Kern County marriage license — office, fees & hours
How to get a marriage license in Kern County, California: the issuing office, its address, phone and hours, the current fees, and how applying in person works.
Where to apply in Kern County
| Office | Kern County Clerk (Assessor-Recorder) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield 93301 |
| Phone | (661) 868-3743 |
| Office hours | Mon–Fri 8:30am–3:00pm |
| Website | http://www.kerncountyclerk.com/en/Marriage/Information.aspx |
| Public license fee | $101 |
| Confidential license fee | $123 |
| Appointment | Walk-ins only for licenses — no appointment; both parties must appear together and begin the application on a lobby computer. |
Good to know
The office accepts walk-ins only at the Kern County Administrative Building, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor. Applicants 18+ must present valid government-issued photo ID, and anyone 17 or younger must first call Family Court Services at (661) 868-5393. The license is valid for 90 days, and a public license requires at least one witness at the ceremony.
How the process works
Both people appear together in person with valid government photo ID. California has no waiting period and a marriage license is valid for 90 days anywhere in the state. Confirm anything time-sensitive with Kern County Clerk (Assessor-Recorder) before you travel, because office hours and fees can change.
Questions people ask
Where do I get a marriage license in Kern County?
In person at the Kern County Clerk (Assessor-Recorder), 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor (Bakersfield, CA 93301).
How much is a marriage license in Kern County?
The public marriage license fee is $101, and a confidential license is $123. County fees change, so confirm the current amount when you book.
What are the Kern County Clerk (Assessor-Recorder) hours?
Mon–Fri 8:30am–3:00pm
Do we need an appointment in Kern County?
Walk-ins only for licenses — no appointment; both parties must appear together and begin the application on a lobby computer.