REQUESTING RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

Kern County Genealogical Society accepts requests for look-ups and to answer specific research questions regarding possible ancestors in our archives. Our research teams are experienced volunteers who will conduct specialized research for a nominal fee. The volunteer research staff of the KCGS Genealogy Room performs research on a first come, first serve basis. All revenues are used to support the nonprofit mission of the Kern County Genealogical Society (preservation, education, publication, research). Requests are addressed as received and subject to volunteer availability.

Three Ways to Request Research Assistance

1. Visit the Genealogy Room at the Beale Memorial Library and conduct your own research on days and at times that the Genealogy Room is open to the public. At no charge volunteers are available to assist you with accessing records to review. Copy costs apply.
2. Complete Request Research Form and Pay Online. (Level 1: $10 or Level 2: $15)  PLEASE NOTE:  KCGS members, who are unable to visit the genealogy room to conduct research, have the benefit of submitting research requests, free of charge by submitting the research request form below.  (You may become a member of KCGS by visiting the membership page on our website.)
   Online Level 1 Form Online Level 2 Form
3. Download and Complete Research Request Form and send with your check or money order.
   Research Request Form

KCGS is not prepared to answer requests for land record or birth, marriage, or death certificates.
These requests should be sent to:

Record	Repository
Birth Certificate (Prior to 1960)	Kern County Hall of Records 1655 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Phone: (661) 868-6400
Birth Certificate (1960 – Present)	Kern County Office of Vital Records 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave., 1st Floor Bakersfield, CA 93306 Office Hours: M–F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) Phone: (661) 321-3000 Email: phvitalstatistics@kerncounty.com
Death Certificates (Prior to 1993)	Kern County Hall of Records 1655 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Phone: (661) 868-6400
Death Certificates (1993 – Present)	Kern County Office of Vital Records 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave., 1st Floor Bakersfield, CA 93306 Office Hours: M–F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) Phone: (661) 321-3000 Email: phvitalstatistics@kerncounty.com
Marriage Certificates Land Records	Kern County Hall of Records 1655 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Phone: (661) 868-6400