Clerk-Recorder
Find recorded documents, recording requirements and certified copies. Find marriage licensing and county clerk services. Find fictitious business name (FBN / DBA) filing and renewal instructions. Business licenses are a separate service.
Source checked October 14, 2026[1]Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
These links were found on official source pages. Each service is handled by the office.
County instructions for authorized and informational copies, in-person applications, mail orders and branch locations.
Before you start
- Information & documents · In-person certificate orders
- For in-person service, customers MUST complete a vital records application prior to visiting our office. Click here to complete your application. Please visit one of the locations listed below with your valid government-issued photo identification. Certificates are generally issued on the same day. [17]
- Eligibility & access
- Those who do not qualify as authorized individuals may receive an Informational certified copy. An Informational certified copy shows the words "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” imprinted across the face. Please note that Informational certified copies do not exist for a Confidential Marriage; only the bride or groom are authorized to order a certified copy. [18]
- Processing time · Certificate orders by mail
- Most orders are processed within 5-10 Business Days from the date the request is received. Business days do not include weekends, holidays, or delivery time to and from the office. [19]
Official county instructions for obtaining a new marriage license. Online application entry alone does not issue a license or replace the required appearance; confirm the license type, documents and visit arrangements.
Before you start
- Appointments
- For In-Person Marriage Service: Couples must complete their marriage license application online prior to visiting any of our offices. Appointments are highly recommended and have priority. Walk-in service is on a first-come first-served basis. [20]
- Information & documents
- Appear together in person. Each person must present one form of a valid non-expired, government issued, photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport). If divorced within the last 90 days, please provide a copy of the divorce decree. If spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate. Select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license. Couples are not required to change their name(s). [21]
- Deadlines
- A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. [22]
- Languages
- Both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. If not, the couples must bring a sole witness who is able to translate to obtain a license and to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services nor witnesses. [23]
Complete the application before an office visit. Mail filings require an original wet signature and return envelope. Branch hours, visit addresses and the mail ZIP code are kept separate.
Before you start
- Information & documents · Mail application
- Include an original wet signature and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. [46]
- Appointments · Before an office visit
- Complete the application before visiting an office. [47]
- Deadlines · Initial filing — state deadline
- File within 40 days after starting business under the fictitious name. [25]
- Eligibility & access · Where to file — principal place of business
- File in the county of your principal California business location. If you have no California business location, file in Sacramento County. [26]
- Deadlines · New or changed filing — newspaper publication
- Start publication within 45 days after filing. Use a qualifying newspaper in the filing county, or an adjoining county if no qualifying newspaper exists there. [27]
- Information & documents · Newspaper notice — publication frequency
- Publish once a week for four successive weeks. [28]
- Deadlines · After publication — file the affidavit
- File the publication affidavit with the County Clerk within 45 days after publication is completed. Check whether your newspaper files it for you. [29]
- Deadlines · Expiration — earlier changes or abandonment can end the statement
- A statement generally lasts five years, but changes or abandonment can end it earlier. [30]
- Eligibility & access · No-change renewal — publication exception
- An unchanged renewal filed within 40 days after expiration does not need republication. Changes can require a new publication. [31]
- Information & documents · California principal business location
- Provide the street address and county of the principal business location. A registrant’s separate mailing-address rule does not remove this requirement. [32]
- Information & documents · Individual registrant — owner mailing address
- For an individual owner, provide the full name and business mailing address if different from the business address. Do not apply older blanket residence-address instructions. [33]
Complete the application before an office visit. Mail filing uses an original wet signature and a return envelope.
Orange County instructions for counter and mail recordings, with separate official-record search and copy resources. Counter transactions are limited to three documents.
Before you start
- Availability · Over-the-counter recording transaction
- An over-the-counter recording transaction is limited to three documents. [52]
- Availability · Anaheim branch — recording lunch closure
- Anaheim branch recording service closes noon–1 p.m. for lunch. [53]
- Payments · Mail-in recording
- Mail-in recordings accept check, cashier’s check or money order payable to County of Orange. [54]
County-linked recorded-property index.
County copy-order instructions, separate from recording a new document.
