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Kern County Notary Oath and Bond Filing
Filing your notary oath and bond in Kern County is a required step after receiving your California notary commission. This guide covers exactly where to go, what to bring, the filing fees, and how to schedule your appointment. If you don’t have your notary bond yet, you can purchase one here.
Where to File in Kern County
Office: Kern County Clerk
Address: 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 868-3588
Website: http://www.kerncountyclerk.com/en/notarypublic/
Filing Fees
- $40.00 total baseline fee. MUST be split into two separate payments:
- Filing fee of $27 (cash, credit card, money order, or check) payable to the Kern County Clerk.
- A separate check or money order payable to the Kern County Recorder for $3.00 for the first page.
- Additional Page Fee: $3.00 per page (payable to the Kern County Recorder) for any additional pages of the bond.
- Please note the Power of Attorney must be presented, but is not recorded.
Payment Options
Accepted:
- For the Clerk ($27.00): Cash, Check, Money Order, or Credit Card.
- For the Recorder ($13.00+): Strictly Check or Money Order only. The Recorder’s division will not accept cash or credit at the Clerk’s counter for this portion.
Appointment Requirements
Appointments are not required in Kern County.
Processing is done strictly on a walk-in basis.
Public Service Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Note: The office shuts its doors to the public at 3:00 PM sharp. Because they have limited hours and do not take appointments, applicants should arrive by 2:00 PM at the latest to ensure they clear the walk-in queue.
What to Bring
- Original notary commission certificate
- $15,000 notary bond
- Two unsigned oath of office forms
- Valid photo ID
- Payment for filing fees
Important Tips
- You must file within 30 calendar days of your commission start date
- Arrive early for your appointment
- Double-check your bond for accuracy before filing
Mail Filing Option
Kern County also offers mail filing. The applicant must first take their oath of office before an active Notary Public within Kern County. Send a photocopy of the State Commission Certificate, the original signed $15,000 surety bond, two completed copies of the Oath of Office (signed by the administering notary), and both required separate checks ($27.00 to Kern County Clerk and $13.00 to Kern County Recorder) to: Kern County Clerk, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
Always confirm current options with the county before mailing documents by calling them at Phone: (661) 868-3588.
Next Steps
Once your oath and bond are filed, you are officially authorized to begin working as a California notary public!