About Kern County
Kern County is located in south-central California at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, covering approximately 8,161 square miles, making it the third-largest county by area in California. Kern County Seat is Bakersfield, which is also the largest city and is the economic and governmental hub for Kern County. As of recent census estimates, Kern County has a population exceeding 900,000 residents, representing one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.
Kern County is bordered by Tulare County to the north, Inyo County to the east, San Bernardino County to the southeast, Los Angeles County to the south, and San Luis Obispo and Kings counties to the west. Major landmarks include the Tehachapi Mountains, the southern Sierra Nevada range, Sequoia National Forest, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Lake Isabella. Kern County was established in 1866, named after Edward Kern, a topographer with John C.
Frémont's expedition. Kern County is known for its significant oil production—Kern County is California's leading oil-producing county—along with extensive agricultural operations producing almonds, grapes, citrus, and carrots. Kern County Recorder-County Clerk's Office is located at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
Kern County Assessor-Recorder operates from the same complex, managing property assessments and land records. What makes Kern County unique is its dual economic foundation of energy extraction and agriculture, combined with its strategic position as a transportation corridor between Southern California and the Central Valley.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kern County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of Kern County. This office manages Kern County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also operates specialized divisions such as the Search and Rescue team and the Rural Crime Investigation Unit, which are tailored to the unique needs of Kern County. The office is committed to community engagement and public safety, providing various programs and resources to residents.
Police Departments
Kern County is served by Kern County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Bakersfield Police Department is the largest city department, providing law enforcement services within Bakersfield. Other city departments include the Delano Police Department and the Ridgecrest Police Department. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional security issues, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Kern County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kern County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including jail operations, courts security, and search and rescue. The Sheriff's Office operates the main website at kernsheriff.org and can be reached for Kern County operates several detention facilities, including the Lerdo Justice Facility and the Central Receiving Facility, both located in Bakersfield.
- Inmates can be searched through the Sheriff's online inmate locator system available on the kernsheriff.org website, which provides booking information, charges, bail amounts, and projected release dates.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in the online inmate search system and can also be requested through formal public records requests.
Municipal police departments serving incorporated cities within Kern County include the Bakersfield Police Department, California City Police Department, Delano Police Department, Ridgecrest Police Department, Shafter Police Department, Tehachapi Police Department, Taft Police Department, Arvin Police Department, McFarland Police Department, and Wasco Police Department. Arrest records in Kern County are public documents subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or respective municipal police departments. Under California Penal Code Section 832.7, certain records are accessible, though some information may be redacted for ongoing investigations.
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online crime mapping tool and press release system providing recent arrest information. No tribal police agencies operate within Kern County's boundaries, though the Tule River Indian Reservation in neighboring Tulare County is nearby.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Kern County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Kern County Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks. The California Department of Justice provides statewide criminal history information, which can be requested by residents through authorized channels. The California Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for background checks, aiding in the full assessment of criminal histories.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kern County are maintained by Kern County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or through their online portal. Under the California Public Records Act, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kern County Jail, officially known as the Lerdo Detention Complex, is the primary incarceration facility for Kern County. The booking process at Lerdo involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information and booking details can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate locator tool. Visitation rules at Lerdo require scheduling in advance, and visitors must comply with strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in California allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with bail amounts set according to the severity of the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kern County are taken and retained by Kern County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. California does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern, is the unified trial court serving all judicial needs within Kern County. The court's main administrative office is located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, and can be reached for The Superior Court maintains multiple divisions and branches throughout Kern County, including facilities in Delano, Mojave, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Taft, Lamont, and Wasco to serve geographically dispersed populations.
- The court's official website at kern.courts.ca.gov provides access to case search functions, filing information, court calendars, and self-help resources.
Following California's trial court unification in 1998, the Superior Court absorbed the former Municipal Court system and now handles all criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters. Online case searches are available through the court's public access portal, though some sensitive cases (juvenile, sealed records) are restricted. Fees for court documents vary: civil case filings typically cost several hundred dollars, certified copies are approximately $25 for the first page and additional fees per page thereafter, and copies are generally $0.50 per page.
Court records access is governed by California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.500 et seq, which establishes the presumption that court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute. The probate division handles estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. The court offers online payment options for traffic citations and some civil matters.
Remote video appearances have expanded since 2020 for certain case types. Self-represented litigants can access the Self-Help Legal Access Center at various court locations for assistance with forms and procedures.
Property & Public Records
Kern County Recorder-County Clerk's Office, located at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, maintains official land and property records for Kern County. The office can be contacted at and operates the website at kernclerkrecorder.com. Available records include grant deeds, trust deeds, reconveyances, notices of default, mechanics liens, easements, maps, survey records, official records, and other documents affecting real property title.
- Kern County offers a free online property information search through the Assessor's website that provides ownership information, assessed values, and parcel data without fees.
- For official certified copies of recorded documents, fees are $11 for the first page and $3 for each additional page as of current fee schedules.
- All documents must comply with California Government Code requirements for recording, including proper formatting, legible text, and appropriate fees.
The Recorder's Office has digitized records extensively, with online access available through a subscription-based system for title companies and the public. Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office, reachable, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information. Their website at assessor.co.kern.ca.us provides a full Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer allowing users to search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view property boundaries, assessed values, sales history, and tax information.
