Inmate Lookup connects families, attorneys, and concerned citizens with the public records that disclose where a person is being held across federal, state, and local correctional systems. By entering a name, DOB, or an official ID such as a BOP register number or DOC number, a user can launch a prisoner search that pulls data from the federal inmate locator, state prison inmate search portals, and county jail inmate lookup sites. The service also taps VINELink inmate lookup, ICE detainee locator, and US Marshals detainee search to ensure that immigration detainees and pre‑trial federal holdovers appear in the results. Each record commonly lists the facility assignment, inmate custody status, projected release or parole eligibility, and, when available, a mugshot gallery. Researchers can extend the query with a booking number search, inmate identification number search, or an offender registry search to verify an inmate’s criminal history, sentence length, and any active transfer records. The platform respects public‑records laws and surfaces information from official government inmate databases without charging a fee.
Inmate Lookup also serves as a comprehensive portal for locating a prisoner through specialized searches such as a state DOC inmate database, a county sheriff inmate search, or an ICE custody locator for immigration detainees. Users may perform an inmate status check, a prison roster search, or a recent arrest lookup to discover if a recently booked inmate has entered a jail roster. The system aggregates an inmate database search that returns the inmate’s housing unit, security level, classification, and any parole eligibility or sentencing updates, while also linking to external resources like the sex offender registry, criminal records lookup, and arrest log search. For families seeking visitation, the site offers the current inmate visitation schedule, phone policy, mail policy, and instructions for sending money to an inmate via approved services. Additional features include a VINELink app alert, MobilePatrol inmate search, JailBase inmate lookup, and Securus inmate search, all drawing from official corrections department searches to guarantee accuracy.
How to Search Inmate Lookup
Inmate Lookup is a free public service that lets you confirm where someone is held in a federal prison, state prison, county jail, or immigration detention center. You can search by name, date of birth, or official ID number like a BOP register number, DOC number, or A-Number. For related documentation and local filings, you can consult official jail mugshots resources. The service pulls data from official government inmate databases run by the Bureau of Prisons, every state Department of Corrections, county sheriff offices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Knowing which agency holds the person you are searching for is the first step to a successful search.
The fastest way to start is by visiting the official BOP Inmate Locator, which covers federal prisoners incarcerated from 1982 forward. For state prisoners, every state runs its own offender search. For county jail inmates, the local sheriff’s office publishes a daily jail roster. For immigration detainees, ICE operates a separate Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov.
Official Search Portal: bop.gov/inmateloc
Steps to Search
- Open your web browser and go to bop.gov/inmateloc, which is the official Bureau of Prisons Federal Inmate Locator.
- Type the inmate’s last name in the first box using the exact legal spelling, because the system will not match names like “Jon” to “John.”
- Add the first name, middle initial, race, sex, age range, or 8-digit register number to narrow down common names.
- Click the search button and review the list of results that matches your filters.
- Click the inmate’s name to see the facility name, projected release date, and full register number.
- If no result appears, try the state DOC offender search for the state where the person was convicted, then check the county jail roster.
What Is Inmate Lookup
Inmate Lookup is the process of querying a corrections database to confirm the custody status, facility location, and projected release date of an incarcerated person. These systems are front-end search tools connected to inmate management software used by federal, state, county, and immigration agencies. They refresh on a daily or near-real-time basis, so the information you see reflects the most current record on file.
Public inmate locators show full legal name and known aliases, register number, DOC number, SID number, or booking number. They also display race, sex, and current age based on date of birth. You can find the assigned facility, housing unit, security level, and projected release date or status such as IN TRANSIT, RELEASED, or UNKNOWN.
The Bureau of Prisons launched its first public locator in the 1990s, and state systems followed throughout the 2000s. The First Step Act of 2018 expanded earned-time credits and triggered a multi-year recalculation of federal sentences. As a result, projected release dates on the BOP locator may change as new credits apply to each case.
How Public Inmate Locator Systems Work
Public inmate locator systems work by connecting your search terms to a master inmate management database. When you type a name or ID number, the system matches it against active records and returns matching rows. Most locators update their master database every day, while some county jail rosters refresh every few minutes when new bookings occur.
