County Clerk

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 Family Court Services at (661) 868-5393 before you can purchase a marriage license.

There are two common types of marriage licenses available in the State of California: a Public License and a Confidential License. See the chart below for specifics on each type.

PUBLIC LICENSE	CONFIDENTIAL LICENSE
Public Record, available at the Kern County Recorder’s Office, approximately two weeks after ceremony	Available ONLY to the couple named on the license (except by order of the Superior Court) at the Kern County Clerk’s Office
License can be used anywhere in the State of California	License can be used anywhere in the State of California
Must have at least one witness at your ceremony (no age requirement but must be old enough to know they are witnessing a marriage AND be able to sign their name within the box)	No witnesses are required at the ceremony AND no witnesses sign on the marriage license
Must be 18 years of age or older, or, if under 18, must have written consent from at least one parent AND present a certified copy of the court order granting permission to marry. Emancipated minors are NOT exempt from this process.	Must be 18 years of age or older. Minors may NOT purchase a confidential marriage license
	Must sign an oath that you have been living together as spouses
Current fee is $101	Current fee is $123

NOTE: Marriage Licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within 90 days, the license will be invalid AND you must re-apply and purchase a new license.

TO OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE BOTH PARTIES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Both parties must appear together at:

   
   Kern County Administrative Building
   1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor
   Bakersfield, CA 93301
   (661) 868-3743
   

   We accept walk-ins only. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 3:00pm. When you arrive to the lobby you will begin the application on a computer.
   
   

2. Each person, 18 years or older, must present a valid, government issued picture identification. To expedite the identification process, it is highly recommended (not mandatory) that both parties bring a copy of their birth certificate.
   
   
3. If either party has been granted a divorce, or filed a Termination of Domestic Partnership, within the last 90 days, an endorsed copy of the FINAL divorce decree or termination documents must be presented when applying for your license.
   
   

Ridgecrest couples ONLY:

• An appointment must be scheduled by calling call (661) 868-3743.
  
  
  • Appointments are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays at 12:00pm, 12:20pm, or 12:40pm.
    
    
• The fee must be paid the day of appointment by money order, or cashier’s check, made payable to Kern County Clerk.
  

Please bring the completed marriage license application the day of your appointment. Please click here for the marriage license application

Ridgecrest Location:

Administrative Building
400 N. China Lake Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(661) 868-3743