Texas Prison Inmate Search — Official TDCJ Locator, Federal BOP & County Jail Tools
Find any inmate incarcerated in a Texas state prison (TDCJ), federal Texas facility (BOP), or Texas county jail in under 2 minutes. Direct links to every official search tool, verified phone numbers, email addresses, and the exact data you need (TDCJ number, SID, or date of birth) to get a match on the first try.
TDCJ Inmate Search
Official Texas Department of Criminal Justice locator. Search by name, SID, or current TDCJ number.
TDCJ Search →Federal BOP Locator
Official Federal Bureau of Prisons locator covering FCI Bastrop, FCI Seagoville, FMC Fort Worth and others.
County Jail Search
Use the arresting county’s sheriff inmate portal. Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis all have free online search.
Jump to Counties →VINE Texas
Register for automated phone, text, or email alerts when an inmate’s custody status changes statewide.
VINE Texas →📋 What This Guide Covers
- Which Prison System Has Them? (TDCJ vs Federal vs County)
- How to Use the TDCJ Inmate Search (Step-by-Step)
- TDCJ Number vs SID Number — The Critical IDs
- What the TDCJ Search Shows You
- Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Your Inmate?
- TDCJ Phone & Email Lookup Channels
- Federal BOP Search for Texas Inmates
- County Jail Inmate Searches (Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis)
- After You Find Them: Visitation, Mail, Money, Calls
- Parole & Release Status Lookups
- VINE Victim Notification System
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Texas Prison System Has Your Inmate?
“Texas prison” means three different systems depending on who sentenced the person. Picking the wrong search tool wastes hours. This table tells you exactly where to look.
If the Person Was… | Held By | Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
Convicted in Texas state court of a felony | TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) | |
Sentenced to Texas state jail (state jail felony) | TDCJ State Jail Division | |
Convicted in federal court in Texas | Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) | |
Recently arrested — awaiting trial or sentencing | County Sheriff (Harris, Dallas, etc.) | County jail portal |
Serving misdemeanor time (under 1 year) | County Sheriff | County jail portal |
On federal immigration detention | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement | |
In a juvenile facility | Texas Juvenile Justice Department | Not publicly searchable |
How to Use the TDCJ Inmate Search (Step-by-Step)
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Online Offender Search is free, public, and updated on working days. Data is at least 24 hours old. Only currently incarcerated TDCJ inmates appear — released or transferred inmates are not shown in this portal.
Open the official search URL
Go to inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/start.action. Accept the terms of use on the start page to continue.
Choose your search method
You have three options: search by Last Name + First Name, by SID Number (State Identification), or by TDCJ Number (7-digit offender ID). Any of these alone is sufficient.
Enter the minimum required data
For a name search, the minimum is last name + at least the first initial of the first name. To narrow results, add date of birth, race, gender, or a partial SID/TDCJ number. The fewer characters you enter, the more results you’ll get.
Use wildcards for partial matches
The system accepts asterisks for partial-match searching. Example: *123* for a partial TDCJ number returns every record containing 123 in the TDCJ number.
Review results and click View Details
Matches show name, TDCJ number, unit of assignment, offense, sentence length, and projected release date. Click View Details for the full profile.
Search previous TDCJ numbers if needed
If the person has been in TDCJ before, their historical TDCJ numbers are searchable separately at ivss.tdcj.texas.gov/offender-search-2.
TDCJ Number vs SID Number — Knowing the Difference Saves Time
Texas uses two different inmate ID numbers. Using the right one makes the difference between a one-click match and an hour of searching.
What the TDCJ Inmate Search Shows You
A successful TDCJ match returns substantial detail. Knowing what to expect helps you spot data entry errors or stale information.
- Full legal name as committed to TDCJ
- 7-digit TDCJ number
- SID number (State Identification)
- Current unit of assignment (facility where held)
- Race, gender, height, weight, eye color, hair color
- Age and date of birth
- Offense(s) — the committing offense description
- Sentence length in years or months
- Sentence begin date
- Maximum sentence date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Offender status (general population, medical hold, etc.)
Can’t Find Your Inmate? Troubleshooting Checklist
Confirm they’re actually in TDCJ
If the person was arrested in the last few months and the case hasn’t gone to trial, they are almost certainly still in county jail, not TDCJ. Check the county sheriff’s inmate portal first.
Try alternate name spellings and nicknames
TDCJ uses the name as committed by the sentencing court. If court records used the legal name and you searched by nickname, you’ll miss the match. Use wildcards — for example, Rob* returns Robert, Robbie, Roberto.
Check release status
TDCJ’s online search only shows currently incarcerated inmates. If the person was paroled or completed their sentence, they will not appear online. Call the Parole Division at (512) 406-5202 for release status.