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
| Service | Amount | Conditions & source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | $34.00per copy or record search | Standard paid certified copy or record search. Check the service instructions for authorized-copy eligibility and any applicable fee-exempt process.[10]Effective January 1, 2026 |
| Certified death certificate | $26.00per copy or record search | Standard paid certified copy or record search. Check the service instructions for authorized-copy eligibility and any applicable fee-exempt process.[11]Effective January 1, 2026 |
| Certified marriage certificate | $19.00per copy or record search | Standard paid certified copy or record search. Check the service instructions for authorized-copy eligibility and any applicable fee-exempt process.[12]Effective January 1, 2026 |
| Public marriage license | $61.00per license | License fee only; ceremony, witness and other services are separate.[13]Effective January 1, 2026 |
| Confidential marriage license | $66.00per license | License fee only; ceremony, witness and other services are separate.[14]Effective January 1, 2026 |
| FBN — Statement — one business and one registrant | $23.00per filing | Fee table states one business and one registrant; the separate additional-owner row applies after the first two. Effective date is not stated.[43] |
| FBN — Additional business name | $7.00per additional business | Each additional business name. Effective date is not stated.[44] |
| FBN — Additional registrant after the first two | $7.00per additional registrant | Applies after the first two registrants, as stated in the county table. Effective date is not stated.[45] |
These are individual fee items, not a quote for your total. Other charges or exemptions may apply; confirm the total with the office.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked12 source pages · 54 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · County publisher heading or named department on its official page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
- [2] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Named service instructions on the county publisher’s current page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Only authorized individuals may receive a certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage record.
- [3] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Central Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Central Office 601 N. Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday North County Branch Office 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A Anaheim, CA 92805 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday South Co
- [4] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Central Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Central Office 601 N. Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday North County Branch Office 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A Anaheim, CA 92805 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday South Co
- [5] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · North County Branch Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
North County Branch Office 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A Anaheim, CA 92805 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday South County Branch Office 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.
- [6] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · North County Branch Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
North County Branch Office 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A Anaheim, CA 92805 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday South County Branch Office 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.
- [7] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · South County Branch Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
South County Branch Office 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Fee Schedule Payment Options: Cash • Debit/Credit Cards • Checks • Money Orders • Cashier’s Ch
- [8] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · South County Branch Office — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
South County Branch Office 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Fee Schedule Payment Options: Cash • Debit/Credit Cards • Checks • Money Orders • Cashier’s Ch
- [9] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Clerk-Recorder enquiries — explicitly scoped contact field on the county page.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Please call (714) 834-2500
- [10] County vital records — fees (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Exact fee row; record type and payment channel retained. Rate row on PDF page 1; effective date is printed on PDF page 4.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Birth Certificate $ 34.00
- [11] County vital records — fees (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Exact fee row; record type and payment channel retained. Rate row on PDF page 1; effective date is printed on PDF page 4.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Death Certificate $ 26.00
- [12] County vital records — fees (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Exact fee row; record type and payment channel retained. Rate row on PDF page 2; effective date is printed on PDF page 4.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate $ 19.00
- [13] County vital records — fees (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Exact fee row; record type and payment channel retained. Rate row on PDF page 2; effective date is printed on PDF page 4.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Marriage License $ 61.00 Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
- [14] County vital records — fees (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Exact fee row; record type and payment channel retained. Rate row on PDF page 2; effective date is printed on PDF page 4.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Marriage License $ 61.00 Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
- [15] County vital records — forms (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · County page links to this named application; link-only evidence, not a completed form.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Birth, Death & Marriage Order Form (mail-in only)
- [16] County vital records — forms (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · County page links to this named application; link-only evidence, not a completed form.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Birth, Death & Marriage Order Form - Spanish (mail-in only)
- [17] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
For in-person service, customers MUST complete a vital records application prior to visiting our office. Click here to complete your application. Please visit one of the locations listed below with your valid government-issued photo identification. Certificates are generally issued on the same day. Locations Location Address Hours (Monday – Friday) Central Office 601 N. Ross St. Santa An
- [18] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Those who do not qualify as authorized individuals may receive an Informational certified copy. An Informational certified copy shows the words "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” imprinted across the face. Please note that Informational certified copies do not exist for a Confidential Marriage; only the bride or groom are authorized to order a certified copy. Requesting in Person For in-person service, customers MUST complete a vital records application prior to visiting our offic
- [19] Official county vital records and recorder information (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Most orders are processed within 5-10 Business Days from the date the request is received. Business days do not include weekends, holidays, or delivery time to and from the office. Mail-in Payment Check or money order, payable to County of Orange. Do NOT send
- [20] County vital records — license (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
For In-Person Marriage Service: Couples must complete their marriage license application online prior to visiting any of our offices. Appointments are highly recommended and have priority. Walk-in service is on a first-come first-served basis. Marriage license applications can be completed at: https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/ Public Marriage License A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone ca
- [21] County vital records — license (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Appear together in person. Each person must present one form of a valid non-expired, government issued, photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport). If divorced within the last 90 days, please provide a copy of the divorce decree. If spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate. Select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license. Couples are not required to change their name(s). However, if the couple decides to change their name(s), they must do so at the time of signin
- [22] County vital records — license (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
- [23] County vital records — license (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Specific county service rule; exceptions and channel restrictions retained.
