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.comor 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 Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
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 Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
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 Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
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
Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering virtual marriage services to the public by appointment only effective January 18, 2022. This will help reduce crowds at the department’s offices and help couples minimize exposure to COVID-19, allowing them to obtain marriage services from the comfort and safety of their homes. These services are also geared towards helping first-responders and military personnel tie the knot without having to take time off from their busy work schedules. The department will offer virtual marriage appointments only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and on a first come, first served basis. Appointments will be limited so schedule your appointment soon! Couples must purchase a marriage license and have a virtual civil marriage ceremony performed during their appointment. To complete a marriage license application and to make an appointment, couples must visit the department’s online appointment system at https://cr.ocgov.com/portal_OC/emarriage/. For more information, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com.
Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to announce that his department is a recipient of a 2021 Innovation Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) for its Hitched at Honda Center Program in the Disaster and Emergency Response/Management category and rural population category. The award is the most prestigious presented by CSAC and is awarded to programs deemed the most innovative and effective entries received in 2021. This year CSAC received a record setting 433 entries, the most in the history of the program.
This week, Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen reaffirmed his commitment to fraud prevention by gaining approval from the Orange County Board of Supervisors to continue mailing Real Property Fraud Prevention Courtesy Notices to current property owners when a transfer deed such as a deed, grant, grant deed, quit claim deed, or trustee’s deed has been recorded on a property. The courtesy notices are also sent when a notice of default has been recorded on a property. This popular program will now continue through October 2026.
The courtesy notices are mailed to property owners a few days after a deed affecting the ownership of their property is recorded. Notification is sent to the current owner(s) of record to inform them of any unauthorized transfer of property. Previously, the department sent notices to owners when a grant deed was recorded on their property. The program will now cover more types of deeds and notices of default.