The data you see comes directly from the holding agency. No third party or paid service is required to view basic custody information. The records are public under state public-records laws and the federal Freedom of Information Act.
What Information Is Returned
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Register number, DOC number, SID number, or booking number
- Race, sex, and current age based on date of birth
- Assigned facility name and housing unit
- Projected release date, parole eligibility date, or current status
Inmate Lookup Compared to Related Public Records
| System | What It Shows | Updated By |
|---|---|---|
| Inmate Locator (BOP or state DOC) | Current custody, facility, projected release | Corrections agency |
| Arrest Records or Booking Log | Recent arrests, charges, mugshot | Sheriff or police department |
| Court Records or Docket | Charges, hearings, judgments, sentence | Court clerk |
| Sex Offender Registry (NSOPW) | Registered offenders, address, tier | State law enforcement |
| Background Check Services | Aggregated criminal history (fee-based) | Third-party vendor |
Federal Inmate Search Using the BOP Inmate Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator covers all federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present, plus D.C. felony code offenders under the National Capital Revitalization Act. You can search by name along with race and age, or you can search by 8-digit register number for an exact match. The database does not cover state prisoners housed in federal facilities under interstate compact, ICE immigration detainees, or pre-1982 federal records.
To get an exact match, use the 8-digit register number whenever possible. The number is formatted as 12345-678 and stays with the person for life. If you do not have the register number, a name search with race, sex, and age range will usually return the correct record.
How to Use the Federal Inmate Locator
- Open your browser and go to bop.gov/inmateloc, which is the official federal inmate search page.
- Type the last name using the exact legal spelling required by the system.
- Add the first name, middle initial, race, sex, age range, or 8-digit register number to narrow common names.
- Submit the search and review the list of matching federal inmates.
- Click a name to view the facility, projected release date, and registration number.
Understanding BOP Search Results
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Register # | The inmate’s Federal BOP Register Number in 8-digit format |
| Age | Current age based on date of birth, not age at release |
| Release Date (future) | Projected release based on the current BOP sentence calculation |
| Release Date (past, no location) | The inmate is no longer in BOP custody |
| Release Date UNKNOWN | Pretrial, unsentenced, civil commitment, or pending recalculation |
| Location | Assigned facility, IN TRANSIT, RELEASED, or Regional Office |
Who Is Not in the BOP Locator
- Federal inmates incarcerated before 1982, which require a National Archives request
- State prisoners housed in federal facilities under interstate compact agreements
- ICE immigration detainees, which require the ICE Online Detainee Locator
- U.S. Marshals hold detainees in non-BOP facilities
BOP Register Number Explained
The 8-digit register number is the federal system’s unique identifier for every person in BOP custody. The format is 12345-678, and the number never changes for a given inmate. You can find the register number on any prior BOP record, court document, or sentencing order, and it gives you the most precise lookup available.
First Step Act Recalculations and Release Date Changes
The First Step Act of 2018 created new earned-time credits that reduce time served for federal inmates who complete recidivism-reducing programs. The BOP is recalculating sentences in phases, and projected release dates on the locator may shift as new credits apply. When a date is marked UNKNOWN, it usually means a recalculation is pending or the person has not yet been sentenced.
FOIA Requests for More Detail
To obtain records beyond basic locator data, submit a Freedom of Information Act request using DOJ Form 361 to the BOP FOIA office. Common requests include inmate case files, disciplinary records, release decisions, and transfer history. The BOP responds in writing, and processing times vary by request complexity.
State Prison Inmate Search Across All 50 State DOC Locators
Every U.S. state Department of Corrections publishes its own offender search, and you can confirm housing, projected release, and conviction county through that portal. Most state locators accept partial name matches and filters by sex and age, while a few states like Vermont and Massachusetts limit public-facing data and require you to contact the central records office.
For state prisoners, use the state DOC where the person was convicted, not where they live. Inmates may serve time in another state under the Interstate Corrections Compact, so the state of conviction is what matters.
