A Kern County public records lookup allows individuals to search for official documents and information kept by local government agencies. These records provide details on various aspects of public life, from court cases to property ownership and vital events. The right to access these records comes from California state laws, especially the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which makes most government writings open to the public. These writings cover many formats, including paper, audio, video, and electronic files.
The goal of making Kern County public records available is to ensure transparency in government operations. Citizens can review government actions and decisions, promoting accountability. While many records are public, some are kept private to protect personal privacy or ongoing investigations. Knowing which agencies hold specific records and the correct way to ask for them helps in a successful search.
What Kern County Public Records Are Available?
Kern County keeps many types of public records. Each record type helps to document different parts of public life and government activities. Knowing the main categories helps in finding the specific information needed. These categories include court records, property records, vital records, criminal records, and business filings. Each type has its own purpose and is held by a specific county department.
Kern County Court Records
Kern County court records document legal proceedings within the county’s Superior Court system. These records cover civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic cases. People can look up judgments, orders, pleadings, and other documents filed in these cases.
- Criminal Records: These include details on felony and misdemeanor cases, charges, and court outcomes.
- Civil Records: This category covers non-criminal disputes such as contract disagreements, property damage claims, personal injury cases, and landlord-tenant issues.
- Family Law Records: Documents related to divorce, child support, child custody, and paternity cases are part of family law records.
- Probate Records: These involve conservatorships, trusts, estates, and guardianships.
- Traffic Records: Information on violations like speeding tickets and red-light infractions.
The Kern County Superior Court provides an online Case Information Search portal. This portal allows searches for criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases using a party name or case number. For actual document copies, individuals must submit a request through the court’s online portal or visit the courthouse in person.
Kern County Property and Land Records
Kern County property and land records contain information about real estate within the county. These documents are vital for property owners, buyers, sellers, and those interested in land history. The Kern County Assessor-Recorder’s Office maintains these records.
- Deeds: Legal documents that show property ownership transfer.
- Mortgages and Liens: Records of financial claims against a property.
- Assessments and Tax Information: Details on property value for tax purposes and tax payment history.
- Parcel Maps: Visual representations of property boundaries and divisions.
People can search for property records online using the Assessor Property Search tool or the Official Records Index Information system. Property documents are typically indexed by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), Assessor’s Tax Number (ATN), property address, or grantee/grantor name. As of recent changes, APN searches are only available at in-person kiosks due to California state law.
Kern County Vital Records
Kern County vital records document key life events. These records are important for legal identification, genealogy, and family history research. They include birth, death, and marriage certificates.
- Birth Certificates: Records of births that occurred in Kern County.
- Death Certificates: Records of deaths that occurred in Kern County.
- Marriage Licenses and Certificates: Documents showing marriages licensed and recorded in Kern County.
- Divorce Records: Finalized by the Superior Court’s Family Law Division.
Birth and death certificates are available through the Kern County Public Health Services Department. Marriage licenses are handled by the Kern County Clerk’s Office. Divorce records can be obtained from the Kern County Superior Court. Certified copies of vital records have restrictions to prevent identity theft, meaning only authorized individuals can receive them.
Kern County Criminal and Arrest Records
Kern County criminal and arrest records contain information about law enforcement actions. These records are kept by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments.
- Arrest Records: Details on arrests, charges, and the status of an arrested person. This information is public if the person is currently in custody or was released within the last 60 days.
- Crime Reports: Documents detailing reported crimes and investigations.
- Inmate Records: Information on individuals held in county custody, including charges and next court dates. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides an Inmate Information web portal for these searches.
To get arrest information, people can contact or visit the Records Section of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or a municipal police department. Law enforcement may not release information related to active investigations. For statewide criminal history, a Record Review Live Scan form must be submitted to the California Department of Justice.
Kern County Business and Professional License Records
Kern County also maintains records related to businesses and professional licenses. These records show business operations and compliance within the county.
- Business Licenses: Documents required for businesses to operate legally in the county.
- Fictitious Business Name Statements: Records for businesses operating under a name different from the owner’s legal name.
- Professional Licenses: While many professional licenses are state-issued, local records may reflect permits or registrations needed for specific professions within Kern County.
These records are typically found through the Kern County Clerk’s Office or specific county departments that issue permits and licenses. The Kern County website has a public records request page that can help direct inquiries.
How to Obtain Kern County Public Records
Obtaining Kern County public records involves knowing where to look and the proper steps to take. Different types of records are held by different agencies, and each agency may have specific procedures for requests. Most requests can be made in person, by mail, or through online portals.
Requesting Court Records in Kern County
To request court records in Kern County, several methods are available. The Kern County Superior Court manages these records.
- Online Search: The Kern County Superior Court offers a Case Information Search portal. This allows users to search for criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases by party name or case number. While this portal provides case information, full case files are not always available online.
- In-Person Requests: People can visit the Clerk’s Office at the courthouse where the case was heard. Public access terminals are available to view records at no cost. For copies, a request form must be submitted.
- Mail Requests: Written requests can be mailed to the appropriate courthouse. These requests must include sufficient information to identify the record, any required fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return.
