Find the right criminal case, docket, or court file without searching the wrong system
Kern County’s online court portal can help you identify a criminal case and review available case data, but it is not the same thing as the official court file. Criminal documents generally are not available for unrestricted public download from home, and certified records must come from the Superior Court. This guide walks through the online search, courthouse records, copies, transcripts, arrest records, jail information, warrants, California DOJ records, and the local procedures that matter specifically in Kern County.
Start by identifying the exact Kern County record you need
A criminal court docket, police arrest record, jail booking and California DOJ criminal-history record can all describe different parts of the same event. Searching the wrong agency is one of the main reasons people conclude that a record is “missing.”
Criminal court case
Use for filed charges, court events, hearings, docket activity, dispositions and court orders.
Actual case documents
Criminal filings and certified copies must generally be requested from the court division where the case is filed.
Arrest / local criminal history
The Kern County Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit handles qualifying local arrest-history services.
Current inmate
Use the Sheriff’s inmate-search system for people currently held in Kern County detention facilities.
Your statewide criminal history
Individuals can request their own fingerprint-based California criminal-history record for review.
Crime or incident report
Investigative and incident reports come from the law-enforcement agency that created them, subject to California disclosure rules.
How to search Kern County criminal case information online
The official starting point is the Kern County Superior Court Case Information Search.
Kern’s current eCourt system routes public case searching through its registered-user portal. Once a matching case is selected, available case data can include the register of actions and other public case information.
Open the official Case Information Search page
Use the Superior Court website rather than a commercial people-search or background-check site.
Select “Accept and Enter” under Registered Users
Kern’s current portal requires users to create or use an online account before searching case data.
Create an account if you do not already have one
Your email address functions as the portal login ID. Complete the account-registration process and sign in.
Search the criminal case
Use the strongest identifying information you have. Kern Court notices confirm criminal searches can use a court case number and/or defendant name.
Open the matching case
Selecting a case number displays available public case data and the register of actions.
Request the official record when necessary
Portal information is not the official certified court record. Obtain important documents directly from the court.
What to know before creating a Kern Superior Court portal account
Kern’s portal terms contain several practical details that are easy to miss.
- an online account is required to search case data
- your email address becomes your login ID
- portal data are refreshed in real time
- the service is normally available continuously except maintenance periods
- general public searching is limited to 50 cases per hour
- automated high-volume data mining is not supported
- the court can monitor and audit portal access
- portal information is not an electronically certified official court record
How to read a Kern County criminal docket correctly
A register of actions is essentially the procedural history of the case. It tells you what happened in court and when, but it should be read together with the charges and final disposition.
| Case item | What it means | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Case number | The court’s identifier for that criminal proceeding. | Use it when requesting copies, transcripts or court information. |
| Charge | An alleged criminal offense filed in court. | Check its later disposition before treating it as a conviction. |
| Register of Actions | The chronological list of filings and court events. | Look for pleas, motions, orders, trial, dismissal and sentencing. |
| Arraignment | A proceeding where charges and rights are addressed. | It is not the final outcome of the case. |
| Disposition | The result of the charge or case. | Look for dismissal, conviction, acquittal or other final resolution. |
| Sentence | Penalty or conditions imposed after a conviction. | Review custody, probation, fines and other terms separately. |
| Minute order | A court record memorializing courtroom action or orders. | Request the document from the criminal division if you need the actual order. |
Why you can see case information but not the full criminal file online
California has stricter remote-access rules for criminal case documents than for many civil records. California Rule of Court 2.503 generally allows public access to criminal electronic records at the courthouse but prohibits ordinary public remote access to the underlying electronic criminal case documents.
That is why Kern County can provide online indexes, case information and a register of actions while still requiring users to obtain criminal documents from the division where the case is filed.
How to request Kern County criminal court documents
The court’s 2025 eCourt guidance says that criminal court documents must be requested through the division in which they are filed.
If you already know the case number, have it ready before contacting the clerk. If you do not know the case number, first use the portal or perform a courthouse search.
View the court file
Public users can visit the appropriate courthouse, inspect qualifying records and request copies of available documents.
Request copies
Send identifying case information, required fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the appropriate court location.
Ask explicitly
If another agency requires certification, specify that when ordering. An ordinary photocopy is not a certified court record.
Current Kern court-record copy and certification fees
Kern Superior Court links to the statewide court records fee schedule and publishes local information for record requests.
| Record service | Current published fee | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Photocopy | $0.50 per page | Preparing a copy of a record, proceeding or paper on file. |
| Certification | $40 per document | Certifying a copy of a court paper, record or proceeding. |
| Record/file search | $15 | A search that requires more than 10 minutes; Kern’s online request page also lists a $15 initial generic search fee. |
| Comparison with original | $1 per page | Comparing a submitted copy with an original record on file. |
| Exemplification | $50 | A higher form of authentication when legally required. |
| Off-site file retrieval | $20 per file | Applies when a qualifying archived file must be retrieved from off-site storage. |
Fees can change. Verify the current Kern County and statewide Judicial Council fee schedules before sending payment.
