the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500. The information line is available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to announce the reopening of all marriage ceremony rooms at his department’s offices effective Thursday, March 24, 2022. After being closed for the past two years due to the pandemic, the Clerk-Recorder Department will resume civil marriage ceremonies inside ceremony rooms located at its office locations in Anaheim, Laguna Hills and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. The department is also increasing the number of guests allowed to attend the ceremonies from one to five guests. Demand is expected to increase, so appointments are highly recommended.  For those interested in having a civil marriage ceremony performed at one of the department’s beautiful ceremony rooms, please visit OCRecorder.com to complete a marriage license application and/or to make an appointment.

“I am looking forward to seeing couples exchange vows, in the company of their loved ones, inside one of our beautiful ceremony rooms,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “My department has been waiting for this day and believe me, so has the public,” he added. “It will be great to see couples taking full advantage of all the available and convenient marriage venues.”

The ceremony rooms have been closed since March 2020 when state mandated office closures took effect. Currently the department performs marriage ceremonies at the point of service and has also been limiting the number of guests that may be present during the ceremony to one. The reopening of the ceremony rooms will be a welcomed change for all. The department is excited to welcome back couples and their loved ones as they come together to celebrate their special occasion.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder has the lowest costs for a marriage license and a civil ceremony in the state. In Orange County, couples can obtain a public marriage license for $61 and a confidential marriage license for $66. Couples can have a civil ceremony performed in one of the department’s ceremony rooms for an additional $28. They can also prepay $17 for a certified copy of their marriage certificate.

For more detailed information about marriage services or to learn more about the services offered at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com or contact the department’s information line at  (714) 834-2500. The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, except holidays.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen would like to invite the public to take advantage of Passport Day which he will be hosting on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only new passport applications will be accepted. No renewal applications. With people now feeling safe to travel and the upcoming travel season closing in, now is the time to apply for your passport! Due to increasing demand, appointments are highly recommended however, walk-ins are welcomed. To take advantage of Passport Day, all applicants must bring a completed and unsigned passport application prior to visiting the office. To complete an online application and/or to make an appointment for this special opening, please visit OCRecorder.com.

“Now that people are feeling safe to travel again, demand for passport services is on the rise,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Passport Day is the perfect day for busy individuals and families to obtain these important services without having to miss work and to avoid travel delays,” he added.

Passport Day is geared towards individuals and families who can’t make it to our offices during normal operating hours due to work, school, or other time constraints. These special openings make the passport process easier for parents, as both parents must be present to obtain passports for children younger than 16 years of age. Currently, processing service times at the federal level can take up to    11 weeks total from the day an application is submitted at our offices so please plan according to your travel needs. Again, only new passport applications will be accepted. No renewal applications.  

Passports for those age 16 and older cost $165, made in two separate payments: a check or money order for $130 made payable to the U.S. Department of State and a separate processing fee of $35 paid to the Clerk-Recorder Department using a separate form of payment. For those under age 16, the cost is $135 made in two separate payments: a check or money order for $100 made payable to the U.S. Department of State and a separate processing fee of $35 paid to the Clerk-Recorder Department using a separate form of payment. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for the low cost of $7.

For more detailed information about Passport Day or to learn more about the services offered at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com or call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500. The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, except holidays.

Today, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is pleased to announce that he will be reducing the cost of passport photos from $10 to $7 effective Wednesday, March 9, 2022. This will provide a cost savings to the public obtaining passport services from the department without affecting the department’s ability to recover costs for providing these services. This fee reduction is possible due to Clerk-Recorder Nguyen’s continued efforts to reduce expenses by adopting technology that helps increase efficiency throughout the department. The department currently offers passport services at its North County branch office in Anaheim and at the County Service Center located inside the County Administration South building in Santa Ana.

“With the cost of everything on the rise, I am pleased to be able to offer the public our services at a lower price”, said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I would like to thank the Orange County Board of Supervisors for their support in my efforts to reduce costs to the public,” he added.

The reduced fee means that the Clerk-Recorder Department offers the cheapest passport photos in Orange County compared to many major, local retailers. This is the second time Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen has been able to reduce passport photo fees since taking office. He was successful, in 2017, with getting the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution that reduced the cost of passport photos from $15 to $10. In 2019, he began updating the department’s passport photo printers and related equipment making it possible for the department to produce the photos faster and cheaper than ever before.

In 2021, the department processed 3,406 passport photos and accepted 5,160 passport applications. Before the pandemic in 2019, the department processed 6,736 passport photos and accepted 10,740 passport applications. During a normal year, the department processes an average of 6,000 passport photos and accepts an average of 10,000 passport applications.

