USA Jail Lookup is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, NDOC, or any government agency.
Washoe County Inmate Search — Find Someone in the Washoe County Detention Facility
The official WCSO jail roster is at washoesheriff.com — updated every 15 minutes. Before you search: mugshots are no longer shown due to a federal court ruling, bail is no longer set automatically, and personal mail now goes to Florida. This guide covers all of it.
Statistics sourced from WCSO official Detentions page and inmate search disclaimer. Figures approximate.
Go to washoesheriff.com/inmate-search.php and enter at least three letters of the last name. The free roster — run by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office — is updated every 15 minutes and shows booking date, housing unit, charges, and bail. The official WCSO roster may not be complete — call (775) 328-3062 for urgent confirmation. For Nevada state prison after sentencing, use the NDOC locator at ofdsearch.doc.nv.gov.
Recently Arrested in Washoe County? Start Here
If the arrest happened in the last day or two, start with the WCSO roster. But know that within 24 hours a judge may grant OR release — meaning the person could walk out before you even find them on the roster.
Which Nevada System Holds Your Person?
Nevada correctional records are maintained across separate systems. Searching the wrong one produces empty results even when the person is in custody nearby.
Washoe County Detention Facility
People awaiting trial, recently arrested, or serving shorter sentences. Holds detainees from 30+ agencies including local, state, and federal law enforcement.
Address: 911 East Parr Blvd, Reno, NV 89512
NDOC State Prison
People convicted of felonies sentenced to state prison. Per NDOC’s official page, they only hold offenders currently serving a Nevada state prison sentence — not pre-trial or recently arrested individuals.
Federal / ICE Custody
Federal charges in U.S. District Court, or immigration detainers by ICE. Not visible in WCSO or NDOC searches — completely separate federal systems.
Three Things to Know Before You Search
Roster Updates Every 15 Minutes — But May Not Be Complete
The WCSO roster updates every 15 minutes, but the Sheriff’s Office warns on their official search page that it may not always be a complete list of in-custody inmates. If you feel that the person you are searching for is in custody and cannot be located with this search, please contact the Washoe County Detention Facility at 775-328-3062.”
A blank result has two possible explanations: the person genuinely is not in WCSO custody, or the roster has not yet captured them. Do not rely solely on the online search for urgent situations.
No Mugshots — 9th Circuit Court Ruling (2024)
The WCSO inmate search page states: mugshots and other personal identifiers are no longer available due to a 9th Circuit Court ruling (Houston v. Maricopa County, case no. 23-15524, 2024), which cited individuals’ due process rights and nontrivial privacy interests.
The absence of a booking photo is not a sign you have the wrong person or the wrong website. To confirm identity, cross-reference the booking date, date of birth, and charges listed in the record.
Bail Is No Longer Automatically Set
The WCSO inmate search page notes: “Bail is no longer automatically set based on new charges. Once a judge promptly sets bail, the information will be updated with the amount imposed.” (Source: washoesheriff.com/inmate-search.php)
A blank or zero bail field may mean the amount has not yet been entered or updated in the system. Confirm current bail status with the detention facility at (775) 328-3062 or the Records Section at (775) 328-3023. The field updates as soon as the court imposes a figure. Call **(775) 328-3062** or **(775) 328-3023** for current bail status in time-sensitive situations.
How to Use the WCSO Jail Roster — Step by Step
What You Need Before Searching
Having the right information ready makes the search faster and more accurate:
| Information | Where to Find It | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Last name (at least 3 letters) | Legal name on government ID | Yes — minimum required |
| First name | Legal name on government ID | Optional — helps narrow results |
| Booking number | Court documents or bond paperwork | Optional — alternative to name |
| Date of birth | Government ID | Optional — useful for common names |
Open the Official WCSO Inmate Search
Go to washoesheriff.com/inmate-search.php — the official free tool. No account or payment required. Read the full disclaimer on the page before searching — it contains important caveats about completeness that are easy to miss.
Enter at Least 3 Letters of the Last Name
The WCSO search requires a minimum of three characters from the last name. Enter the full legal last name for the best results. If the full name returns nothing, try entering just the first three letters — this returns all last names beginning with those characters, giving you a broader list to scan.
