Rev. Singleton

How do we obtain a marriage license?

Licenses are issued Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk's Office located in the Kern County Administrative building. To purchase a marriage license, both the bride and groom must appear together. You only need to make an appointment. To make an appointment, call the County Clerk's Office at the phone number listed below.

Kern County Administrative Building
1115 Truxtun Ave, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, Ca 93301

(661) 868-3743

Is a Blood test required to obtain a Marriage License?

No. A blood test is no longer required.

What do I need to get a marriage license?

If you are 17 years of age or younger, you must call the Kern County Probation Department at (661) 868-4313 before you can purchase a marriage license.

If you are 18 years of age or older and would like to purchase a PUBLIC license, you will need a driver's license or some form of goverment issued ID. Both the bride and groom must be present when obtaining a public marriage license.

If you are 18 years of age or older and are obtaining a CONFIDENTIAL marriage license, you will need a driver's license or some form of goverment issued ID. Both the bride and groom must be present when obtaining a confidential marriage license.

For further information, please call the County Clerk's Office at (661) 868-3743.

If your divorce was finalized within the last 90 days, you must provide proof of court order when applying for a license.


- MARRIAGE LICENSE TYPES -

:: PUBLIC LICENSE ::

 Public record
License good for 90 days
 License can be used throughout the state of California

 Current fee is $67.00

:: CONFIDENTIAL LICENSE ::

Not available for public inspection
License can only be used in the county where purchased

Current fee is $80.00

Couple must be living together as husband and wife and both must be at least 18 years of age.

When does a marriage license expire?

The marriage license is only good for 90 days from the date issued. If not used within 90 days, a new license must be obtained.

What happens to the license after the ceremony?

Public Marriage Licenses


When the ceremony is performed, the license should be completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the Kern County Recorder's Office within 10 days from the ceremony. The license is recorded and a certified copy will be made available to you within approximately 10-14 business days after it is received. The fee for a certified copy of your Public Marriage License is $13.00. If you need a certified copy of your Public Marriage License, please stop by the address below or call:

The Kern County Recorder's Office
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-6400


Confidential Marriage Licenses

A certified copy of a Confidential Marriage License may be purchased 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday by the bride or groom only. Photo I.D., such as a California Driver's License, is required. The fee for a certified copy of a Confidential Marriage License is $13.00. The Kern County Clerk's Office accepts cash, money orders, bank imprinted personal checks made payable to the Kern County Clerk, or credit cards.



When the marriage is performed, the license should be completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the Kern County Clerk's Office within 10 days from the ceremony. Certified copies will be availiable within 5-7 business days after it is received.

Kern County Clerk
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3743


Can the marriage ceremony be performed by the clercks office?

No, not as of June 13th 2008.

Please feel free to contact the County Clerk's Office with any further questions you may have regarding your marriage license.

County Clerk's Office Address is:
Kern County Clerk's Office
1115 Truxtun Ave, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301

reach by phone at: (661) 868-3743
Fee Schedule

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Public Marriage License

$67.00

Confidential Marriage License

$80.00

Duplicate Marriage License (to replace lost or damaged license prior to recording)

$5.00
Certified Copy of Confidential Marriage License
*available to bride or groom only

$13.00

Amendment & Certified Copy of Confidential Marriage License after 1 year (or longer)
*available to bride or groom only
$20.00

The County clerk’s office can give you a list of people that can solemnize your vows and if you feel that you have been turned away because of discrimination please contact a lawyer and seek advice. No wedding officiant is supposed to turn a couple away because of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. Religion is a grey area but one would think one would choose an officiant that is in the same ball park with thier beliefs.