How To Get a Marriage License in Kern County

In this new update we cover the new guidelines for obtaining a marriage license in Kern County during Stage 2 of the Coronavirus COVID-19. Links and contact information at the bottom.

Link to Marriage License kerncountybridalassociation.com/

The County Clerk’s office will be issuing marriage licenses via videoconferencing. At least one person must be a Kern County resident. To marry in California, the couple must first obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or California resident to apply for a marriage license.

If you are 17 years of age or younger, you must call the Kern County Probation Department at (661) 868-4100 before you can purchase a marriage license.

TO OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

Couples MUST complete ONE marriage application – click here for Marriage License Application

ATTENTION: These forms are fillable PDF and we prefer that you type this information in. However, if you need to print these forms, you are required to complete them in black or blue ink (do not use both). Handwriting or print MUST be legible (clear enough to read). NO whiteouts, strikeovers, or alterations will be accepted.

When completing the Marriage License Application, you MUST print your full legal name as it appears on your valid government-issued identification. Any variance between this form and your valid government-issued identification will cause delays. Absolutely NO changes to the marriage license after the issuance will be granted.

Each person, 18 years or older, must present valid government-issued picture identification. To expedite the identification process, it is recommended (not mandatory) that both parties produce a copy of their birth certificate.

If either party has been granted a divorce or filed a Termination of Domestic Partnership within the last 90 days, and an endorsed copy of the FINAL divorce decree or termination documents must be presented when applying for your license.

A blood test is not required.

Mail your application and additional required documentation, both parties photocopy of valid government-issued identification with check or money order:

Your valid government-issued identification must be the same as you will present during video conferencing.

ONLY check or money order will be accepted, made payable to Kern County Clerk.

Payment MUST be made for the exact amount. Absolutely NO refunds after issuance will be granted.

Confidential license: $94.00

Public license: $82.00

Mail to:
County Clerk
1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301

We will NOT begin completing your marriage license request until ALL forms are properly completed and payment is received.

Once the license is complete, we will email you with details of your scheduled video conference and instructions.

Marriage licenses via video conferencing are issued by appointment only.

Both parties MUST appear together during their scheduled video conference.

Your valid government-issued identification must be the same as you mailed with your application.

You MUST have access to Microsoft Teams - click on here to download Microsoft Teams

Both parties MUST PHYSICALLY be present to sign and pick up your marriage license. Both must be wearing masks/protective gear. No exceptions.

Pick up location: Parking structure of Administrative Building 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

Details will be arranged at the time of video conferencing.

Please provide both last names and prepare to present valid government-issued identification you provided with your application and during video conferencing.