How State Inmate Searches Differ from the BOP Locator
| Feature | BOP Federal Locator | State DOC Locator |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage start | 1982 onward | Typically 1970s to 1990s onward |
| Identifier | 8-digit Register Number | DOC number, SID number, or inmate number |
| Name match | Exact spelling required | Partial name match often supported |
| Data freshness | Daily | Daily to near real-time |
| Records removal | Rare | Some states remove non-violent records after discharge |
State Departments of Corrections Directory
The following is the directory of official state inmate search tools. Visit your state’s .gov website to access the live locator.
Large State Prison Systems
- Texas (TDCJ): TDCJ Offender Search at tdcj.texas.gov, searchable by TDCJ number, SID, or name
- California (CDCR): CDCR Inmate Locator at cdcr.ca.gov, searchable by CDCR number or last name
- Florida (FDC): FDC Offender Search at dc.state.fl.us, searchable by DC number or name
- Georgia (GDC): GDC Offender Search at gadoc.org, searchable by ID or name
- Ohio (ODRC): ODRC Offender Search at drc.ohio.gov, searchable by number or name
- Pennsylvania (PA DOC): PA DOC Inmate Locator at cor.pa.gov, searchable by number or name
- New York (DOCCS): DOCCS Incarcerated Individual Search at doccs.ny.gov, accessible 12:00 AM to 11:45 PM Monday through Friday
Standard State Prison Systems
- Alabama Department of Corrections at doc.alabama.gov
- Alaska Department of Corrections at doc.alaska.gov
- Arizona Department of Corrections at corrections.az.gov
- Arkansas Department of Corrections at adc.arkansas.gov
- Colorado Department of Corrections at cdoc.colorado.gov
- Connecticut Department of Correction at ct.gov/doc
- Delaware Department of Correction at doc.delaware.gov
- Hawaii Department of Public Safety at dps.hawaii.gov
- Illinois Department of Corrections at idoc.illinois.gov
- Indiana Department of Correction at in.gov/idoc
- Iowa Department of Corrections at doc.iowa.gov
- Kansas Department of Corrections at doc.ks.gov
- Kentucky Department of Corrections at corrections.ky.gov
- Louisiana Department of Corrections at doc.louisiana.gov
- Maine Department of Corrections at maine.gov/corrections
- Maryland Department of Public Safety at dpscs.maryland.gov
- Massachusetts Department of Correction at mass.gov/doc
- Michigan Department of Corrections at michigan.gov/corrections
- Minnesota Department of Corrections at mn.gov/doc
- Mississippi Department of Corrections at mdoc.ms.gov
- Missouri Department of Corrections at doc.missouri.gov
- Montana Department of Corrections at corrections.mt.gov
- Nebraska Department of Correctional Services at corrections.nebraska.gov
- Nevada Department of Corrections at doc.nv.gov
- New Hampshire Department of Corrections at nh.gov/doc
- New Jersey Department of Corrections at state.nj.us/corrections
- New Mexico Corrections Department at cd.nm.gov
- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction at dac.nc.gov
- North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at doc.nd.gov
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections at ok.gov/doc
- Oregon Department of Corrections at oregon.gov/doc
- Rhode Island Department of Corrections at doc.ri.gov
- South Carolina Department of Corrections at doc.sc.gov
- South Dakota Department of Corrections at doc.sd.gov
- Tennessee Department of Correction at tn.gov/correction
- Utah Department of Corrections at corrections.utah.gov
- Vermont Department of Corrections at vermont.gov/corrections
- Virginia Department of Corrections at vadoc.virginia.gov
- Washington Department of Corrections at doc.wa.gov
- West Virginia Division of Corrections at wvdoc.com
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections at doc.wi.gov
- Wyoming Department of Corrections at wyoming.gov/wdoc
States With Limited Public Search
Vermont and Massachusetts limit public-facing inmate data compared to most other states. In those jurisdictions, you may need to contact the central records office directly with a name, date of birth, or case number to confirm custody status. The records are still public, but the online search tool may return only partial results.
New York DOCCS Records Removal Under Correction Law Section 9
NY Correction Law Section 9 requires DOCCS to remove public information for a limited class of non-violent offenders five years after they complete their maximum term. If you cannot find an older NY record, it may have been removed under this law. The Department keeps internal records but does not display them in the public search.
