The license will be completed by me and returned to the Kern County Recorder’s Office within 5 days from the ceremony (usually the next business day). The license is recorded and a certified copy will be made available to you within approximately 10-14 business days after it is received. Please remember, The Recorders office will not contact you. It is your responsibility to obtain the copies you need. The fee for a certified copy of your Public Marriage License is $15.00. If you need a certified copy of your Public Marriage License, please stop by the address below or call:
Please make sure to take your valid government issued picture ID and the complete request form on this page.
Application For a certified copy of your Public Marriage Certificate
The Kern County Recorder’s Office
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-6400
Marriage Certificates
Your marriage license was issued in Kern County and if it is a public license (as opposed to a confidential license), the license will be recorded in Kern County. The California Health and Safety Code, Section 103526, permits only authorized persons to receive certified copies of marriage records. Those who are not authorized by law to receive a certified copy will receive a certified copy marked “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY”. The main purpose of this “Informational Copy” is for historical use only. A certified copy of a marriage is available from the recorders office (address above) for a fee of $15 per copy.
Click here to order a certified copy online (major credit card required; links to vitalchek.com)
Kern County Recorder
1530 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Kern County Hall of Records
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
PH 661-868-6400
FX 661-327-3241 (Recordings)
FX 661-868-6432 (Vital Records)
response@co.kern.ca.us
Recordings 8a – 2p M-F
Copies 8a – 4:30p M-F
Research 8a – 5p M-F
(Except Holidays)