Search previous TDCJ numbers
If you only have an old TDCJ number, the main search may not match. Use the Previous TDCJ Number search at ivss.tdcj.texas.gov/offender-search-2.
Remove filters one by one
Over-filtering causes zero matches. If you entered name + DOB + race + gender, remove race and gender first, then DOB, until results appear. Verify from the list which match is correct.
Wait 24 hours
Data is at least 24 hours old. A person booked into TDCJ intake yesterday may not appear on the portal until tomorrow.
Email or call TDCJ directly
Email pia@tdcj.texas.gov with the full name and 7-digit TDCJ number (or full name + exact DOB if no number). Response times vary. For faster service, call the Locator line at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283, open 8 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday.
Official TDCJ Phone & Email Lookup Channels
When the online search isn’t working or you need information not displayed online (parole status, unit transfers, release notification), use these verified official channels.
📞 Texas Department of Criminal Justice Phone Directory
- Inmate Locator / General Info (Huntsville): (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283 · Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM
- Parole Review Status (Board of Pardons & Paroles): (936) 291-2106 · must have TDCJ#, SID#, or DOB
- Parole Release Status (Parole Division, Austin): (512) 406-5202 · must have TDCJ#, SID#, or DOB
- Commissary & Trust Fund: (936) 437-4570
- eCommDirect Support: (936) 438-8990
- TDCJ Austin HQ: (512) 463-9988
- TDCJ Huntsville HQ: (936) 295-6371
Official TDCJ Email Addresses
Federal BOP Inmate Search for Texas Facilities
Federal prisoners serving time at any Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility — including the Texas-based federal institutions — are searched through the BOP locator, not TDCJ.
Major Federal BOP Facilities in Texas
- FCI Bastrop (Bastrop, TX) — low-security male
- FCI Beaumont Low/Medium/USP (Beaumont, TX)
- FCI Big Spring (Big Spring, TX)
- FCI Fort Worth & FMC Fort Worth (medical center)
- FCI La Tuna (Anthony, TX)
- FCI Seagoville (Seagoville, TX)
- FCI Three Rivers (Three Rivers, TX)
- FPC Bryan (Federal Prison Camp, women)
How to Use the BOP Locator
Open the BOP Inmate Locator
Navigate to bop.gov/inmateloc. This is the official federal locator.
Search by BOP Register Number or Name
Enter the 8-digit BOP register number if you have it, or first + last name + race + age + sex.
Check both Current and Released status
Unlike TDCJ, BOP shows inmates released since 1982. A “Released” status means they are no longer in federal custody.
Click the name for location
Results show the current designated facility, age, race, sex, projected release date, and register number.
Texas County Jail Inmate Searches
Before a sentence is served in TDCJ, every Texas arrestee passes through a county jail. If you’re looking for someone arrested recently — in the past few days, weeks, or months while the case is pending — use the county sheriff’s free inmate search.
Major Texas County Jail Search Portals
After You Find Them: Visitation, Mail, Money, and Phone Calls
Locating an inmate is step one. Connecting with them requires specific processes for each communication channel.
Inmate Visitation
Inmate adds you to their Approved Visitation List
The inmate must submit the request — you cannot add yourself. Processing takes 30–60 days.
Use the TDCJ Online Visitation Portal
Visit the unit directory at tdcj.texas.gov/unit_directory to confirm visit schedules before traveling. Book video or on-site visits through the online scheduler.
Follow dress code and ID requirements
TDCJ enforces strict visitor dress code and government-issued photo ID requirements. Denied entry is common for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the rules.
Inmate Mail (Digital System)
TDCJ transitioned to a centralized digital mail system. Personal letters, photos, cards, and printed mail go to a single processing address — NOT to the inmate’s unit.
TDCJ Digital Mail Processing Address
Inmate Full Name + TDCJ Number
TDCJ / Mailroom
PO Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Sending Money (Inmate Trust Fund)
Money sent to a TDCJ inmate goes into their Inmate Trust Fund account. Only people on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or Approved Phone List can deposit money (policy effective September 1, 2020).
Deposit Method | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
eCommDirect (online, credit/debit) | $2.50 + 2.25% | 2nd business day |
eCommDirect purchase only | $3.75 per transaction | 5 business days |
ACH Monthly Debit (checking) | Free | ~5th of month |
Access Corrections | Service fee | Varies |
JPay | Service fee | Varies |
ACE Cash Express | Service fee | Varies |
Money Order by Mail | Free (mailing cost only) | 7–10 business days |
eCommDirect Purchase Limits (Effective July 1, 2022)
Approved family and friends can purchase commissary items for eligible inmates through tdcj-ecommdirect.portal.texas.gov up to the maximum quarterly spend. Up to 100 top-selling items are available including snacks, hygiene products, and correspondence supplies.