How to Use a State DOC Locator
- Identify the state of conviction, since inmates may serve time out of state under the Interstate Corrections Compact.
- Go to the DOC’s official website and verify the .gov domain.
- Search by last name, first name, and date of birth if you have it.
- If the name is common, narrow results with a DOC number or SID number.
- Record the facility name, projected release date, and any scheduled parole hearing date for your reference.
County Jail Inmate Search Using Sheriff Rosters and Booking Records
County jail rosters are operated by the sheriff’s office and refresh in near real-time, sometimes within minutes of a new booking. They show everyone currently in custody plus people booked in the last 24 hours, and in some counties you also see people held on ICE detainers or U.S. Marshals holds. Inmates disappear from the roster the moment they are released or transferred to another facility.
To search a county jail, visit the local sheriff’s office website and look for the inmate roster or jail search page. Large metro counties publish their own portals, and VINELink or MobilePatrol can serve as aggregators if you do not know the county.
What a County Jail Roster Shows
- Booking number that is unique to that jail stay
- Full name, age, race, and sex
- Booking date and time
- Charges including statute and bond amount
- Projected release date or next court date
- Mugshot in most jurisdictions
- Holding facility and current housing unit
Why an Inmate May Vanish from the Roster
Common reasons a name disappears from a county jail roster within minutes include posting bond, release on recognizance, transfer to state prison, transfer to another county, or release to ICE or U.S. Marshals custody. Some rosters only display the past 24 to 72 hours of bookings, so older bookings may roll off the public list.
Major County Jail Rosters in Top Metropolitan Areas
- Los Angeles County Sheriff (LASD) at lasd.org
- Cook County Sheriff at cookcountysheriff.org
- Harris County Sheriff at harriscountyso.org
- Maricopa County Sheriff at mcso.org
- New York City Department of Correction at nyc.gov/doc
- Miami-Dade Corrections at miamidade.gov/corrections
- Broward County Sheriff at sheriff.org
- Orange County Florida at ocfl.net
- Philadelphia Department of Prisons at phila.gov/departments/department-of-prisons
- Allegheny County Sheriff at alleghenycounty.us
- Wayne County Sheriff at waynecounty.com
- Oakland County Sheriff at oakgov.com/sheriff
- Fulton County Sheriff at fultonsheriff.org
- San Diego County Sheriff at sdsheriff.gov
- Orange County California at ocsheriff.gov
- Riverside County Sheriff at riversidesheriff.org
ICE Holds, Federal Detainers, and Out-of-State Transfers
When an inmate is booked into county jail with an ICE immigration detainer or a U.S. Marshals hold, they may appear on the county roster, the ICE Online Detainee Locator, or both, depending on where they physically are. A person transferred to state prison will leave the county roster and appear in the state DOC search. A person transferred to a federal facility will appear in the BOP locator after BOP intake.
Booking Number Compared to DOC Number and SID Number
| ID Type | Issued By | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Number | County jail at intake | Booking only, resets per stay |
| SID Number (State ID) | State DOC or State Bureau of Identification | Permanent, statewide |
| DOC Number | State Department of Corrections | Permanent for that state |
| BOP Register Number | Federal Bureau of Prisons | Permanent for federal system |
| FBI Number (UCN) | FBI through NCIC | Permanent nationwide |
| ICE A-Number | ICE or USCIS | Permanent for immigration |
ICE Detainee Locator and U.S. Marshals Custody Search
Immigration detainees do not appear in the BOP locator. To find an immigrant in ICE custody, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov with an A-Number (alien registration number) or full legal name plus date of birth. Pretrial federal defendants held by the U.S. Marshals may appear in the BOP locator or remain searchable only through the Marshals directly.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) runs the Online Detainee Locator System, which covers civil immigration detention across all ICE facilities and contract detention centers operated by private companies like CoreCivic and the GEO Group.
ICE Online Detainee Locator System
Operated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov is the single source for immigration custody status. You can search by A-Number for an exact match or by full legal name plus country of birth and date of birth.