If you request a Kern court record by mail, include these items
Kern Superior Court says mailed record requests should contain enough information to identify the case and should include applicable search/copy fees.
- court case number, if known
- defendant’s name
- specific document or docket entry requested
- appropriate copy/search payment
- check payable to Kern County Superior Court
- self-addressed stamped envelope
- request for certification, if required
- correct court division or branch address
A transcript is different from a court-file copy
A transcript is a verbatim record of what was said during a court proceeding. It is not the same as a complaint, minute order, sentencing document or other filed paper.
Kern Superior Court provides an online Transcript Request form.
The request asks for identifying details such as the case number, defendant information, court division and hearing date.
Kern County criminal court locations
Kern Superior Court lists six locations handling criminal matters. Use the location where the particular case is filed rather than automatically sending every record request to Bakersfield.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Division | 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 | 661-610-6000 |
| Delano | 1122 Jefferson St., Delano, CA 93215 | 661-610-7300 |
| Lamont | 12022 Main St., Lamont, CA 93241 | 661-610-7100 |
| Mojave | 1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501 | 661-610-7400 |
| Ridgecrest | 132 E. Coso Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 | 661-610-7450 |
| Shafter | 325 Central Valley Hwy., Shafter, CA 93263 | 661-610-7200 |
Metropolitan Division: useful location for Bakersfield criminal-court access
Metropolitan Division
1415 Truxtun AvenueBakersfield, CA 93301
Phone:
661-610-6000
Published hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Security and parking
Kern Court says visitors entering the courthouse are screened by law enforcement and may not bring weapons into the building.
The court identifies public parking near Truxtun Avenue and L Street.
Kern County arrest records are separate from court dockets
The Kern County Sheriff’s Records Section includes a dedicated Arrest Records Unit.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
1350 Norris RoadBakersfield, CA 93308
Arrest Records: 661-391-7624
Public hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Identification required
KCSO says a person seeking their own local criminal-history information must appear in person and provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Out-of-area requests concerning the requester can require a notarized written request, right thumbprint, identification copy and applicable fees.
How to request a Kern County Sheriff’s crime or incident report
KCSO’s Crime Reports Unit maintains reports generated by the Sheriff’s Office in the Bakersfield metropolitan area as well as its substations and satellite offices.
Access depends on the type of report and the requester’s legal right to receive it. KCSO says qualifying victims or authorized representatives can obtain certain crime reports subject to required redactions.
Contact the Records Section
Crime Reports: 661-391-7431
Some restricted categories cannot be released through the ordinary crime-report process.
CPRA request
KCSO accepts qualifying California Public Records Act requests at: cprarequests@kernsheriff.org.
The Sheriff’s CPRA form specifically says it cannot process criminal-history requests or records held by another public agency.
Search current Kern County jail and booking information
Use the official Kern County Sheriff’s Inmate Search for current local custody information.
The search tool requires at least three characters to begin searching and provides sorting and filtering options.
Search Kern County inmatesWhere newly arrested people are processed
KCSO identifies the Lerdo Justice Inmate Reception Center as the primary hub for booking and releasing new arrests. The Sheriff’s Detentions Bureau reports processing approximately 30,000 new arrests each year.
How Kern County warrant information works
The Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit states that KCSO does not release warrant information over the telephone.
For court warrant information, KCSO directs the public to Kern Superior Court:
What if another person was arrested using your identity?
Kern County offers an unusually practical local service for this problem.
KCSO’s Arrest Records Unit says people who believe someone was arrested using their name and identifying information can request a “Not Same As” letter.
Request your own California criminal-history record from the DOJ
The California Department of Justice does not provide unrestricted public criminal-history reports about other people. State summary criminal-history information is confidential and access is controlled by law.
You do have the right to request a copy of your own California criminal-history record to review it for accuracy and completeness.
Use California DOJ Form BCIA 8016RR
California residents use the Request for Live Scan Service form for Record Review.
Select “Record Review”
Enter Record Review as the application type and reason, following DOJ instructions.
Visit a Live Scan location
Submit fingerprints through an authorized Live Scan site. Local fingerprint rolling fees can vary.
Pay the DOJ processing fee
California DOJ currently lists a $25 state processing fee, separate from any Live Scan operator’s rolling fee.
Review the returned criminal history
Compare the arrest and court disposition information with your records.
How to challenge an inaccurate California criminal-history record
After receiving your own DOJ Record Review, you can challenge information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
California DOJ supplies the Claim of Alleged Inaccuracy or Incompleteness process for qualifying disputes. The challenge should identify the specific incorrect information and include supporting proof when available.
Some Kern criminal and juvenile records cannot be accessed like an ordinary public case
Sealed records, confidential records and juvenile case files have additional access restrictions.
Confidential criminal court records
Kern Superior Court publishes local mandatory form KRN SUP CRT CR-2300 — Petition to Obtain Copies of Confidential Criminal Court Records. A requester seeking confidential records must have a legal basis for access; the existence of a form does not make the record public.
