Kern County Death Index
Kern County death records provide official documentation for deaths in this large agricultural and oil producing region. The Assessor-Recorder office in Bakersfield maintains these vital records and issues certified copies to authorized requesters. Death certificates cost $26 per copy effective January 1, 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. You can request records in person at the Hall of Records, by mail with proper application, or through VitalChek online ordering. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 3 PM. Staff process requests from immediate family members, attorneys, funeral directors, and other qualified individuals under California Health and Safety Code requirements for accessing death certificate information.
Kern County Death Records Overview
Kern County Assessor Recorder
The Assessor-Recorder office handles vital records for Kern County. Their Hall of Records sits at 1655 Chester Avenue in Bakersfield. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Call 661-868-6400 with questions about death certificate requests.
Effective January 1, 2026, fees for obtaining vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates increased per Assembly Bill 64. Death certificates now cost $26 per copy. This represents a $2 increase from the previous $24 fee.
The California Department of Public Health provides statewide access to death certificate information.
You can request Kern County death certificates from either the county Assessor-Recorder or the state office in Sacramento.
How to Request Death Certificates
Three ways exist to get Kern County death certificates. Visit the Hall of Records in Bakersfield. Mail your application. Or order online via VitalChek.
In person visits during office hours offer quick service. Bring valid photo ID. Complete the application. Provide the deceased person's name, death date, and death location in Kern County. Pay $26 by cash, check, or money order. Staff will search and produce a copy if found.
Mail requests need completed application, ID photocopy, and check for $26 to Kern County. Send to 1655 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Allow two to four weeks.
VitalChek processes online orders. Select Kern County, enter details, upload ID, pay by credit card. Service fees apply.
Authorized Copy Requirements
California law controls who gets authorized certified copies for legal use versus informational copies for research. Immediate family, attorneys, court reps, funeral directors, and government officials qualify for authorized copies with notarized sworn statements. Anyone can get informational copies without notarization.
The notarized sworn statement proves your relationship. You write a statement saying you are the parent, child, spouse, or sibling of the deceased. A notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. They stamp the document with their official seal. This takes about five minutes at most notary offices. Many banks offer notary service. Some libraries do too. You pay a small fee, usually three to ten dollars.
Informational copies have limitations. They display a stamp stating they cannot establish identity. Courts will not accept informational copies. Insurance companies typically need authorized copies. Banks require authorized copies to settle accounts. For genealogy work, informational copies are fine. For legal or financial matters, always order authorized copies. Check first before paying for the wrong type. Contact the organization needing the certificate and ask what they require.
Speed Up Your Request
In person is fastest. Same day service is common for recent records. Go during office hours. Bring your notarized statement. Bring photo ID. Have $26 in cash or a check. Staff will search while you wait. You leave with your copy. This takes under an hour total.
Mail requests take longer but work if you cannot visit. Complete the application form fully. Include a copy of your ID and the notarized statement. Include a check for $26. Send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Keep the delivery receipt. Write your phone number clearly. Staff will call if they have questions. Two to four weeks is normal. Holiday periods take longer.
Online through VitalChek adds service fees but is convenient. You can order from home. Upload your ID photo. Pay by credit card. VitalChek emails updates. Processing takes one to three weeks. The service fee varies but is usually five to ten dollars. Total cost is thirty-one to thirty-six dollars.
Plan ahead. Do not wait until the last minute. If you need a certificate for court or a deadline, request it early. Tell the office if you have a deadline. Some offices will rush orders for an extra fee. Ask about rush processing when you call or visit.
Surrounding Counties
Tulare County borders north. Inyo County is northeast. San Bernardino County lies east. Los Angeles County and Ventura County are south and southwest. San Luis Obispo County is west. Kings County forms part of the northern boundary.
Major Cities
Kern County includes Bakersfield, the county seat and largest city with over 400,000 residents. Deaths in any city within the county get registered with Kern County offices.