What You Need to Search ICE
- A-Number in format A followed by eight or nine digits for the most precise match
- Or full legal name plus country of birth plus date of birth as an alternative
ICE Compared to BOP and U.S. Marshals Locators
| Agency | Custody Type | Locator URL |
|---|---|---|
| BOP | Federal criminal sentences (post-conviction) and D.C. code | bop.gov/inmateloc |
| ICE / ERO | Civil immigration detention | locator.ice.gov |
| U.S. Marshals | Pretrial federal detainees, material witnesses, federal inmates in transit | usmarshals.gov (limited public search) |
| ICE Health Service Corps | ICE detainees with medical or psychiatric hold | Search via ICE Online Detainee Locator |
What ICE Detainee Statuses Mean
The ICE locator returns statuses including In Detention, Released from Custody, Removed or Deported, and Transferred to Another Facility. If a person shows as Released, it means they left ICE custody but may be subject to supervision or an order of removal. If they show as Removed, they were deported from the United States.
Private Contract Facilities Housing ICE Detainees
CoreCivic and the GEO Group operate ICE contract detention centers under federal agreements. Detainees at those facilities still appear in the ICE Online Detainee Locator regardless of which private company operates the site. The federal government maintains custody authority even when a private contractor runs the daily operations.
Free Third-Party Inmate Search Tools
Third-party inmate search platforms aggregate official feeds from state DOCs, county jails, and federal agencies into a single search interface. VINELink is the most authoritative and is run in partnership with state VINE programs through Appriss Insights. MobilePatrol and JailBase provide aggregated jail rosters and arrest mugshots. Always cross-reference with the official source when accuracy matters.
VINELink Inmate Lookup and VINE Program
VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is operated by Appriss Insights in partnership with state corrections departments and the Office for Victims of Crime. The service lets you register for alerts when an inmate’s custody status changes.
VINELink Features
- Real-time custody status changes covering transfers and releases
- Court event notifications for upcoming hearings
- Email, phone, and SMS alert delivery
- Coverage in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and U.S. territories
MobilePatrol Inmate Search
MobilePatrol aggregates county jail rosters and arrest logs from over 7,000 facilities nationwide. The mobile app and website let you set location-based alerts and bookmark inmate profiles for status updates.
JailBase Inmate Lookup
JailBase publishes mugshots and arrest records aggregated from county sheriff feeds across the United States. The site is useful for arrest history research and provides a basic people search alongside the inmate lookup tool.
Securus, JPay, and Corrections Industry Platforms
Securus Technologies and JPay, now combined under the Securus and Keefe Group parent, operate inmate communication, commissary deposits, and money-transfer services. These platforms require account setup and charge fees for messaging, video visits, and deposits into an inmate trust fund, but they are not primary inmate locator tools.
Official Compared to Third-Party Inmate Search Tools
| Tool | Source | Coverage | Free? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOP Inmate Locator | Federal BOP | Federal inmates 1982 onward | Yes | Federal prisoners |
| State DOC Locator | State corrections | State prisoners | Yes | State prisoners |
| County Jail Roster | Sheriff | County inmates in real time | Yes | Recent bookings and pretrial detainees |
| ICE Online Detainee Locator | ICE / ERO | ICE detainees | Yes | Immigration custody |
| VINELink | Aggregated official feeds | All 50 states | Yes | Status change notifications for families and victims |
| MobilePatrol | Aggregated feeds | About 7,000 facilities | Yes | Jail rosters, mugshots, and alerts |
| JailBase | Aggregated sheriff feeds | County level | Yes | Mugshot and arrest history research |
| Securus or JPay | Industry provider | Provider services | Freemium | Money deposits and inmate communication |
Privacy and Ethical Considerations
Third-party mugshot sites have faced criticism for republishing booking photos that stay online indefinitely, even after acquittal or expungement. Several states including California, Utah, and Georgia have passed laws restricting mugshot publication for people never convicted. Always check the source’s data retention policy before relying on a third-party result.
How to Find an Inmate Across Federal, State, and County Systems
To find an inmate, identify the correct jurisdiction first, gather identifying information, then query the appropriate locator. If the first search fails, systematically check alternate tools and contact the records office directly. Knowing whether the person was charged federally, by a state, by a county, or by immigration authorities determines which system you use.
