Find Court Records in Bakersfield
Court records in Bakersfield are filed at the Kern County Superior Court. Bakersfield has about 403,000 residents and is the county seat of Kern County. The main courthouse sits on Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield. All civil, criminal, family law, and small claims cases go through the county system. Online access to court case data is limited in Kern County compared to some other parts of the state, but you can visit the courthouse to search records in person at no cost.
Bakersfield Court Records Quick Facts
Where Bakersfield Court Records Are Filed
Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County and home to the main courthouse. The Kern County Superior Court at 1415 Truxtun Avenue handles the bulk of cases. This is where most civil, criminal, and family law matters get filed. Since Bakersfield is the county seat, the main court operations are right in the city.
The Metropolitan Division of the Kern County Superior Court serves downtown Bakersfield. There is also a Juvenile Court facility that handles cases involving minors. The county has branch courts in outlying areas like Delano and Ridgecrest, but those serve communities far from Bakersfield. If your case involves events in Bakersfield, it almost certainly files at the main Truxtun Avenue courthouse.
The clerk's office at the main courthouse can help you find a specific case. Walk in during business hours and ask at the counter. They do not look up cases by phone.
| Main Courthouse | Kern County Superior Court 1415 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Bakersfield Court Records Online
Online access to full case files is not available for Kern County court records through the internet. The court does have a case portal that provides limited case data. You can search by name or case number to find basic information like case status and hearing dates. The portal does not let you view or download case documents from home.
To see the actual documents in a Bakersfield court case, you need to go to the courthouse. You can search records in person at no charge. Just visit the clerk's office and ask to view a file. The clerk will pull the file for you. If you want copies, that costs $0.50 per page. Case lookups over the phone are not available.
The Kern County portal shown above gives you a starting point for looking up case numbers and statuses for Bakersfield court records.
Note: The court has warned about scam texts claiming to be from the court with fake payment links. The court does not send texts asking for payment.
Fees for Bakersfield Court Records
Kern County uses the statewide fee schedule. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00. If the clerk has to search for a record and it takes over 10 minutes, the search fee is $15.00.
Visiting the courthouse to look at records is free. You only pay when you want copies made. The clerk can make plain copies or certified copies at the counter. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals. Fill out the fee waiver form and a judge will review your finances. If approved, you get copies and filing services at no cost.
Transcript requests for Bakersfield court proceedings can be made through the internet. The cost depends on the length of the transcript and the turnaround time you need. Expedited transcripts cost more than standard ones.
Legal Help in Bakersfield
The Kern County Superior Court has a self-help center at the main courthouse. Staff can assist with forms, explain court procedures, and point you in the right direction for finding records. The service is free and open to everyone. You do not need to have a lawyer to get help.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance provides free legal help for qualifying residents. California Rural Legal Assistance also serves the Bakersfield area and can be reached at (800) 337-0690. They handle employment, housing, and other civil matters. The California Courts Self-Help Center website has guides and forms for all case types. For people who need a private attorney, the Kern County Bar Association can help match you with a lawyer.
Types of Court Records in Bakersfield
The Kern County Superior Court keeps records for all case types filed in the county. Civil cases include lawsuits, evictions, and money disputes. Criminal cases range from felonies to infractions. Family law covers divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Probate files deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. Small claims and traffic cases each have their own records too.
Access rules vary by case type. Civil court records are the most open. Criminal case data is available in limited form online but full documents need a courthouse visit. Family law files are restricted and can only be viewed at the courthouse under California Rule 2.503. Juvenile records are confidential. Sealed records need a court order.
- Civil unlimited cases: 10-year retention
- Felony cases: 75-year retention
- Family law: 30-year retention
- Adoption records: permanent
- Small claims: 10-year retention
- Traffic infractions: 3-year retention
Note: Records from older cases may not be in the digital system and could need extra time to pull from archives in Bakersfield.
Kern County Court Records
Bakersfield is in Kern County and serves as the county seat. All court cases for the city file at the Kern County Superior Court. The county system handles a wide range of cases from across one of the largest counties in California by area. For full details on the county court system, search tools, fees, and resources, visit the Kern County court records page.
Nearby Cities
Bakersfield is the main city in Kern County. The nearest large city is Fresno to the north. Court records for that city go through the Fresno County Superior Court.