Kern County Genealogy Research

Kern County genealogy records trace family history through birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses maintained by the county. The Assessor-Recorder office keeps vital records for events that occurred in Kern County. You can search for records online, visit the office in Bakersfield, or order copies by mail. Most genealogy records after 1905 are available through state and county systems, while earlier records require direct contact with the county. Kern County formed in 1866 and serves Bakersfield and surrounding communities. Start your family research with the clerk-recorder to access historical documents and vital records from across the county.

Kern County Assessor-Recorder Services

The Kern County Assessor-Recorder maintains all vital records for genealogy research. Their office issues birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for events in Kern County. You can order records online, visit the Bakersfield office, or mail requests with proper forms. The office handles records from county formation through present day.

Contact the Assessor-Recorder at their main office in downtown Bakersfield. Staff can help locate records if you know approximate dates and full names. Processing times vary but most requests are filled within one week. Bring ID if visiting in person. Call ahead to confirm hours before driving to the office.

Many Kern County records are now digital and searchable. Older records on microfilm require staff help to retrieve. Plan extra time if researching events before 1970. The recorder does not hold records for confidential marriages unless you are a party to that marriage. All other public marriage records are accessible to genealogy researchers.

Kern County Birth Certificates

Birth certificates in Kern County cost thirty one dollars per copy. The county has birth records for events within its borders. If the birth happened at a Bakersfield hospital or anywhere in the county, this is where you order. Births after July 1905 are also on file with the state. Earlier births may exist at the county but many were never recorded.

California did not require birth registration until 1915. Compliance was low until the 1920s. If you cannot find a Kern County birth from the 1900s or 1910s, that does not mean it never happened. Check census records, church records, or family bibles for alternate proof. The county may have no record even though your ancestor was born here.

Newborn certificates take about three weeks to file and become available. Request informational copies for genealogy work. These do not need notarized forms like certified copies do. The informational copy has all the same details but includes a legend saying it cannot prove identity. That does not matter for tracing family trees.

Death Records in Kern County

Death certificates cost twenty six dollars from Kern County. The county keeps death records for anyone who died within county limits. Death certificates list birthplace, parents' names, occupation, and cause of death. These details help genealogy research by confirming identities and linking generations.

Older death records give less detail than modern ones. Pre-1950 certificates might not list parents' birthplaces or mother's maiden name. Funeral homes filed most death records historically. If you know which mortuary handled arrangements, they may have additional records not on the official certificate.

Kern County death records are public after fifty years. Recent deaths have access limits under California law. Informational copies are available to anyone for genealogy purposes. Processing takes about one to two weeks depending on volume. Mail requests add transit time on top of processing days.

Note: The Kern County Genealogical Society in Bakersfield maintains cemetery indexes that supplement official death records.

Marriage Licenses and Certificates

Marriage certificates in Kern County cost nineteen dollars. The county has records for licenses issued here regardless where the ceremony occurred. A Bakersfield couple who married in Las Vegas still got their license from Kern County. That license is on file at the recorder's office.

California marriage records from 1850 forward exist at county level. The state only has indexes for certain years. Always contact the county that issued the license, not where the wedding happened. Kern County marriage records include names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, and occupations for both parties. This makes them valuable for genealogy.

Confidential marriages since 1971 are sealed. Only the spouses can access those records. All other marriage records are public. You can search marriage indexes to find records before ordering copies. The recorder's office staff will search by name if you provide approximate year.

Genealogy Resources in Kern County

The Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield houses the California Room with local history and genealogy materials. Their collection includes city directories, old newspapers on microfilm, cemetery records, and family histories. The library staff provides reference help for researchers visiting in person or calling with questions.

Kern County Genealogical Society meets regularly and publishes research guides. Members share knowledge about local resources and help solve difficult brick walls. The society library at 9001 Stockdale Highway has vertical files with obituaries, family files, and compiled records. These supplement official vital records from the county.

Historic cemeteries across Kern County hold clues for genealogy researchers. The Bakersfield City Cemetery dates to the 1860s. Union Cemetery, Greenlawn Cemetery, and many small rural cemeteries have grave markers worth photographing. Findagrave.com has photographed many local stones but not all. Walking cemeteries yourself can uncover unmarked graves or faded inscriptions.

Kern County Historical Records

Kern County formed in 1866 from parts of Los Angeles and Tulare counties. Early settlers moved here for ranching, farming, and later oil. The Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1874 and brought population growth. Bakersfield incorporated in 1873. These early years have few vital records because California did not require registration.

Oil discovery in 1899 transformed the county. Thousands came for work. Many stayed and raised families. This boom period from 1900 to 1920 should have good records but compliance with registration laws was spotty. Check county records even if state records show nothing. The county sometimes has records the state missed.

Farm labor shaped Kern County demographics. Dust Bowl migrants arrived in the 1930s. Farm workers from Mexico and the Philippines also settled here. Ethnic churches and organizations kept records when official systems failed to register everyone. Catholic parish records, Basque society records, and Filipino community records fill gaps in official genealogy sources.

State Archives and Kern County Records

The California State Archives in Sacramento does not have specific Kern County collections. However, their statewide databases include some Kern County residents. Census records from 1852, 1860, and 1880 list Kern County families. Probate files, military records, and prison registers include county residents.

State hospital records at the archives mention Kern County patients. Court cases from the California Supreme Court sometimes involve Kern County parties. These scattered references help when direct county records are lost or unavailable. The archives reading room is open weekdays for researchers to explore these collections.

How to Order Kern County Records

Three ways exist to get Kern County genealogy records. Visit the office in person for fast service. Mail a completed application with a check or money order. Order online if the county offers that option for vital records. Each method has different timelines and fees.

In person service gives same day results if the record is on file. Bring photo ID and know the exact event details. The office is in downtown Bakersfield near the courthouse. Parking is available nearby. Staff help walk-in customers during business hours.

Mail requests take one to two weeks. Download the correct application form for birth, death, or marriage. Complete all sections. Include a check payable to Kern County Assessor-Recorder. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send cash by mail. Notarization is required for certified copies but not informational copies.

Online ordering may include extra convenience fees. Check the county website for current options and pricing. Some counties use third party vendors that charge processing fees. These fees are on top of the base certificate cost. Verify the total before submitting payment online.

State Level Genealogy Records

The California Department of Public Health Vital Records office has statewide birth and death records from July 1905 forward. Order from the state if you do not know the exact county where an event occurred. The state indexes cover all California counties. Processing takes fifteen business days for recent records.

FamilySearch provides free access to the California Birth Index 1905-1995 online. Search by name to find index entries. The index confirms a record exists before you pay for a certificate. This saves money if you are unsure whether Kern County or another county holds the record you need.

The California State Archives holds broader genealogy resources beyond vital records. Their collections include court records, military files, and government documents that mention Kern County residents. Plan a research trip to Sacramento to explore these materials in person.

Major Cities in Kern County

Bakersfield is the largest city and county seat. Vital records for the entire county are kept at the central office in Bakersfield regardless of which city or town the event occurred in. Other communities in Kern County include Delano, Ridgecrest, Arvin, and Tehachapi. Contact the county recorder for records from any location within the county.

City pages: Bakersfield

Nearby Counties

Kern County borders several other counties. Families moved between these areas. Check neighboring counties if your ancestors lived near county lines.

Adjacent counties: Tulare County, Kings County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, Los Angeles County