Identify the Correct Jurisdiction
Ask whether the person was convicted of a federal, state, or local charge, or whether they are in immigration custody. Federal charges include drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearm violations, federal fraud, and D.C. code felonies. State charges cover most robbery, assault, homicide, theft, and DUI cases. Immigration charges include unauthorized entry, visa overstay, and removal proceedings.
Gather Identifying Information
| Identifier | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Full legal name with exact spelling | Locators require exact match |
| Date of birth | Disambiguates common names |
| Race and sex | BOP filter requirement |
| Register, DOC, SID, or A-Number | Exact match by ID when available |
| Approximate age at incarceration | Useful for pre-1982 federal or older state records |
Run the Search in the Right System
- Federal case: go to bop.gov/inmateloc and search by name or register number.
- State case: go to the state’s DOC offender search for the state of conviction.
- County jail: visit the local sheriff’s office online roster.
- Immigration case: go to locator.ice.gov and search by A-Number or name plus DOB.
- Unknown jurisdiction: use VINELink or MobilePatrol as aggregators to find the matching system.
Interpret Results
Status terms on federal and state locators include IN TRANSIT, RELEASED, UNKNOWN, Not in BOP Custody, On Parole, and Supervised Release. IN TRANSIT means the inmate is moving between facilities or to another authority. UNKNOWN usually means the person is pretrial, unsentenced, or pending sentence recalculation. Supervised Release indicates the person has finished their prison term and is serving community supervision.
If You Cannot Find the Inmate
- Try alternate spellings, middle initials, and known aliases
- Confirm the correct jurisdiction based on where the conviction happened
- For pre-1982 federal records, contact the National Archives and Records Administration
- Call the records office directly with date of birth and case number
- Wait 24 to 72 hours if the arrest happened very recently
What to Do After You Find the Inmate
- Note the facility address, inmate ID, and visitation rules
- Look up the facility’s mail, phone, and commissary policies
- Set up a VINELink alert for custody status changes
- For federal inmates, check whether a First Step Act recalculation is pending
Inmate Records, FOIA, and Your Legal Rights to Information
Inmate locator data is public under state public-records laws and the federal Freedom of Information Act, which is codified at 5 U.S.C. Section 552. For deeper records such as case files, medical files, disciplinary records, and release decisions, you must file a written FOIA request with the holding agency. Records may be withheld for active investigations, victim privacy, juvenile records, or sealed and expunged cases.
What Records Are Publicly Available
By default, the following information is public: facility location, projected release date, register number, and conviction information in many states. Mugshots, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates are also public on county jail rosters in most jurisdictions.
What Records Are Restricted
- Medical and mental health files
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Juvenile records
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Witness protection and sealed indictments
- Personal identifiers of crime victims
FOIA Requests for Federal Inmate Records
For federal records beyond the BOP locator, file DOJ Form 361 with the BOP FOIA office. The form is available at justice.gov and asks for the inmate’s full name, register number, date of birth, and the specific records you want. The BOP charges duplication fees in some cases and responds in writing.
State Public Records Acts
Every state has its own public records law. Florida’s Public Records Law, the California Public Records Act, and the New York Freedom of Information Law are broad access statutes. Massachusetts and Vermont impose narrower restrictions on inmate records and may require a more specific purpose for certain requests.
Records Removal After Release
Some states automatically remove certain non-violent offender records from public search a defined number of years after release. New York Correction Law Section 9 covers a limited class of non-violent offenders. Other states have similar Certificate of Relief or Executive Clemency pathways that seal or limit access to older records.
Inmate Privacy and Anti-Mugshot Legislation
Several states including California (AB 994), Utah, and Georgia have restricted mugshot publication for people never convicted of the underlying charge. Some sites also offer removal requests for people whose charges were dropped or expunged. The laws vary by state and continue to evolve.
Who Can Search Inmate Records
Anyone can search inmate records because the information is public. There is no requirement to identify yourself or state a purpose when using an official .gov locator. Third-party sites may have their own terms of service, but the underlying public records are open to all.
