Finding Kern County California public records is fast and mostly free when you use the official Superior Court, County Clerk-Recorder, and county portals. Court cases, criminal records, arrest records, property deeds, marriage records, death records, birth records, probate, tax records — everything you need is covered here with complete step-by-step instructions.
No paid third-party sites. Just official clickable links, detailed guides, maps, and practical tips that work perfectly on your phone or desktop.
Quick facts you need first
Kern County California Public Records at a Glance – 2026
Kern County provides online access to most public records through the Superior Court, County Clerk-Recorder, and Assessor. Here is every major type and the exact official link.
| Record Type | Best Official Portal | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Court & Criminal Records | kern.courts.ca.gov | Free search |
| Arrest Records | Superior Court | Free |
| Property Records & Deeds | kerncounty.com/county-clerk-recorder | Free viewing |
| Property Appraiser Data | kernassessor.com | Free |
| Marriage Records | County Clerk-Recorder | $10+ |
| Death Records | California CDPH / County Clerk | $10–$25 |
| Birth Records | California CDPH / County Clerk | $10–$25 |
| Probate Records | Superior Court | Free |
| Tax Records & Liens | Kern County Assessor | Free |
What this guide helps you do
Kern County Clerk Office Location & Best Time to Visit
The main County Clerk-Recorder and Superior Court offices are at the Kern County Administrative Center, 1115 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Many records are available online 24/7, but certified copies or older files may require an in-person visit.
How to Search Kern County Court Records Online
Navigate to the case access or public search section.
Search by name, case number, or filing date.
Use full legal name and correct spelling. Add date range if known.
Click any case to see full history and available documents.
Save all available documents immediately.
Use the online request system for stamped copies.
How to Search Kern County Criminal Records and Arrest Records
Go to kern.courts.ca.gov.
Navigate to criminal case search.
Enter full name or booking number.
Use date range to narrow results.
Click the case to see charges and disposition.
Save charging documents and arrest reports.
How to Search Kern County Property Records and Official Records
Visit kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk-recorder for recorded documents.
Search by grantor/grantee name or document type.
Go to kernassessor.com for owner, valuation, and tax info.
Download available PDFs of deeds and liens.
Check latest recorded transactions for current ownership.
How to Get Kern County Marriage Records
Certified copies are needed for legal use.
Provide both parties’ full names and marriage date.
$10–$30 depending on delivery.
Keep confirmation number.
How to Get Kern County Death Records
Go to cdph.ca.gov vital records.
Use California Vital Records or authorized services like VitalChek.
Full name, date of death, and your relationship.
$10–$25 per certified copy.
Save confirmation number.
How to Get Kern County Birth Records
Visit cdph.ca.gov vital records.
Choose online or mail option.
Provide full names and date of birth.
$10–$25 per certified copy.
15 Kern County Public Records FAQs people actually search in 2026
1) How do I search Kern County court records for free?
Use the free public access at kern.courts.ca.gov. No login is required for basic case information.
2) How do I find arrest records in Kern County?
Search criminal cases on the Superior Court public access portal using the person’s name or case number.
3) Where can I search official records and deeds?
Go to kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk-recorder for free viewing of deeds, mortgages, and liens.
4) How do I find who owns a property in Kern County?
Use the free search at kernassessor.com – enter the address to see current owner and tax information.
5) How do I order a marriage certificate?
Request it through the Kern County Clerk-Recorder or California vital records portal.
6) Where do I get a death certificate in Kern County?
Order through cdph.ca.gov vital records or authorized vendors.
7) How do I get a birth certificate?
Use the same California CDPH vital records system for Kern County.
8) Are probate records public?
Yes. Probate cases can be searched on the Superior Court public access portal.
9) How do I check for tax liens or tax deeds?
Use the Assessor site kernassessor.com and the Clerk-Recorder Official Records search together.
10) Is there a fee for viewing records online?
Viewing most records is free. Only certified copies have a small fee.
11) How long does it take to get certified records?
Online viewing is instant. Certified copies are usually mailed within 1–3 weeks.
12) Can I search records from any year?
Most modern records are online. Older records may require an in-person visit.
13) What if my search returns no results?
Try spelling variations, different date ranges, or contact the Clerk’s office.
14) How do I request other public records?
Use the official public records request process on kerncounty.com or the specific department site.
15) Are criminal records sealed or expunged?
Some records can be sealed or expunged by court order and will not appear in public searches.
Official Kern County Public Records Links and Resources
Final practical takeaway
Always use the official Kern County links. Have exact names and dates ready. Save every result. These three habits save you time and money on every Kern County California public records search.