Phone Calls (Securus)
TDCJ inmate phone calls are managed by Securus. Register at texasprisonphone.com using the inmate’s TDCJ number to get placed on the Approved Phone List. You’ll need the inmate’s 7-digit TDCJ ID. Lookup assistance at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.
Parole & Release Status Lookups
Parole status is handled separately from the main TDCJ inmate search and involves two different state agencies.
Which Office Handles Your Question
Your Question Is About… | Call This Office | Number |
|---|---|---|
Parole review (is BPP voting on release) | Board of Pardons & Paroles (Huntsville) | |
Parole release status (after BPP voted yes) | Parole Division (Austin) | |
Parolee supervision / conduct issues | Parole Division | |
Executive clemency / full pardon | Board of Pardons & Paroles | |
Parole Division open records | Parole Division PIA |
Common BPP Parole Vote Codes (Shown on TDCJ Records)
- FI-1: Release on parole when eligible
- FI-2: Release on parole on a specified future date
- FI-3R: Release after completion of a specified program
- FI-4R: Release after transfer and program completion
- FI-5: Release after completion of a Serious and Violent Offender program
- FI-6: Release after completion of a Sex Offender Treatment program
- FI-9R: Release after serving a specified number of months in a program
- NR: Denied parole — next review date specified
- CU/FI: Continue under a condition with future parole consideration
VINE Victim Notification — Get Automatic Alerts
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a free statewide system that sends automated phone, text, or email alerts when a Texas inmate’s custody status changes — including release, transfer, escape, or court dates.
Open VINE Texas
Go to vinelink.com/#state/TX. Choose Texas as your state.
Search for the offender
Use name or ID number. VINE pulls data from TDCJ and county jails automatically.
Register for alerts
Enter your phone number, email, or both. Choose what events you want notified about.
Keep your PIN safe
VINE sends you a 4-digit PIN. You’ll need it to stop notifications or confirm receipt.
Official Resources & Quick Links
Official state prison locator.
TDCJ Search →Historical TDCJ numbers lookup.
Previous # Search →Federal inmates in Texas BOP facilities.
BOP Locator →Every TDCJ facility with phone, address, visit schedule.
Unit Directory →TDCJ General Information Guide for Families of Inmates.
Family Guide →Send money or commissary items online.
eCommDirect →Automatic inmate status alerts.
VINE →Official BPP information and forms.
BPP →Separate from TDCJ inmate search.
TX Registry →Federal immigration custody search.
ICE Locator →Resolution support for inmate issues.
Ombudsman →Victim Services Division.
Victim Services →TDCJ Headquarters Locations
Huntsville, TX 77342-0629
Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Texas prison inmate search website?
The official Texas state prison inmate search is at inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/start.action, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). It covers inmates currently incarcerated in any TDCJ state prison or state jail facility. For federal inmates in Texas BOP facilities, use bop.gov/inmateloc. For people recently arrested and still in pre-trial custody, use the relevant county sheriff’s jail portal.
Is the TDCJ inmate search free?
Yes. The TDCJ Online Offender Search is completely free to the public. There are no credits to buy, no paywall, and no registration required to run a search. The service is offered under the Texas Public Information Act for the convenience and safety of the general public.
How often is the TDCJ inmate search updated?
TDCJ updates the online inmate search on working days only, and the data is at least 24 hours old. A person processed into TDCJ intake on Monday may not appear in the portal until Tuesday or Wednesday. Over weekends and state holidays, updates pause.
What information do I need to search for a TDCJ inmate?
The minimum is either (a) the inmate’s last name plus at least the first initial of their first name, or (b) their 7-digit TDCJ Number, or (c) their SID (State Identification) Number. Adding date of birth, race, and gender narrows the results. For phone lookups you must provide the exact date of birth if you don’t have a TDCJ or SID number.
What’s the difference between TDCJ Number and SID Number?
The TDCJ Number is a 7-digit ID issued when the inmate enters Texas state custody — unique to that incarceration term and can change with a new offense. The SID Number is a State Identification number issued by Texas DPS based on fingerprints — unique to the person for life regardless of how many arrests or incarcerations. If you have both, the SID is the more reliable lifetime identifier.
Can I find someone who was recently arrested through the TDCJ search?
No. TDCJ only holds people convicted and sentenced to state prison or state jail. Recent arrestees are still in county sheriff custody awaiting trial. Use the Harris County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Bexar County, or Travis County sheriff inmate search instead. Transfer from county jail to TDCJ intake takes weeks to months after sentencing.
