Death Records in Kern County, CA

Where to get them

Official government sources

The authoritative record holders — straight from the source, no middleman. Many are free; where a standard government fee applies, it’s shown.

• California Vital Records (CDPH)Official

  Order certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office, the official statewide registrar.

  5-7 weeks by mail$31 per copyMail, in person (county)Valid ID; notarized sworn statement

• Get it in minutes — the official route takes 5-7 weeks by mail.

  A third-party service compiles this online — here’s how it compares to the official route above.

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  Official source

  Time

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  5-7 weeks by mail

  Method

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  Mail, in person (county)

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  $31 per copy

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• Kern County Clerk / RegistrarOfficial · Free

  Marriage licenses and many local vital records are filed with the Kern County, CA County Clerk or Registrar — often the fastest source for Kern County records.

• CDC — Where to Write for Vital RecordsOfficial · Free

  The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics lists each state's vital-records office, fees, and requirements for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates (free).