Read the Results — Note the Booking Number
A match shows booking number, booking date, housing unit, charges, bail amount, court of jurisdiction, and court date. Note the booking number immediately — you need it for mail addressing and money deposits. If bail shows blank, see the explanation above.
If Nothing Appears — Call Directly
The roster may not always be a complete list, per the Sheriff’s Office. Call the Washoe County Detention Facility at (775) 328-3062 for a live custody check. See the troubleshooting section below for five specific reasons a name may not appear.
Name Not Showing Up? 5 Specific Reasons
1. Roster Timing or Completeness Gap
The roster updates every 15 minutes but the official WCSO page acknowledges it may not always be complete. If the arrest just happened, try again in 15–30 minutes. For urgent confirmation, call (775) 328-3062 rather than relying on repeat searches.
2. Released on Own Recognizance Within 24 Hours
Per WCSO detention procedures, all inmates are to be interviewed for Own Recognizance (OR) release by Pre-Trial Services within 24 hours of booking. If OR is granted, the person is released without any bail payment and disappears from the active roster. If someone appeared on the roster and is now gone, OR release is one of the first possibilities to check. Call (775) 328-3062 to confirm.
3. Name or Search Entry Error
The search matches the legal name on file. A nickname, shortened name, or spelling variation returns nothing. Try the first three letters of the last name only and scan the full results list. If you have the booking number from any court document, use that — it returns a direct match faster than a name search.
4. Transferred to NDOC State Prison
After a felony conviction and sentencing, a person transfers from WCSO county custody to NDOC. They disappear from the WCSO roster immediately upon transfer. Search the NDOC locator at ofdsearch.doc.nv.gov or call NDOC Family Services at (775) 977-5707.
5. Held by Another Agency — ICE or Federal
The Washoe County Detention Facility holds detainees from 30+ agencies including ICE. An ICE detainee may appear differently or may require a separate search at the ICE Detainee Locator (ice.gov). For federal cases, use the BOP locator at bop.gov/inmateloc.
How Long After Arrest Does Someone Appear on the Roster?
The WCSO roster is updated every 15 minutes, per the official search page. However, the Sheriff’s Office also notes that the online list may not always be complete, particularly for very recent bookings.
If a recent arrest does not appear in the roster, the most reliable step is to call the Washoe County Detention Facility directly at (775) 328-3062. Phone staff can confirm custody status even when the online roster has not yet reflected a new booking.
Also note: within 24 hours of booking, Pre-Trial Services conducts OR release interviews. A person may be processed, briefly appear on the roster, and then be released — all within the same day. If someone has disappeared from the roster shortly after appearing, OR release is a possible explanation.
What the WCSO Roster Shows — Field Guide
The roster does not show mugshots (removed per 9th Circuit ruling), projected release dates, or attorney information. For court hearing times, contact: Second Judicial District Court hearings portal, Reno Justice Court at (775) 325-6500, or Sparks Justice Court at (775) 353-7600.
Own Recognizance Release — What Families Need to Know
Within 24 hours of booking, every person in the Washoe County Detention Facility is interviewed for Own Recognizance (OR) release by the Pre-Trial Services unit. If OR is granted, the person is released without posting any bail — no payment required from family.
This matters for families because someone can be booked, appear briefly on the roster, and then disappear from it within 24 hours through OR release without any family action or payment. If the person is no longer showing on the roster and you haven’t been contacted, OR release is a reasonable first explanation to check. Call the Detention Facility at (775) 328-3062 to confirm.
If OR is not granted, the judge will either set bail or hold the person without bail until a court hearing.
Bail Scam Warning — Official WCSO Notice
⚠ Official WCSO Warning (Source: washoesheriff.com/inmate-search.php): Scammers use publicly available inmate custody information to contact families and falsely request bail payment. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER contact you requesting payment via Venmo, Cash App, Bitcoin, gift cards, or other digital methods. If you receive such a request, do not pay. Call (775) 328-3062 to verify actual custody status before sending any money.
