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.

Plan now to take advantage of Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen’s first special Saturday opening of this year set for Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and at the department’s branch offices in Anaheim and Laguna Hills. The department will be offering marriage services at all three locations. Also, passport services will be available at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and at the department’s North County branch office in Anaheim. Please note, no passport services will be available at the department’s South County branch office in Laguna Hills. Appointments are highly recommended due to the demand for marriage and passport services during these special hours. Walk-ins welcomed. For more information and to complete an online application in advance for a marriage license, a marriage ceremony, or for a passport, please visit us online at OCRecorder.com.

“Demand for these special Saturday openings has been increasing,” said County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am glad that I can make it convenient for busy families and individuals to come to our offices to get the services they need without having to miss work or school.”

Another reason to join us during these special openings, 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. Passport photos are available for $7 - which may be the lowest passport photo fee in the county.

The department processes new passport applications only.

Appointments are highly recommended due to the popularity of these special Saturday openings; however, walk-ins will be served on a first-come-first-served basis. No additional Clerk-Recorder services will be available during this special opening. To save time, marriage license, ceremony, and passport applications can be completed online in advance at OCRecorder.com. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for $7. Free parking will be available at all three locations.

For more detailed information or to learn about the services available at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com.

The passport rush for summertime travel has begun! Beat the rush and take advantage of Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen’s Passport Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Orange County Courthouse located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Room 201, in Santa Ana. This 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. With summer travel plans on people’s minds, now is the time to apply for your passports! Only new passport applications will be accepted. Renewal applications will not be accepted. Due to demand, appointments are highly recommended; however, walk-ins are welcomed. To take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, 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 us at OCRecorder.com.        

“If you have plans to travel this summer, this is a tremendous opportunity to get the process started and get your passport in time,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Passport Day is the perfect occasion for busy individuals and families to obtain these vital services without having to miss school or work and to avoid travel delays,” he added.

Passport Day makes the 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.

U.S. Department of State fees need to be paid with a check or money order only 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 information about Passport Day or to learn more about the services available to the public at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com. Our information line, (714) 834-2500, is also available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Looking to get married on what is 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 6 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://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/.

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

To make this day smoother for the couples, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting our offices.
• For couples looking to obtain a marriage license and ceremony, a maximum of ten guests may attend the ceremony.
• 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 Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

Another reason to join us on this special day, 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.

Beat the holiday rush and get the marriage and passport services you need! Plan now to take advantage of Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen’s special Saturday hours set for Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and at the department’s branch offices in Anaheim and Laguna Hills. The department will be offering marriage services at all three locations. Passport services will also be available at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and at the department’s North County branch office in Anaheim. Please note, no passport services will be offered at the department’s South County branch office in Laguna Hills. Appointments are highly recommended due to the demand for marriage and passport services during these special hours. Walk-ins are welcomed. For more information and to complete an online application for a marriage license, ceremony, or passport in advance, please visit us at OCRecorder.com.

“We always experience an increase for marriage services at the end of the year and I am sure this year will not be the exception,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am glad that I can make it convenient for busy families and individuals to come to our offices to get the services they need during the busy holiday season.”

Another reason to join us during these special hours, 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. The department processes new passport applications only. Passport photos are available for $7 - which may be the lowest passport photo fee in the county.

Again, appointments are highly recommended due to the popularity of these special Saturday hours; however, walk-ins will be served on a first-come-first-served basis. No additional Clerk-Recorder services will be available during this special opening. To save time, marriage license, ceremony, and passport applications can be completed online in advance at OCRecorder.com. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for $7. Free parking will be available at all three locations.

For more detailed information or to learn about the services available at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit OCRecorder.com.

• Read more about October 2022

WELCOME              

Thank you for your interest in the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department’s newsletter. We will be bringing you periodic updates on the latest news, information and events affecting the department. I am honored and   privileged to serve as your County Clerk-Recorder. Please contact my office at (714) 834-2500 or visit us at OCRecorder.com for more information about the department and the services provided to the public.

 Sincerely, 

• Read more about NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2022

WELCOME              

Thank you for your interest in the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department’s newsletter. We will be bringing you periodic updates on the latest news, information and events affecting the department. I am honored and   privileged to serve as your County Clerk-Recorder. Please contact my office at (714) 834-2500 or visit us at OCRecorder.com for more information about the department and the services provided to the public.

Sincerely, 

After a two-year pandemic forced pause, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is happy to announce that he will be hosting special one-time Saturday hours this coming October. The department’s offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills, and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana will be open to the public on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be offering marriage services at all three locations. Passport services will also be available at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and at the department’s North County branch office in Anaheim. Please note, no passport services will be offered at the department’s South County branch office in Laguna Hills. Appointments are highly recommended due to the demand for marriage and passport services during these special hours. Walk-ins are welcomed. For more information and to complete an online application for a marriage license, ceremony, or passport in advance, please visit us at OCRecorder.com.

“I am excited to be able to host this special one-time Saturday opening,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “Demand has been building and I look forward to seeing working families, students, and busy individuals take advantage of this special occasion to obtain important services without missing work or school.”

Another reason to join us during these special hours, 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. The department processes new passport applications only. Passport photos are available for $7 - which may be the lowest passport photo fee in the county.

Again, appointments are highly recommended due to the popularity of these special Saturday hours; however, walk-ins will be served on a first-come-first-served basis. No additional Clerk-Recorder services will be available during this special opening. To save time, marriage license, ceremony, and passport applications can be completed online in advance at OCRecorder.com. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for $7. Free parking will be available at all three locations.

Clerk-Recorder Nguyen started offering special Saturday hours back in early 2013. In March of 2020, he was forced to stop hosting special Saturday hours due to state mandated office closures aimed at helping stop the spread of COVID-19. The last special Saturday hours held by the department were on February 29, 2020. In 2014, the California State Association of Counties recognized the department with a Merit Award and in 2015, the National Association of Counties also recognized the department with an Achievement Award for its efforts in making its offices more accessible to working families by opening one Saturday per month during which customers were able to obtain marriage and passport services.

For more detailed information or to learn about the services available at the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit: OCRecorder.com.