Property tax collection is handled by Kern County Auditor-Controller-County Clerk and Tax Collector at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Kern County's GIS portal at kcgisportal.kerncounty.com offers extensive mapping tools for researching zoning, flood zones, land use, and other geographic data layers. Document recording hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with drop-box service available.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Kern County are maintained by Kern County Public Health Services Department, Vital Statistics Division, located at 1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306. The office can be reached for Birth certificates cost $28 for the first certified copy and $14 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure. Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if all requirements are met, while mail requests take approximately 2-3 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $70 if a confidential license or $61 for a public license, and couples must apply in person together with valid photo identification.
- Certified marriage certificates can be obtained from the same office for $16.
- Online ordering for Kern County vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized service provider, though convenience fees apply in addition to standard certificate costs.
Authorized applicants include the registrant (for birth certificates), family members, legal representatives, and those with documented legal interest. Valid government-issued photo identification is required, and relationship documentation may be necessary. California Health and Safety Code Section 102425 et seq.
Governs vital records access and establishes who may obtain certified copies. Marriage licenses are issued by Kern County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, phone. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days anywhere in California.
Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage) are court records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, not the Clerk-Recorder. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records office in Sacramento is the state repository and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in California; their website at cdph.ca.gov/vitals offers online ordering through approved vendors.
Business & Licensing
Business license requirements in Kern County vary by jurisdiction, with incorporated cities issuing their own business licenses and unincorporated areas regulated by county ordinances. The City of Bakersfield Finance Department issues business licenses for operations within city limits and can be contacted at; their website at bakersfieldcity.us provides application information. Fictitious Business Name (DBA) statements are filed with Kern County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, phone.
- This free online search provides entity status, registration date, agent for service of process, and principal office address.
The DBA filing fee is approximately $26 for the first business name and $5 for each additional name filed simultaneously, plus mandatory publication costs in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation, typically ranging $50-$150 depending on the newspaper. The California Secretary of State maintains the full business entity database at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in California, including those based in Kern County. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards, not Kern County.
Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department, located at 2700 M Street, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301, phone, handles building permits, land use permits, conditional use permits, and zoning matters for unincorporated areas. The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, accessible at bakersfieldchamber.org and located at 1725 Eye Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic information for Kern County.
Elections & Voter Records
Kern County Elections Division, part of Kern County Clerk's Office, administers all federal, state, and local elections within Kern County. The Elections Division is located at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, and can be reached for The official elections website at kernvote.com provides full voter information, sample ballots, polling locations, and election results.
- In the November 2024 general election, Kern County reported approximately 54% voter turnout among registered voters, slightly below the statewide California turnout of approximately 58%.
- Kern County provides ballot materials in Spanish as required under the federal Voting Rights Act.
- Election transparency is supported through public observation opportunities during ballot processing, mandatory post-election audits, and detailed reporting of results by precinct and vote center.
- Citizens may request copies of election materials and data under the California Public Records Act, with some fees applicable for extensive data requests.
Voter registration in Kern County is available through the California Secretary of State's online registration portal at registertovote.ca.gov, which allows eligible residents to register or update their registration up to 15 days before any election; conditional voter registration is also available during the 14-day period prior to and on Election Day at designated locations. California requires registration at least 15 days prior to Election Day for standard registration. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through Kern County elections website or by calling the Elections Division.
Public election records in Kern County include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per state law), campaign finance disclosure statements filed with Kern County for local candidates and measures, candidate nomination papers, precinct-level results, and official canvass reports. The California Political Reform Act and Government Code Section 6250 et seq. Govern access to campaign finance and election-related records.
Kern County typically demonstrates conservative voting patterns compared to coastal California counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, California statewide offices including Governor, and various local measures and offices.
Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots are automatically sent to all registered voters in California under the permanent vote-by-mail system implemented statewide; voters may also request mail ballots through Kern County elections website, by phone, or in writing. Ballot drop boxes are located throughout Kern County beginning 29 days before each election. In-person voting is available at Vote Centers during the early voting period and on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Kern County's economy is distinctively characterized by its dominance in energy production and agriculture, with petroleum extraction serving as the historic economic foundation since the late 19th century. Kern County produces approximately 70% of California's oil output, with major operators including Chevron, Aera Energy, California Resources Corporation, and numerous independent producers.Primary crops include grapes (table and wine), almonds, pistachios, citrus (oranges, lemons), carrots, and alfalfa, supported by extensive irrigation infrastructure.
- Median household income in Kern County is approximately $62,000, below the California state median.
Major employers in Kern County include Kern County government, Kern Medical Center, Bolthouse Farms, Grimmway Farms (the world's largest carrot producer), Wonderful Company (pistachios, citrus, pomegranates), Dignity Health, Adventist Health, and numerous school districts. The unemployment rate has historically been higher than state and national averages, typically ranging 7-9%, though it fluctuates with agricultural seasons and energy sector trends. Emerging economic sectors include renewable energy, with significant solar and wind installations throughout Kern County, particularly in the Tehachapi Pass wind resource area.
Distribution and logistics have grown substantially due to Kern County's strategic location along Interstate 5 and State Route 99, with major warehousing facilities serving the Los Angeles basin and Central Valley. The aerospace industry maintains a presence through Edwards Air Force Base operations in adjacent areas and testing facilities. Economic development initiatives focus on diversification, workforce training through Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield, and infrastructure improvements to support continued growth in the southern San Joaquin Valley region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Locator | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online Portal | Overall Score: 8/10 — Kern County provides strong digital access to property records, court case searches, jail rosters, and election information, with online portals for most public record categories.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Kern County
Explore public records for 39 cities and communities in Kern County, California.