Bail is posted in person at the Washoe County Jail cashier at 911 E. Parr Blvd, or at the courthouse where the case is being handled — not by phone payment or digital transfer to any individual.
How to Send Money — Three Methods
ℹ Last Checked: August 2026 · Source: washoesheriff.com and shouselaw.com/nv/defense/jails/washoe-county-detention-facility/
Deposit methods and fees are subject to change. Confirm current details before sending funds.
🏧 In Person — Kiosk
Cash or credit card kiosks in the visiting lobby and foyer at 911 E. Parr Blvd. No account setup required. Fastest method.
💻 Online — JailATM
Credit card deposits at jailatm.com. You need the booking number and inmate name. Fees apply — confirm before transacting.
✉ By Mail — Money Order
Money orders only. Must include the inmate’s name. Mail to: Washoe County Jail, ATTN: Inmate Accounting, 911 E. Parr Blvd, Reno, NV 89512. Call (775) 328-2951 for questions.
Mail — Smart Communications Address (Effective April 2022)
ℹ Mail Update — April 2022 (Source: washoesheriff.com/detention_bureau/detention-services/inmate-visiting-information.php)
Personal mail sent directly to the Washoe County Detention Facility is no longer accepted and will be returned. All personal mail must go to the Smart Communications processing address below.
New Mailing Address — All Personal Mail
[Inmate Name] (# Booking Number)
PO Box 9163
Seminole, FL 33775-9137
The inmate’s name and booking number must be clearly printed on the envelope. All mail is scanned into the Smart Communications MailGuard system and delivered digitally via inmate kiosk. Legal mail from attorneys is not affected — it still goes directly to the facility.
Phone Calls and Video Visits — Smart Communications
Phone Calls — Including One Free Weekly Call
Inmates cannot receive incoming calls — they call out. To receive calls, create a prepaid account at smartinmate.com.
One detail many families don’t know: inmates are entitled to one free 15-minute phone call per week to approved family or friends. This free call cannot be used for international numbers. Additional calls draw from a prepaid Smart Communications account.
Video Visitation — Two Options
All visits at the Washoe County Detention Facility are conducted via video — there are no traditional in-person contact visits. Two ways to connect:
| Option | How | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Remote (from home) | Via smartinmate.com on any computer or smartphone with camera. Account and ID approval required. | Scheduled in advance — confirm on smartinmate.com |
| Lobby video kiosk | In person at the facility lobby — no home internet needed | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
To set up remote visitation: go to smartinmate.com, create an account, submit your government-issued photo ID and a current face photo. Once approved you will receive email confirmation. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. All video visits may be monitored and recorded except attorney visits. Visits can be denied if the inmate is in disciplinary status or if there is a facility lockdown — confirm availability before connecting.
Finding Someone in a Nevada State Prison
The NDOC official site states: “The Department generally only has custody of offenders who have received a sentence of incarceration in a Nevada State Prison and are currently serving that sentence. If you have heard that someone has been arrested and you are trying to locate them in Northern Nevada, check with the Washoe County Detention Facility.”
If the person has been sentenced and transferred to state prison, search the NDOC Inmate Locator at ofdsearch.doc.nv.gov. You can search by name, NDOC ID number, age, gender, or date of birth. The NDOC notes this information is raw data and NDOC makes no guarantee it is error-free.
For questions, call NDOC Family Services at (775) 977-5707. For records requests: NDOC Offender Management Division, P.O. Box 7011, Carson City, NV 89702 or email omdrecords@doc.nv.gov.
NDOC does not provide information on parolees, probationers, or people who have only been arrested without a state prison sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Sources Used on This Page
| Source | Purpose |
|---|---|
| WCSO Inmate Search | Official jail roster — booking info, charges, bail, housing unit |
| WCSO Visiting Information | Mail address, visit procedures, Smart Communications setup |
| NDOC Inmate Search | Nevada state prison locator — after felony sentencing |
| NDOC Offender Records | NDOC records requests and Family Services contact |
| Smart Communications | Mail, phone calls, and video visitation setup |
| JailATM | Online money deposits for WCSO inmates |