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Kern County, California — Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Kern County. Each section links to the office, online tool, or agency that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • Superior Court: 1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 — (661) 610-6000
  • Sheriff: 1350 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308 — (661) 391-7500
  • Online search: kern.courts.ca.gov
  • County seat: Bakersfield, California
How to use this page: Pick a section below — court records, arrest records, or other records. Each one tells you where to go, who to contact, and what tools are available online.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

⚖️ Court Records 🔍 Arrest Records 📋 Other Records ❓ FAQ

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ Superior Court case records (civil, criminal, family)
🔍 Sheriff inmate search and jail information
🏛️ Traffic court records (Metropolitan Traffic Division)
📋 Property records and vital records contacts
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

The Superior Court of California, County of Kern is one of the larger court systems in the state, covering a vast geographic area. The Metropolitan Division Justice Building at 1215 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield is the main courthouse. The Metropolitan Division at 1415 Truxtun Avenue handles additional criminal and jury matters. Kern County also operates branch courts in Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Mojave, and Lamont.

OfficeDetails
Metropolitan Justice Building1215 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 — (661) 610-6000
Metropolitan Division1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 — (661) 610-6800
Juvenile Justice CenterBakersfield, CA — (661) 610-6800
Metropolitan TrafficBakersfield, CA
HoursMon–Thu 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Kern County court hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Branch courts in Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Mojave, and Lamont follow the same schedule.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Kern County come from the arresting agency. The Kern County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1350 Norris Road in Bakersfield, operates the county jail system including the Pre-Trial Facility, Maximum-Medium Facility, and Minimum Facility. The Bakersfield Police Department handles arrests within city limits.

The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search on their website. For arrest record requests, call (661) 391-7624.

AgencyContactOnline
Sheriff's Office (HQ)1350 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308kernsheriff.org
Headquarters(661) 391-7500Inmate Search
Dispatch (Non-Emergency)(661) 861-3110
Arrest Records(661) 391-7624
🔍 Kern County Sheriff — Inmate Search 🏛️ Kern County Sheriff's Office Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Kern County maintains property and vital records through the County Clerk's Office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The county operates under the California Public Records Act.

How to Request Records

In person: Visit the Metropolitan Justice Building at 1215 Truxtun Ave in Bakersfield. Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Online: Visit the court's official website for case information and online services.

By mail: Submit a written request under the California Public Records Act to the office that holds the records.

Cities in Kern County

Kern County includes the city of Bakersfield (county seat) and several other communities including Delano, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Wasco, Shafter, Arvin, McFarland, Taft, and California City. City-level record pages will be added as they become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Kern County courthouse?
The Metropolitan Division Justice Building is at 1215 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. The Metropolitan Division is at 1415 Truxtun Avenue. Kern County also has branch courts in Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Mojave, and Lamont. Call (661) 610-6000 for general information.
Can I look up someone's arrest in Kern County online?
Yes. The Kern County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search on their website. You can also call the dispatch non-emergency line at (661) 861-3110 or arrest records at (661) 391-7624.
How do I get a copy of a court record in Kern County?
Visit the court's official website, call (661) 610-6000, or visit the Metropolitan Justice Building at 1215 Truxtun Ave in Bakersfield during business hours (Mon–Thu 8–4, Fri 8–12).
What courts does Kern County have?
Kern County has one Superior Court with multiple divisions: the Metropolitan Division and Justice Building in Bakersfield (civil, criminal, family), a traffic division, a Juvenile Justice Center, and branch courts in Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Mojave, and Lamont covering the county's large geographic area.
Is there a fee to search Kern County court records online?
Basic case information may be available through the court's website. Certified copies require a fee. Contact the Clerk's Office at (661) 610-6000 for current fees and availability.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026