Orange County Clerk-Recorder announces Passport Day for summertime travel

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen has announced a special Passport Day event on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Orange County Courthouse. The event is aimed at helping individuals and families who cannot visit their offices during normal operating hours due to work, school, or other constraints, to apply for new passports. The rush for passport applications for summertime travel has already begun, and Passport Day is a great opportunity to get the process started and avoid travel delays. Renewal applications will not be accepted, and appointments are highly recommended due to demand, but walk-ins are also welcomed.

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said that Passport Day is an ideal occasion for busy individuals and families to obtain these vital services without missing school or work. Passport Day also makes the process easier for parents since both parents must be present to obtain passports for children younger than 16 years old. Processing service times at the federal level can take up to 11 weeks total from the day an application is submitted at the office, so individuals are advised to plan accordingly based on their travel needs.

Applicants must bring a completed and unsigned passport application before visiting the office, and only new passport applications will be accepted. The U.S. Department of State fees should be paid with a check or money order, and a separate processing fee of $35 must be paid to the Clerk-Recorder Department using a different payment form. Additionally, passport photos are available on-site for $7.

For more information about Passport Day or to learn more about the services provided by the Clerk-Recorder Department, individuals can visit the department’s website at OCRecorder.com. The information line, (714) 834-2500, is also available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.