Kern County Recorder's Office
1655 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California, 93301
Contact & location
- Address
- 1655 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California, 93301
- Records for
- Kern County, California
- Phone
- 661-868-6400
- Official site
- Government website ↗
Last verified July 14, 2026
This office issues California state records
Kern County follows California’s fees, eligibility rules and processing times. Compare the statewide baseline below before choosing where to go.
- $31.00
- California birth certificate fee
- 5–7 weeks
- Statewide processing
- 39,431,263
- California population
This office charges $29.00 — $2.00 less than the California fee.
See full California requirements, IDs & fees →Office hours
| Thrusday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday | closed |
| Sunday | closed |
Certificates, fees & processing
| Record | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $29.00 | 5–7 weeksCalifornia estimate |
| Death Certificate | $24.00 | 5–7 weeksCalifornia estimate |
| Marriage Certificate | $17.00 | 5–7 weeksCalifornia estimate |
Processing times are set at state level — county offices do not publish their own — and are estimates that vary with demand.
The Kern County Recorder's Office’s office or registry of vital records, offers a wide range of crucial services. These offices play a vital role in the protection and provision of essential documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates . In addition to maintaining these primary records, they are responsible for managing and issuing copies of birth, marriage, and death records that occurred within the Township of Bakersfield. Alongside record maintenance, this office provides valuable services like issuing certified copies of documents, overseeing the registration of domestic partnerships, and offering assistance to rectify any errors detected in vital records. Through these comprehensive services, the vital records office ensures the accuracy, accessibility, and integrity of vital records for the benefit of the community.
Reviews
★★★★★4.2 (79)- ★★★★★Antonio EsquedaGoogle
I didn't think I could get copies of my 2 daughters' birth certificates in under 10 minutes. I thought I was going to miss my post office appt for passports. She was fast and nice. 58$ for two, by the way. It was almost 2:15 pm on a Wednesday.
- ★★★★★Marlena PowersGoogle
Easy and fast! Located right on the corner of Chester and Truxtun. Walked out with birth certificate in hand, within 5 mins, same day! No line when I went on a Wednesday at 9:30 am, no appointment necessary. Officer at the door was very pleasant and helpful. The lady at the window was very nice and very fast. Cost $29.00 for a certified copy of birth certificate. Parking is on the streets, which is a little bit of a challenge, so you may have to walk a little distance to the building.
- ★★★★★Christine BriceñoGoogle
In and out in 5 minutes.. Service was excellent 👍
- ★★★★★Oscar MigsGoogle
Their staff and online service Vitalcheck deserves my highest rating. Thank you for the quick response and quick results. I now have my records. Appreciate it.
- ★★★★★Alison M CGoogle
I sent a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for $31 along w the correct form. I got my birth certificate in the mail in less than 2 weeks. Simple & efficient.