How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
At Kern County - Lerdo Facility, don't mail cash. Coin payments are limited to the equivalent of one roll per transaction—the facility lists specific coin quantities it will accept. Money orders must be payable to Kern County Sheriff and filled out completely. Cashier's checks also need to be payable to Kern County Sheriff. Personal checks are only accepted under tight rules: payable to Kern County Sheriff, pre-printed with the maker's name and address, current-dated, and written by a party to the action. Third-party and out-of-state personal checks aren't accepted. Credit-card payments are also an option. Fees must be prepaid unless you have a valid court-issued fee waiver, and refunds of $10.00 or less aren't issued. If you pay cash in person, receipts are mailed to the address on file.
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Paying the Kern County Sheriff's Office Civil Section is straightforward—as long as you follow a few rules around checks, cash, and coins that often catch people off guard.
No. The facility prohibits mailing cash. Coins are limited to the equivalent of one roll per transaction, and the facility provides a list of the accepted coin quantities.
Money orders and cashier's checks must be payable to Kern County Sheriff, and money orders must be filled out completely. Personal checks are only accepted if they meet strict requirements and are payable to Kern County Sheriff. Credit-card payments are also accepted—confirm the deposit channels before sending funds.
Yes. If you pay by cash, receipts for services will be mailed to the address on file.
Kern County's F160
Kern County's F160
Want in-person visits at a Kern County jail? The F160 is where you start. Fill it out clearly and completely—especially the inmate and parole-related fields—and you'll avoid unnecessary delays.