- Transcript Requests: Transcripts of court proceedings can be requested through an online form on the Superior Court website. Fees apply for transcripts, and processing begins after payment.
If the case number is unknown, clerks may charge a research fee to locate it. Requests for case numbers are not taken over the phone.
Searching Property and Land Records
Property and land records in Kern County are managed by the Assessor-Recorder’s Office.
- Online Portals: The Kern County Assessor-Recorder offers an Assessor Property Search tool and an Official Records Index Information system. These tools allow searches by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), Assessor’s Tax Number (ATN), or property address.
- In-Person Requests: Individuals can visit the Assessor-Recorder’s Office or the Hall of Records to search for and request copies of documents. Kiosks are available for APN searches.
- Mail Requests: Copies of recorded real property documents can be requested by mail. The request must include the document number or book and page number, recording year, names of parties, document type, return address, and payment.
The Assessor-Recorder’s Office does not accept requests for copies of recorded real property documents by phone, fax, or email.
Obtaining Vital Records
Vital records in Kern County are handled by different agencies depending on the type of record.
- Birth and Death Certificates: These are available through the Kern County Public Health Services Department, Office of Vital Records. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or securely online through VitalChek. Mail requests require a notarized application, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Marriage Certificates: For marriage licenses issued and recorded in Kern County, requests can be made at the Hall of Records, by mail, or online via VitalChek. Only authorized individuals can receive certified copies of marriage records.
- Divorce Records: Copies of divorce decrees are obtained from the Kern County Superior Court’s Family Law Division. Online search through the court’s case platform is possible, or in-person/mail requests can be made.
Fees apply for certified copies of vital records, and these fees are subject to change.
Searching Criminal and Arrest Records
To search for criminal and arrest records in Kern County, the primary source is the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
- Inmate Information: The Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides an online Inmate Information web portal. This allows searches for individuals currently in custody, showing charges and next court dates.
- Arrest Records: For recent arrest information, contact or visit the Records Section of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or local municipal police departments. Public access is generally for those currently in custody or released within 60 days.
- Court Criminal Records: Criminal case information and calendars are available on the Kern County Superior Court website.
- Warrant Information: Warrant details are not given over the phone. The subject of a warrant must appear in person at the Kern County Justice Facility Inmate Receiving Center with photo ID to confirm its existence.
For a statewide criminal history, individuals must complete a Record Review Live Scan form and submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice.
Kern County Public Records Laws and Exemptions
The California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in California Government Code § 7920.000 et seq., establishes that most records kept by Kern County agencies are public. This law ensures that government business writings are open to inspection, except when specific exemptions apply.
What Records Are Exempt?
Exemptions to the CPRA protect privacy rights and allow government agencies to perform their duties without hindrance. Some records may be completely exempt, while others may have confidential parts redacted before release.
Common exemptions include:
- Social security numbers.
- Attorney work product and attorney-client privilege.
- Certain law enforcement records, especially those tied to active investigations.
- Personnel and medical records.
- Utility customer information.
- Records concerning pending litigation.
- Preliminary drafts and notes.
- Records involving minors, adoptions, and mental health.
- Sealed or expunged court records.
Even if a record is exempt, eligible persons, such as the record’s subject or government agencies for official duties, may still gain access. Court orders can also grant access to exempt records.
Who Can Access Kern County Public Records?
Under California Government Code § 7921.000, “every person” has the right to access Kern County public records. This term includes any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, or association. Being a California citizen is not a requirement to exercise this right.
Denied Public Records Requests
A records custodian may deny a public record request for several reasons:
- The request was sent to the wrong agency.
- Insufficient information to identify the record.
- The record is exempt by state or federal law, court order, or CPRA exemption.
If a request is unjustly denied, an individual can file a lawsuit with the Kern County Superior Court under California Government Code § 7923.000 – 79223.500. This lawsuit seeks a court order for the record’s release.
Fees and Costs for Kern County Public Records
While inspecting public records in person is generally free, obtaining copies often involves fees. These fees vary by the type of record and the agency providing it.
General Fees
Some common fees for copies of Kern County public records include:
- Court Records: Photocopies often cost $0.50 to $0.75 per page. Certified copies can cost an additional $2.00 to $40.00 per document. Research fees may apply if a case number is unknown.
- Property Records: The Kern County Assessor-Recorder’s office charges around $3.00 for the first page of a document and $0.50 for each additional page. Certification under seal costs an extra $0.50.
- Birth Certificates: $28.00 per certified copy (effective January 1, 2026, it will be $31.00).
- Death Certificates: $21.00 per certified copy (effective January 1, 2026, it will be $23.00).
- Marriage Certificates: $15.00 per certified copy (effective January 1, 2026, it will be $17.00).
- Digital Records: If provided on CD/DVD, these may cost $10.00 to $15.00 per disc.
Fees are subject to change, and it is always best to confirm current costs with the relevant agency before making a request. Applications submitted with incorrect payment amounts may be returned.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Kern County
Certain records in Kern County can be sealed or expunged, making them unavailable to the general public. This process usually aims to protect an individual’s privacy or provide a fresh start after legal issues.
