Kern County, California
County clerk guides for Kern County.
Kern County marriage license at a glance
The essentials for getting a marriage license in Kern County, taken from our verified county guide. Confirm details with the official office before you go.
| License fee | Public marriage license: $101. Confidential marriage license: $123. Certified copy of the marriage certificate: $19. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — California has no statewide waiting period. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID). If either applicant was divorced or ended a domestic partnership within the last 90 days, bring an endorsed copy of the final divorce decree or termination document. |
| Where & how to apply | Both applicants must appear together in person at the Kern County Clerk's office — there is no online appointment system or online application. Walk in during office hours. |
Full Kern County marriage license guide →
California rules that apply in Kern County
These come from California state law, so they are the same in every county:
- Minimum age to marry: 18 without consent. Ages 16–17 may marry only with a superior court order and parental/guardian consent. Under 16 cannot marry.
- Waiting period: None — you can marry the same day the license is issued.
- License validity: 90 days from the date of issuance.
- Blood test required: No
How the fee compares
The standard fee we have verified for Kern County is $101. Across the 81 counties and cities ClerkGuide has researched so far, standard fees run from $20 to $172, with a median of $76 — so this one is higher than about 85% of them. See fees state by state →
Kern County vs. other California counties
Fees are set locally, so they can differ noticeably even inside one state. Here is how the California counties we cover line up, cheapest first:
| Fresno County | $49 standard |
|---|---|
| Orange County | $61 standard |
| Santa Clara County | $80 standard |
| Alameda County | $81 standard |
| San Bernardino County | $89 standard |
| Los Angeles County | $91 standard |
| Contra Costa County | $95 standard |
| Sacramento County | $97 standard |
| Kern County | $101 standard |
| Riverside County | $111 standard |
| San Diego County | $129 standard |
More: all California marriage license requirements · getting married in a different county.