Kern County Vital Records
This guide explains how to obtain vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses — in Kern County, California, through the county offices and the California Department of Public Health. This website is informational only and does not sell, issue, or display certificates.
Vital Records in Kern County, California
Vital records document key life events: births, deaths, and marriages. In Kern County, these records are handled through county offices and, for many certified birth and death certificates, through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office. The Kern County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains certain official records, while the Kern County Recorder handles recorded documents such as deeds and deeds of trust.
This page is a plain-English orientation to the process. It is not an official ordering portal. We do not produce certified copies, and no certificate is displayed here. To place an order or confirm current requirements, you must contact the appropriate county office or CDPH directly.
Types of Vital Records and Where They Come From
- Birth certificates — Certified copies of California birth records can be requested through the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office, and often through the county for local events. Confirm which office serves your request on the official pages.
- Death certificates — Like birth records, certified copies of California death records can be requested through the CDPH Vital Records office and, in many cases, at the county level for deaths that occurred locally.
- Marriage licenses — The Kern County Clerk issues marriage licenses. Marriage certificate copies for events recorded in the county are generally handled at the county level; confirm with the Clerk.
For a rough sense of local volume, Kern County recorded 12,077 births and 7,622 deaths in 2023 (population estimate 913,820), according to summary statistics. These figures describe overall event counts and are not a lookup tool for any individual record.
Authorized (Certified) vs. Informational Copies
California distinguishes between certified copies issued to eligible requestors and other copy types. Because rules on eligibility and identification change, you must confirm the current requirements on the official CDPH and Kern County pages before ordering.
Certified (authorized) copies
Certified copies of recent birth and death records are typically restricted to eligible requestors — for example, the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal guardian, or others the state authorizes. These orders usually require a government-issued photo ID and, in some cases, a signed and notarized statement (a sworn statement) certifying you are entitled to the record. Confirm the exact eligibility list and ID requirements with the issuing office.
Informational copies
Some agencies offer informational copies that are marked as not valid to establish identity. These may be available to a broader set of requestors. Availability, wording, and rules differ by record type and office, so verify before you assume you can obtain one.
Confidentiality of Recent Records
Birth and death records are not treated the same as fully public indexes. Recent records are commonly subject to confidentiality restrictions, meaning only authorized individuals can obtain a certified copy. The precise confidentiality periods, eligibility categories, and any indexing rules are set by California law and CDPH policy — do not assume a specific timeframe. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask the CDPH Vital Records office or the Kern County Clerk directly.
Because this site does not host or display certificates, you cannot view or download a birth, death, or marriage record here. Any legitimate certified copy must come from an official government source.
How to Order in Kern County
Ordering channels generally include in person, by mail, and — where an official partner exists — online. Availability of each channel depends on the record type and the office. Always confirm the current method, forms, acceptable ID, and fees on the official pages before sending anything.
In person
Visit the appropriate county office for records it maintains (for example, the Kern County Clerk for marriage licenses). Bring valid government-issued photo identification. Confirm office hours, location, and whether appointments are required before you go.
By mail
Mail requests typically require a completed application, a copy of your ID or a notarized sworn statement (depending on whether the record is a certified copy), and payment. Contact the office to confirm the correct mailing address, current form, and accepted payment methods.
Online
Some California vital records can be ordered through an official online partner used by CDPH. Confirm on the official CDPH Vital Records page whether an approved online option is available for your record type — and use only the official channel. This website is not an ordering portal.
Fees and processing time
We do not list fee amounts or turnaround times here because these change. Confirm the current cost and expected processing time directly with CDPH or the relevant Kern County office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a certified birth certificate from this website?
No. This site is informational only and does not sell or display certificates. Certified copies of California birth records are requested through the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office (and, for local events, potentially the county). Confirm the correct office for your request.
Who can request a recent certified copy?
Certified copies of recent birth and death records are generally limited to eligible requestors, such as the person named on the record or immediate family, and usually require valid ID. Confirm the exact eligibility list with CDPH or the Kern County Clerk.
Where do I get a marriage license?
The Kern County Clerk issues marriage licenses. Contact the Clerk to confirm current application requirements, ID needed, and hours.
How do I get divorce records?
Divorce records are not vital records. They are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. See the county's Divorce Records page for guidance.
Official & Public Resources
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Official website of the Kern County Superior Court.
https://www.kern.courts.ca.gov/