Record Expungement
Expungement removes a conviction from an individual’s criminal record. In California, people with certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may qualify for expungement if they meet specific eligibility requirements. The Kern County Public Defender’s Office can provide information and help with the expungement process.
Record Sealing
Sealing a record makes it confidential and prevents public disclosure. This is common for juvenile records, adoption proceedings, and certain mental health records. Once a record is sealed, it can only be accessed by court order or by specific authorized parties.
Kern County Public Records for Genealogy
Kern County public records are valuable for genealogy and family history research. Vital records, property records, and historical court documents can help trace family lines and uncover ancestors’ lives.
- Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates provide names, dates, places, and parentage, which are foundational for genealogy.
- Property Records: Deeds and land records show where ancestors lived, when they bought or sold property, and sometimes family relationships.
- Court Records: Probate records can reveal family members, wills, and estates. Civil and criminal cases might offer insights into ancestors’ lives and community interactions.
While current certified copies of vital records are restricted, informational copies are often available for genealogy purposes and do not have the same restrictions. Researchers can also look into historical societies and local libraries in Kern County for additional resources.
Kern County Official Contacts
To request specific records or get more information, contact the relevant Kern County agencies directly.
Kern County Superior Court
Handles court records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases.
- Main Address: 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Phone: (661) 610-6000
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Website: kern.courts.ca.gov
Kern County Assessor-Recorder
Manages property, land, and recorded documents.
- Assessor Office Address: 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Recorder Main Office Address: 1530 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Hall of Records Address: 1655 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Assessor Phone: (661) 868-3485
- Recorder Phone: (661) 868-6400
- Hours:
- Assessor Office: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Recorder Main Office: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Hall of Records: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Website: kerncounty.com/government/assessor-recorder
Kern County Public Health Services
Provides birth and death certificates.
- Address: 1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93306-3302
- Phone: (661) 321-3000
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Website: kerncounty.com/government/public-health/birth-death-records
Kern County Clerk
Handles marriage licenses and fictitious business name statements.
- Address: 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Phone: (661) 868-3580
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Website: kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Manages arrest records, crime reports, and inmate information.
- Main Office Address: 1350 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Phone: (661) 861-3110
- Website: kernsheriff.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Kern County Public Records
This section addresses common questions about finding and working with Kern County public records. The answers aim to provide clear, direct information for common situations.
What is the California Public Records Act (CPRA), and how does it relate to Kern County?
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is a state law that makes government records open to the public. It applies to all state and local agencies in California, including those in Kern County. The CPRA states that writings concerning public business, created or kept by government agencies, are public. This includes many types of documents and digital files. The law helps ensure that the public can see how their government works. While many records are public, the CPRA also lists specific exemptions. These exemptions protect personal privacy, trade secrets, or ongoing investigations. For example, social security numbers or certain law enforcement records are not public. If a record contains both public and private information, the private parts may be removed before the record is released.
Can I search for Kern County court records online without a case number?
Yes, you can search for Kern County court records online without a case number in some instances. The Kern County Superior Court offers an online Case Information Search portal. This portal allows users to search for criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases. You can often search using a party’s name. However, the search results may only provide basic case information. To get actual copies of court documents, you usually need to visit the courthouse in person or submit a specific request. If you do not have a case number, the court may charge a research fee to help locate the record. It is important to know that information regarding specific cases is generally not given over the phone.
How do I remove information from public records in Kern County?
Removing information from public records in Kern County is possible through specific legal processes like expungement, sealing, or redaction. These processes apply if the record qualifies under certain laws. For instance, people with eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions may have their convictions expunged. This means the conviction is removed from their criminal record. The Kern County Public Defender’s Office can provide information on the eligibility requirements and the expungement process. Other records, such as those involving minors or adoptions, can be sealed by court order, making them confidential. Redaction involves removing specific confidential details from a public record before it is released. This protects sensitive information while still making the rest of the record available.
Are Kern County marriage and divorce records publicly available?
Yes, Kern County marriage and divorce records are generally public, but with some distinctions. Marriage licenses and certificates recorded in Kern County are publicly accessible. However, obtaining certified copies of marriage certificates is restricted to authorized individuals due to identity theft prevention laws. Those not authorized will receive an informational copy marked as such. Divorce records finalized by the Kern County Superior Court’s Family Law Division are also publicly accessible. You can search for divorce records online through the court’s case platform, usually by party name. Some divorce records may contain information that is exempt from public release under state or federal statutes, such as details involving minors or sensitive financial data.
What are the typical fees for obtaining copies of Kern County public records?
The fees for obtaining copies of Kern County public records vary based on the type of record and the agency providing it. While inspecting records in person is usually free, copies incur charges. For court records, photocopies typically cost $0.50 to $0.75 per page, with certified copies costing more, sometimes up to $40.00. Property records from the Assessor-Recorder’s Office are around $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $0.50 fee for certification. Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates have specific fees per certified copy, for example, $28.00 for birth certificates and $15.00 for marriage certificates, with these fees subject to change. It is always best to check the current fee schedule with the specific county department before making a request.