To find which jail or prison someone is in, use the inmate locator for the system that has custody of them: the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator at bop.gov for federal prisoners, your state Department of Corrections (DOC) locator for state prisoners, and the county jail roster or VINELink for people held locally. Search by name or ID number, and always use the official locator for the correct state or county to confirm the facility.
Start by Identifying the Right System
The single most important step is figuring out which government holds the person in custody, because there is no one master database for everyone. In the United States, custody is split across three main systems:
- Federal: People convicted of federal crimes are held by the Bureau of Prisons.
- State: People convicted of state crimes are held by that state’s Department of Corrections.
- County / local: People recently arrested, awaiting trial, or serving short sentences are usually held in a county or city jail.
Someone arrested recently is most likely in a county jail first, even if they may later move to state or federal prison. If your first search comes up empty, try a different system — they may not be where you expect.
The Federal BOP Inmate Locator
For federal prisoners, use the official Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator on bop.gov. It is a free, public tool. You can search by the person’s BOP register number or by name (and you can narrow results with details like age or race when searching by name).
The BOP locator covers people in federal custody and includes records going back many years, so it can also confirm release information. If the person you are looking for is not in the BOP system, they are likely in state or local custody instead. Always use the locator directly at bop.gov rather than third-party copies.
State Department of Corrections Locators
Every state runs its own DOC inmate locator (sometimes called an offender search, inmate search, or VINE-linked roster) for people in that state’s prison system. These are separate from the federal system and from one another, so you need the locator for the specific state where the person is incarcerated.
To use a state locator:
- Search online for “[state name] Department of Corrections inmate locator.”
- Open the official state .gov website, not a third-party aggregator.
- Search by name or the state DOC/inmate ID number.
State locators typically show the current facility, custody status, and sometimes a projected release date. Because each state’s tool and the data it displays differ, confirm details on that state’s official site. Once you know the facility, you can move on to planning a visit.
County Jail Rosters and VINELink
For people held locally, check the county jail roster, often posted on the county sheriff’s official website as an “inmate roster,” “who’s in jail,” or “current inmates” page. Many counties update these rosters frequently and let you search by name to see the booking number, charges, and bond information.
If you do not know the county or cannot find a roster, VINELink (vinelink.com) is a widely used national service that lets you search for offender custody status across many participating jurisdictions and register for notifications about changes in custody status, such as a transfer or release. VINELink is a helpful starting point, but coverage and detail vary by jurisdiction, so always confirm with the county’s official roster or by calling the jail.
What You Need to Search Effectively
A successful search is easier with the right details. Helpful information includes:
- Full legal name and any known aliases. Spelling matters — try variations.
- Date of birth or approximate age, which helps narrow common names.
- The ID, register, or booking number, if you have it — the fastest way to find the exact record.
- The likely jurisdiction (which state or county).
If you only have a name, start broad and narrow down. If results are crowded with similar names, add identifying details where the tool allows.
After You Find Them: Next Steps
Once you have located the facility, you can start planning how to stay connected:
- Plan a visit. Read our overview of how to visit an inmate and the inmate visitation rules, then prepare with our guide on the first time visiting an inmate.
- Write a letter. You will need the facility address and the inmate’s ID number — see how to write a letter to an inmate.
- Send money. Use the facility’s approved provider, as explained in how to send money to an inmate.
The ID number you find in the locator is the same number you will use for letters, deposits, and visitor applications, so write it down.
A Note on Third-Party Sites
Many commercial websites repackage public inmate data and may charge fees or show outdated information. For accuracy, rely on the official BOP, state DOC, county sheriff, and VINELink sources. They are free and most current. Be cautious of any site that asks for payment to “unlock” basic location information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one website that finds any inmate in the U.S.?
No. Custody is split across federal, state, and county systems, each with its own locator. Start with the system most likely to hold the person and try the others if needed.
How do I find someone who was just arrested?
Recently arrested people are usually in a county or city jail. Check that county’s jail roster on the sheriff’s official website, or search VINELink if you are unsure of the location.
What if I can’t find the person in any locator?
They may be in a different jurisdiction, recently transferred, listed under a different name spelling, or in a facility that does not publish a public roster. Try aliases and other systems, or call the facility or sheriff’s office directly.
Are inmate locators free?
The official BOP, state DOC, county, and VINELink tools are free. Avoid third-party sites that charge for basic location data that the official sources provide at no cost.
What is VINELink used for?
VINELink lets you search custody status across many participating jurisdictions and sign up for free notifications about custody changes, such as a transfer or release. Coverage varies, so confirm with the official county roster.
Always use the official locator for the correct state or county to confirm where someone is held, then see how to visit an inmate to plan your next steps.