How do I find a federal inmate in Texas?
Federal inmates — those sentenced in federal court — are held by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not TDCJ. Use the official BOP Inmate Locator at bop.gov/inmateloc/. Major Texas federal facilities include FCI Bastrop, FCI Beaumont, FCI Big Spring, FCI Fort Worth, FMC Fort Worth, FCI La Tuna, FCI Seagoville, FCI Three Rivers, and FPC Bryan.
Can I see the inmate’s mugshot in TDCJ search results?
Yes. Each TDCJ inmate result page displays the official intake photograph along with biographical data, offense details, and projected release date. The photo shown is the most recent intake picture maintained by TDCJ.
What if my inmate was recently released? How do I find them?
The TDCJ online search only shows currently incarcerated inmates. Released inmates disappear from the portal. For release status and approximate release date, call the Parole Division at (512) 406-5202 with the TDCJ number, SID number, or exact date of birth. For full disposition records, file a Public Information Act request or use re:SearchTX for related court records.
How do I send money to a Texas prison inmate?
Only people on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or Approved Phone List can deposit money (policy effective September 1, 2020). Deposits can be made online through eCommDirect at tdcj-ecommdirect.portal.texas.gov (fee $2.50 + 2.25%), via Access Corrections, JPay, ACE Cash Express, or monthly ACH debit (free). Money orders and cashier’s checks can be mailed to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 629, Huntsville, TX 77342-0629. Cash and personal checks are returned.
How do I get on the Approved Visitation List?
Only the inmate can add you — you cannot add yourself. The inmate submits a request through the unit’s classification office. Processing takes 30 to 60 days. Once approved, you can visit according to the unit’s schedule, use the online visitation scheduler, deposit money, register for phone calls, and send eCommDirect purchases.
What’s the TDCJ inmate mailing address?
All personal mail to TDCJ inmates goes to the centralized digital mailroom: Inmate Full Name + TDCJ Number, TDCJ / Mailroom, PO Box 660400, Dallas, TX 75266-0400. Do not send mail directly to the inmate’s unit of assignment. Trust fund deposits go to a separate address: PO Box 629, Huntsville, TX 77342-0629.
How do I get automatic alerts when an inmate is released?
Register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) at vinelink.com. Choose Texas, search for the offender, and sign up for phone, text, or email alerts. VINE notifies you of release, transfer, escape, court dates, and parole hearings. The service is free, anonymous to the offender, and works 24/7 for TDCJ and most county jails.
How do I find out when a Texas inmate’s parole hearing is?
For parole review status (whether the Board of Pardons & Paroles is voting on release), call BPP in Huntsville at (936) 291-2106 with the TDCJ number, SID number, or date of birth. For release status after the BPP has voted yes, call the Parole Division in Austin at (512) 406-5202. For detailed BPP processes, email bpp-pio@tdcj.texas.gov.
Can I see an inmate’s full criminal history through TDCJ search?
No. The TDCJ search shows only the current incarceration’s committing offense, sentence, and unit assignment. For a complete Texas criminal history, use the Texas DPS Criminal History Conviction Name Search at securesite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/ (approximately $3 per search). For court-level case filings, use re:SearchTX at research.txcourts.gov.
What’s the phone number for TDCJ inmate information?
The TDCJ Inmate Locator / General Information line is (936) 295-6371 or toll-free (800) 535-0283, open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. For parole review call (936) 291-2106. For parole release call (512) 406-5202. For commissary and trust fund call (936) 437-4570. For eCommDirect support call (936) 438-8990.
Are TDCJ inmate records public in Texas?
Yes. Under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), basic inmate location information, committing offense, sentence, and projected release date are public and freely searchable. Personal information like medical records, trust fund balance, discipline records, and non-approved-visitor lists are confidential and not disclosed. Victim information is protected under Victim’s Rights statutes.
What does it mean if my inmate’s status shows Ad-Seg?
Ad-Seg stands for Administrative Segregation — restrictive housing used for inmates who cannot be safely housed in general population due to security threats, gang affiliation, or institutional behavior. Ad-Seg inmates are held in single cells with limited movement. They remain searchable in the TDCJ portal but with restricted commissary, visitation, and program access.
Can I search for Texas juvenile inmates online?
No. Texas juvenile records are generally not publicly searchable due to Family Code §58.253 automatic sealing provisions. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) does not provide a public inmate locator comparable to TDCJ. For questions about juveniles in state custody, contact TJJD directly — but expect most information to be confidential.
Last Updated: April 2026 · Next Scheduled Review: July 2026