How to Locate an Inmate in Federal, State or County Jail

Finding an inmate depends on where they are being held. Here is where to start based on their situation.

For federal inmates, search the Bureau of Prisons free locator at bop.gov/inmateloc using their name or inmate ID number.

For state inmates, each state runs its own Department of Corrections inmate search. InmateAid's facility directory covers all 50 states and links directly to each state's official search tool.

For county jail inmates, search the specific county jail's website roster or call the facility directly. County jails update their rosters daily in most cases.

If you are not sure where your loved one is being held after a recent arrest, an arrest record search can help confirm their location and which facility they were transferred to.

InmateAid's free inmate search covers facilities nationwide and is a good starting point if you are unsure which system they are in.