How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Sending money to the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section? Use an accepted payment method and double-check the recipient's name and any booking or case details first. The Civil Section accepts money orders and cashier's checks payable to "Kern County Sheriff"—money orders must be filled out completely. Personal checks are only accepted if they're pre-printed with the maker's name and address, dated current, and written by a party to the action (not a third party). Out-of-state personal checks aren't accepted. Don't mail cash—it's only accepted in person at the counter. Mailed coins are limited to one roll per transaction. Fees must be prepaid unless you present a valid court-issued fee waiver at the time of service. No refunds for amounts $10.00 or less. Posting times and third-party vendor fees vary.
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Sending fees to the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section? The goal is straightforward: use an accepted payment type and follow the mailing rules so your paperwork doesn't get stuck. Here's what they accept, what they don't, and the details that commonly trip people up.
Yes. The Civil Section accepts money orders payable to “Kern County Sheriff,” and the money order must be completed in full.
No—do not mail cash. Cash is accepted only in person at the counter, and mailed coins are limited to the equivalent of one roll per transaction.
Personal checks must be pre-printed with the maker’s name and address, dated current, and written by a party to the action. Third-party checks and out-of-state personal checks aren’t accepted.
Yes. Fees must be prepaid unless you present a valid court-issued fee waiver at the time of service, and there’s no refund for amounts $10.00 or less.
Small mistakes can slow everything down when you're using the Kern County Sheriff's Civil Section to serve legal papers. Use the checklist below to avoid rejections for missing signatures, missing copies, or late timing.
Dealing with a bank levy or wage garnishment in Kern County? The fastest way to avoid delays is knowing exactly what the levy does, what the Civil Section needs from you, and how exemptions work.