Inmate Lookup and the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Public inmate locators are not consumer reports and cannot be used for FCRA-regulated decisions such as employment screening, tenant screening, or credit decisions under 15 U.S.C. Section 1681. Employers and landlords must
use a compliant consumer reporting agency for background checks rather than relying on raw public inmate data.
Official Contact Information for Inmate Lookup Agencies
Use the official contact details below to reach each corrections agency directly. Phone numbers and addresses are current as of the most recent agency publications.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal Bureau of Prisons, Attn: Inmate Locator
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: 202-307-3198
Website: bop.gov
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations
ICE Office of Public Affairs
500 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20536
Phone: 202-732-4242
Online Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
Website: ice.gov
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters
2604 Jefferson Davis Highway
Alexandria,, alongside verified arrest lookup resources, VA 22301
Phone: 202-307-9000
Website: usmarshals.gov
National Archives and Records Administration (Pre-1982 Federal Records)
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740
Phone: 866-272-6272
Website: archives.gov
VINELink Victim Information and Notification Everyday
Appriss Insights (operator of VINELink)
10405 Crosspoint Boulevard
Louisville, KY 40299
Phone: 800-510-0415
Website: vinelink.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Inmate Lookup lets anyone check where a person is held in a federal prison, state correctional facility, county jail, or immigration detention center. The tool pulls data from official government databases such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, state Departments of Corrections, and local sheriff offices. Users can search by name, birth date, or official ID numbers like a BOP register number or DOC ID. Results show the current location, projected release date, and basic offense details. The service is free, public, and updates regularly, making it useful for families, employers, and legal professionals who need accurate, timely information.
How can I start an Inmate Lookup using a name or ID?
First, visit the official Inmate Lookup portal for the relevant agency – BOP.gov for federal cases, a state DOC site for state prisoners, or a county sheriff page for local detentions. Then enter the full legal name exactly as it appears in court records. If you have a BOP register number, DOC ID, or booking number, add it to narrow the results. After submitting, the system returns the inmate’s current facility, custody status, and expected release date. This step‑by‑step approach reduces false matches and speeds up the search.
What details do I need for a jail inmate search in a county facility?
Begin with the county name where the arrest occurred. Most county websites require the inmate’s last name and at least one additional detail such as date of birth or booking number. If you lack a booking number, provide the full name and approximate age; the roster will filter out unrelated records. Some counties list the inmate’s housing unit and intake date, which can help confirm you have the right person. When the online roster shows no entry, call the jail’s intake line directly for the most recent information.
Can the Federal inmate locator find a person convicted of a federal crime?
Yes. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a searchable database for all federal offenders. To use it, enter the inmate’s full name, the BOP register number (format XXXXX‑XXX), or a combination of age range and gender. The results display the federal facility, security level, and projected release or parole date. Because federal records update multiple times a day, the locator provides the most current location even after transfers between facilities. If no record appears, verify that the conviction is federal rather than state.
How do I locate a prisoner when I only know the state of conviction?
Start by opening the state’s Department of Corrections inmate search page. Enter the last name and, if possible, the year of birth to limit the list. When the search returns several matches, compare each record’s DOB and offense details to identify the correct individual. Many states allow a direct DOC number entry, which yields a precise match. If the person does not appear, consider that they might have moved to a different state under an interstate compact or be held in federal custody.
What should I do if the Inmate Lookup shows no results?
First, check spelling; the system stores the exact legal name. Then verify the correct jurisdiction – a recent arrest often means the person is still in a county jail, not a state prison. If the jurisdiction is correct, consider a recent transfer; databases can lag 24‑48 hours. Finally, contact the facility’s classification office by phone to ask for confirmation. In some cases, the individual may have been released, which removes the record from the public locator. Requesting a release verification from the local sheriff can clarify the status.
Is there a way to find an inmate’s release or parole date through Inmate Lookup?
Yes. Both federal and state locators display a projected release or parole eligibility date when the information is available. After you locate the inmate’s profile, look for the “Release Date” or “Parole Eligibility” field. This date is based on the sentence length and any credits earned, and it updates automatically after any changes to the inmate’s status. If the field shows “N/A,” the inmate may be serving a life sentence, awaiting a hearing, or the data has not yet been entered.