Texas · Inmate Search
Find Someone in Texas Custody
Looking to confirm where someone is being held in Texas? 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 Texas, 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
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
Official Tool
TDCJ Inmate Search
ID Number Used
TDCJ Number or SID Number
Locator Assistance Line
(936) 295-6371
How to Search
Enter the person's name, TDCJ number, or SID number. Only inmates currently incarcerated in a TDCJ facility appear, and the database is updated on business days with information that can be up to 24 hours old.
📇 Before you search, have ready: the person's full legal name (and any known aliases or maiden names), approximate date of birth, and their TDCJ Number or SID 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) 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 Texas inmate locator free to use?
Yes — the official Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) 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 Texas state custody. For federal inmates, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' own inmate locator at bop.gov instead.
Ready to Reach Someone in Texas?
Browse verified inmate profiles from Texas now — no account required.