Kern local criminal formsJuvenile case files
Juvenile court records are generally confidential. Kern’s Juvenile Division explains that a person seeking disclosure may need to file a petition such as Form JV-570 and obtain judicial approval.
The Juvenile Justice Center is located at:
2100 College AvenueBakersfield, CA 93305
Kern County has local rules for dismissing eligible criminal convictions
California law provides several record-cleaning and dismissal procedures. Kern Superior Court’s local criminal rules add important county-specific filing steps.
Misdemeanor and infraction dismissal petitions
Kern Local Rule 5.3.4 says petitions under qualifying Penal Code provisions use mandatory Judicial Council Forms CR-180 and CR-181.
Before filing a misdemeanor or infraction dismissal petition, Kern’s local rule requires service on both:
- Kern County District Attorney’s Office
- Kern County Probation Department
Proof of service must be filed with the petition. Once accepted, the District Attorney and Probation Department generally have 30 calendar days to respond before the matter is forwarded for judicial review.
Felony dismissal petitions
Kern’s local rule requires a formal motion putting qualifying felony dismissal petitions on calendar. The court refers the matter to the Probation Department for review and recommendation before the hearing.
Watch for fake Kern Superior Court payment texts
Kern Superior Court currently displays a scam warning stating that fraudulent text messages have been sent pretending to come from the court and linking to fake payment websites.
Kern County search tips that save time
Create the portal account first
Since Kern’s current eCourt search requires login, account setup should be your first step.
Use the case number whenever possible
It is faster and more precise than a common defendant name when requesting documents or transcripts.
Remember the 50-search limit
General public portal searches are currently capped at 50 cases per hour.
Docket first, documents second
Use the register of actions to identify the exact document before paying for copies.
Contact the correct branch
Kern has criminal court locations in Bakersfield, Delano, Lamont, Mojave, Ridgecrest and Shafter.
Do not call for a case-number search
Kern Court says requests to look up a case number are not accepted by telephone.
Need current custody? Use KCSO
The Sheriff’s inmate locator is more appropriate than the court portal for current jail custody.
Need your statewide history? Use DOJ
Kern court records are not the same as California’s fingerprint-based criminal-history record.
Check the disposition
Never stop at the original charge. Follow the case to its final outcome.
Using Kern criminal records for employment or tenant screening
Public court information is not automatically the same thing as a legally compliant consumer background report.
California criminal-history information is also subject to state privacy and access laws, while employment or housing decisions can trigger additional state and federal rules.
Common questions about Kern County criminal court records
1. Can I search Kern County criminal court cases online?
Yes. Kern Superior Court provides an online Case Information Search through its eCourt portal. Public users currently need to create an account and log in to search case data.
2. Is Kern County’s online criminal case search free?
The court provides public portal access for case searching. However, copy, certification, clerk research and archived-file retrieval fees can apply when you request official records.
3. Do I need an account to search Kern court cases?
Yes. Kern Superior Court’s current eCourt portal requires users to create or log into an account before searching case data.
4. Can I download the full criminal court file from home?
Generally no. Kern’s eCourt guidance says criminal court documents must be requested through the division where they were filed. California also limits ordinary remote public access to electronic criminal case records.
5. How much does a Kern County court-record copy cost?
The current published record-copy fee is $0.50 per page. Certification is currently $40 per document, and a file search requiring more than 10 minutes is $15.
6. Where do I search for a current Kern County jail inmate?
Use the official Kern County Sheriff’s Inmate Search. The Sheriff’s Detentions Bureau, not the Superior Court portal, is the appropriate source for current county custody information.
7. Can I call the Kern County Sheriff to ask if I have a warrant?
KCSO states that it does not release warrant information by telephone. The Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit directs the public to Kern Superior Court for felony, misdemeanor and traffic warrant information.
8. How do I obtain my own California criminal-history record?
California residents use DOJ’s fingerprint-based Record Review process with Form BCIA 8016RR and Live Scan fingerprints. DOJ currently charges a $25 state processing fee, plus any local fingerprint rolling fee.
9. Are juvenile criminal records public in Kern County?
Juvenile case files are generally confidential. Kern’s Juvenile Division provides a petition process for people who have a legal basis to request disclosure.
10. Why might an old Kern criminal case not be publicly visible?
Possible reasons include sealing, statutory confidentiality, juvenile status, record-cleaning relief, an archived file, or limits on remote electronic access. Contact the court division that handled the case when authoritative confirmation is needed.
Official sources for verifying Kern County criminal-record information
- Kern Superior Court — Case Information Search
- Kern County Superior Court Portal
- Kern Superior Court — Criminal Division
- Kern Superior Court — Court Records
- Kern Superior Court — Fee Schedules
- Kern Superior Court — Locations and Contact Information
- Kern Superior Court — Transcript Request
- Kern Superior Court — Local Criminal Forms
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office — Records Section
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Records Unit
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office — Inmate Search
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office — Detentions Bureau
- California DOJ — Request Your Own Criminal Record
- California Rule of Court 2.503 — Electronic Court Records
- California Courts — Clean Your Criminal Record