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. If not, the couples must bring a sole witness who is able to translate to obtain a license and to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services nor witnesses. Complete Your Application/Make an Appointment For In-Person Marriage Service: Couples must complete their marriage lic
- [24] County vital records — license (opens in a new tab)
Orange County Clerk-Recorder · Official marriage licensing information — Marriage Services
Source reviewed October 14, 2026View supporting excerpt
Marriage Services
- [25] Business and Professions Code 17910 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17910(a)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
File a fictitious business name statement in accordance with this chapter not later than 40 days from the time the registrant commences to transact such business.
- [26] Business and Professions Code 17915 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17915
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
A fictitious business name statement shall be filed with the clerk of the county in which the registrant has his or her principal place of business in this state or, if the registrant has no place of business in this state, with the Clerk of Sacramento County.
- [27] Business and Professions Code 17917 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17917(a)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Within 45 days after a fictitious business name statement has been filed pursuant to this chapter, the registrant shall cause a statement in the form prescribed by subdivision (a) of Section 17913 to be published pursuant to Section 6064 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the fictitious business name statement was filed or, if there is no such newspaper in that county, in a newspaper of general circulation in an adjoining county.
- [28] California — FBN publication-frequency (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · Government Code §6064
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Publication of notice pursuant to this section shall be once a week for four successive weeks.
- [29] Business and Professions Code 17917 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17917(d)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
An affidavit showing the publication of the statement shall be filed with the county clerk where the fictitious business name statement was filed within 45 days after the completion of the publication.
- [30] Business and Professions Code 17920 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17920(a)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Unless the statement expires earlier under subdivision (b) or (c), a fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk.
- [31] Business and Professions Code 17917 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17917(c)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If a refiling is required because the prior statement has expired, the refiling need not be published unless there has been a change in the information required in the expired statement, provided the refiling is filed within 40 days of the date the statement expired.
- [32] Business and Professions Code 17913 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17913(b)(2)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If the registrant has a place of business in this state, insert the street address, and county, of the registrant’s principal place of business in this state.
- [33] Business and Professions Code 17913 — fictitious business names (opens in a new tab)
California Legislature · BPC §17913(b)(3)
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If the registrant is an individual, insert the registrant’s full name and business mailing address if it differs from the business address.
- [34] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · Fictitious business name — Fictitious Business Name
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Fictitious Business Name
- [35] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · Fictitious business name — Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Application
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Application
- [36] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — Central Office — address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
601 N. Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
- [37] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — Central Office — hours
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
8am – 4:30pm
- [38] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — North County Branch — address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A Anaheim, CA 92805
- [39] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — North County Branch — hours
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
9am – 4:30pm
- [40] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — South County Branch — address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
24031 El Toro Rd. Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- [41] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN in-person service — South County Branch — hours
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
9am – 4:30pm
- [42] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN contact — FBN mailing address only — ZIP differs from visit address — address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Orange County Clerk-Recorder 601 N. Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92702
- [43] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN fee — FBN — Statement — one business and one registrant
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Filing fee for one business name and one registrant $23.00
- [44] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN fee — FBN — Additional business name
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Each additional business name $7.00
- [45] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN fee — FBN — Additional registrant after the first two
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Each additional registrant after the first two $7.00
- [46] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN requirement — Mail application
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
All FBN applications sent by mail must contain an original wet signature and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- [47] Orange — fictitious business name instructions (opens in a new tab)
Orange County — business name filing · FBN requirement — Before an office visit
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
For in-person service, customers MUST complete an application prior to visiting our office.
- [48] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · Official department homepage — Property Documents | OC Clerk Recorder Department
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Recorder Services
- [49] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Record property documents and find official copies
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Document Recording Services
- [50] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Search grantor/grantee index
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Online Grantor/Grantee Index Search
- [51] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Obtain official-record copies
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Obtaining Official Record Copies
- [52] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Over-the-counter recording transaction
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Each transaction is limited to a maximum of three documents.
- [53] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Anaheim branch — recording lunch closure
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Document recording services will close for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the department's branch office in Anaheim.
- [54] Orange recorder — property records and provider resources (opens in a new tab)
Orange County · County Recorder — Mail-in recording
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Payment can be made by check, cashier's check, money order only. Make checks and money orders payable to the County of Orange.