To learn more about passport services available at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com or contact the information line at (714) 834-2500. The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, except holidays.  

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be celebrating the three-year anniversary of the opening                      of his department’s North County Branch Office in Anaheim. The office opened in March of 2019 and has grown busier day by day in serving the needs of residents from north Orange County. The office will be decorated for the occasion and there will be light refreshments and snacks starting at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The North County Branch Office is located inside the Wells Fargo Building at 222 N. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110, Anaheim, CA 92805. Free parking is available in the Wells Fargo parking garage which enters on Broadway or street side in the free 90-minute parking zones.

“I am amazed at how well the public has responded to this office,” said Clerk- Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “The last couple of years have been tough due to the pandemic but our office has been fully open to serve the residents of our county,” he added.

During 2021, the North County office issued 9,726 marriage licenses, performed 3,371 marriage ceremonies, issued 44,175 copies of vital records, filed 2,821 fictitious business name statements, issued 1,602 official records copies, accepted 1,726 passport applications, and staff took 1,096 passport photos.

The department’s North County Branch Office opened in 2019 after shutting down the previous location in Fullerton. The Anaheim office added passport services, expanded document recording services, and features two marriage ceremony rooms. The office has        dedicated free parking in the Wells Fargo Building parking lot and is located close to Interstate 5 and State Route 91 for easy access. The office is also located near many enticing restaurants and food venues such as the Anaheim Packing District and Center Street Promenade.

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

This past Twos Day, better known as Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (2-22-22), Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen offered extended hours at his offices ready to help couples tie the knot on a once-in-a-lifetime, palindrome and lucky date. Little did he know that he would be hosting one of the busiest days for marriage services in the department’s history. The department issued a record-breaking 335 marriage licenses and performed a record setting 327 civil marriage ceremonies. These numbers shattered the previous record, set on Valentine’s Day in 2014, of 310 marriage licenses issued and 266 civil marriage ceremonies performed.

“Couples were choosing 2-22-22 as their day to tie the knot since it is a once-in-a-lifetime date and many also believe it is a lucky date,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I knew we would be busy, but it also turned out to be a fun and romantic day for all! Not even a little rain stopped the couples from getting married on this unique day. I would like to thank my staff for all the hard work they put into making this day special for the couples.” he added.

There were many things that made this past Twos Day special. This once-in-a-life time date is considered lucky in some cultures due to its all even numbers. In some Asian cultures, this date is considered an auspicious wedding date which refers to a favorable day for a couple to hold the wedding. It is believed that if you hold the wedding on such a day, you will enjoy a happy and harmonious marriage. It is also a palindromic date, meaning the date can be read the same way backwards and forward in the format mm-dd-yy. This unique date fell on a Tuesday, the second day of the week in many cultures around the world. This has prompted the media to call the day Twos Day.

This was also the second time the department offered candlelit ceremonies inside the courtroom located on the third floor of the Old Orange County Courthouse. This added a sense of allure for couples to choose this date to exchange their vows. Couples were treated to a backdrop of rich woods, an ornate judge’s bench, period chandeliers, and high ceilings for their special night. Adding to the appeal, the courthouse has been featured in movies and television shows since 1915. It can be seen in the films Frances, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde to name a few.

For more information about the Clerk-Recorder Department or about the services offered by the department, please call the information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com. The department’s information line is available Monday – Friday, except holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For those looking for marriage bliss on a once-in-a-lifetime and easy to remember marriage anniversary date, your day is just around the corner. This upcoming Twos Day, which is Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (2-22-22), Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering extended hours at his offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills and at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Instead of its normal closing hours, the department will be keeping its marriage services units open until 5:00 p.m. Due to high demand for marriage services on this palindrome and lucky date, 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. Also, the department will be hosting a special night at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana where couples will be able to take the plunge during special, destined to be memorable ceremonies performed under the glow of candles. Candlelit ceremonies will be offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only. During candlelit marriage appointments, couples must obtain a marriage license and have a civil ceremony performed. Please dress for this special occasion. No walk-in service is available for candlelit ceremonies. Appointments are limited. To complete an application online and to make an appointment, please visit the following link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services.

“Couples are choosing 2-22-22 as their day to tie the knot since it is a once-in-a-lifetime date and many also believe it is a lucky date,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “As always, we will work hard to make the day even more memorable for the couples. It will be fun,” he added.

There are many things that make this date special. This once-in-a-life time date is considered lucky in some cultures due to its all even numbers. In some Asian cultures, this date is considered an auspicious wedding date which refers to a favorable day for a couple to hold the wedding. It is believed that if you hold the wedding on such a day, you will enjoy a happy and harmonious marriage. It is also a palindromic date, meaning the date can be read the same way backwards and forward in the format mm-dd-yy. This unique date falls on a Tuesday, the second day of the week in many cultures around the world. This has prompted the media to call the day Twos Day.

