California · Inmate Search
Find Someone in California Custody
Looking to confirm where someone is being held in California? Here's how to use the state's official inmate locator — plus what to do once you find them.
If you're trying to confirm whether someone is currently incarcerated in California, where they're being held, or basic case details, the fastest and most reliable source is the state's own official lookup tool — not a third-party "inmate search" site that charges a fee or resells the same public data.
State Agency
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Official Tool
CIRIS (California Incarcerated Records & Information Search)
ID Number Used
CDCR Number
Locator Assistance Line
(916) 324-7308
How to Search
Enter the person's last name, or their CDCR number if you have it, and submit the search. Results show current location, admission date, commitment county, and Board of Parole Hearing dates where applicable.
📇 Before you search, have ready: the person's full legal name (and any known aliases or maiden names), approximate date of birth, and their CDCR Number if you have it. Having the ID number is always faster and more accurate than a name search alone, especially for common names.
⚠️ Skip paid "inmate search" sites. Every state's own locator is free and pulls from the same public record these third-party sites resell — often with a subscription fee bolted on. Go straight to the official California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) tool linked above.
Found Them? Here's What's Next
Once you've confirmed where someone is being held, you'll usually want to write to them, add money to their account, or figure out visiting rules. Those all depend on the specific facility they're in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the California inmate locator free to use?
Yes — the official California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) lookup tool is a free public record search. You never need to pay a third-party site for this same information.
What if I can't find the person I'm looking for?
They may be held in a county or city jail rather than a state prison, may have been released or transferred, or their name may be spelled differently in the system than you expect. Try searching with just a last name, or contact the agency's locator assistance line directly if one is listed above.
Can I find someone in a federal prison this way?
No — this tool only covers people in California state custody. For federal inmates, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' own inmate locator at bop.gov instead.
Ready to Reach Someone in California?
Browse verified inmate profiles from California now — no account required.
