Locate Inmates In State Prisons
This is a list of every state where you can conduct a search for prisoners. Each state link will take you to a search feature where you can locate prisoners incarcerated in that state. Each one requires a different criteria to conduct a search. You may need the prisoner's name and number for example. We are unable to help you locate inmates directly. If you have any questions on locating prisoners, please write or call the appropriate department of corrections directly. Thank you.
*An Important Note About Searching - Once you locate the prisoner you are looking for, please note that the address of the prisoner is not listed. Only the institution of the prisoner is listed. You may need to contact the department of corrections directly to get the bed, dorm, cell number, etc. of that specific prisoner. This service does let you locate the person you are looking for. It just doesn't give you the complete address. If the state you wish to search isn't listed, visit: State Prison Links for a list of all the department of corrections websites.
These are the only states that provide a search feature at this time:
Locate Inmates In Federal Prisons:
You may search the Federal Bureau of Prisons database using the inmate's register number, DCDC number, FBI number, INS number, or by using the inmate's first and last name. You can conduct your Search Here.
Or, call the national Inmate Locator number at 202-307-3126, 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays, EST. Time. Be patient. There may be a a lengthy hold time.
If you choose to e-mail them, please do not be vague. They will not respond if you do not provided adequate information. E-mail For Federal Prison Support
You can also write them directly at:
Freedom of Information Act Office
Office of General Counsel
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20534
Be sure to include the name and any available information on the person you are inquiring about. Also, be sure to include your own contact information.
For Federal inmates released before 1982, please write to:
Office of Communications and Archives
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., N.W., Washington, DC 20534
Attn: Historic Inmate Locator Request.
Please include as much identifying information as possible - name, including middle name/initial if known, aliases, date of birth, race, crime, approximate dates in prison, name of prison, etc. The more information you provide, the more quickly the request can be processed.
If you need to write or call a federal prison, see: Federal Prison Addresses and Contact Numbers for a complete list of phone numbers, fax numbers and postal addresses.