The candlelit ceremonies will be held inside the courtroom located on the third floor of the Old Orange County Courthouse. The rich woods, ornate judge’s bench, period chandeliers and high ceilings will be a great backdrop for this special night. The courthouse has been used for movies and television shows since 1915, adding to the uniqueness of these candlelit ceremonies. The courthouse can be seen in the films Frances, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde to name a few.

The department will be implementing strict social distancing guidelines as well as the following restrictions to ensure the safety of the couples and staff:

• Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
• For couples looking to obtain a marriage license, only the couple can be present. No guests allowed.
• For couples looking to obtain a public marriage license and have a ceremony performed, only the couple and one witness may be present. No guests allowed.
• For couples looking to obtain a confidential marriage license and have a ceremony, only the couple can be present. No guests allowed.
• Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
• Candlelit ceremonies at the Old Orange County Courthouse are only by appointment. No walk-ins.
• Appointments for candlelit ceremonies are limited to couples who are having a marriage ceremony from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
• Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the County of Orange.

Another reason to join us on this special day, the department has 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 OCRecorder.com. The department’s information line is available Monday – Friday, except holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Searching for a special day to say “I Do” on the most romantic night of the year and at one of the most iconic landmarks in Orange County? Look no further! This Valentine’s Day, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be hosting a special night at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana where couples will be able to take the plunge during ceremonies performed under the glow of candles. Ceremonies will be offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only. No walk-in service. Couples must obtain a marriage license and make an appointment to participate. Appointments are limited. To complete an application online and to make an appointment, please visit the following link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services.

“This is a great opportunity for us to make Valentine’s Day even more special and memorable for couples,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am looking forward to seeing the happy couples get married during this special night. Everyone is going to have a night to remember.”

Ceremonies will be held inside the courtroom located on the third floor of the Old Orange County Courthouse. The rich woods, ornate judge’s bench, period chandeliers and high ceilings will be a great backdrop for this special night. The courthouse has been used for movies and television shows since 1915, adding to the uniqueness of these candlelit ceremonies. The courthouse can be seen in the films Frances, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde to name a few.

The department will be implementing strict social distancing guidelines as well as the following restrictions to ensure the safety of the couples and staff:

• For couples with a public marriage license, only the couple and one witness may be present during the ceremony. No guests allowed.
• For couples with a confidential marriage license, only the couple may be present during the ceremony. No guests allowed.
• Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their ceremony.
• Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the County of Orange.

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

For those looking to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year, we are here to help you! 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. Instead of its normal closing hours, the department will be keeping its marriage services units open until 5:00 p.m. Due to high demand, 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://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services.

“Valentine’s Day is always one of the busiest and happiest days of the year for the department, so we try to make it easier and more convenient for couples, especially for those who must work on this special day,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

The department will be implementing strict social distancing guidelines as well as the following restrictions to ensure the safety of the couples and staff:

• Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
• Ceremony rooms are currently closed. All marriage ceremonies will be performed at the service desk/counter where the marriage license is issued.
• For couples looking to obtain a marriage license, only the couple can be present. No guests allowed.
• For couples looking to obtain a public marriage license and have a ceremony performed, only the couple and one witness may be present. No guests allowed.
• For couples looking to obtain a confidential marriage license and have a ceremony, only the couple can be present. No guests allowed.
• Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
• Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the County of Orange.

Another reason to join us on this special day, the department has 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 OCRecorder.com. The department’s information line is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen has implemented Qtrac, a digital queue management software, at the department’s North County Branch Office in Anaheim. The technology was implemented to help reduce lines, disperse waiting crowds and decrease wait times allowing staff to focus on helping customers and creating an efficient service experience for all customers. The technology has been in use at the department’s office in Santa Ana and has already showed great results.

“I am always looking for ways to make visits to our office convenient and pleasant for our customers,” Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said. “This technology has already improved service at our main office in Santa Ana and I am looking forward to seeing great results at our office in Anaheim.”

Qtrac allows customers to check-in for service upon arriving at the office. Once they check-in, they are placed on a digital queue and receive a text message on their cell phone to confirm their place in line. When it is a customer’s turn, they receive a text message letting them know where to proceed for service. Once a customer is served, they will receive a final text message allowing them to participate in a survey rating their service experience.

This technology allows the department to manage work loads more efficiently by providing live data to managers and supervisors allowing them to deploy resources when needed and during unexpected surges in demand for services. This also helps the department manage social distancing guidelines and restrictions to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

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