USA Jail Lookup is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Alabama Department of Corrections or any government agency.
Alabama Inmate Search — Find Someone in the Alabama Prison System
The official ADOC inmate locator is at doc.alabama.gov — run by the Alabama Department of Corrections. This guide covers which system to search first, how the AIS number works, why someone may not appear, and what Alabama families need to know about recent changes to mail and phone services.
Statistics sourced from ADOC public reports. Figures are approximate and subject to change.
Go to doc.alabama.gov/inmate/inmate-search/ and search by full legal name or AIS number. The free tool covers people currently in ADOC state custody — not county jails, not federal facilities, and not those sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act. For live assistance call ADOC Central Records at (334) 353-9738 during business hours.
Recently Arrested in Alabama? Start Here
If the arrest happened within the last few days, the person is almost certainly not yet in the ADOC database. Follow this order before searching the state system.
Which Alabama System Holds Your Person?
Alabama correctional records are maintained across three separate systems. A person appearing in one system may not appear in another. Searching the wrong one produces empty results even when the person is in custody.
County Jail
Holds people awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. Run by county sheriffs — 67 independent systems across Alabama, each with its own roster.
Not searchable through ADOC. Check the county sheriff website directly.
ADOC State Prison
Generally covers people convicted of felony offenses who have been transferred to Alabama Department of Corrections state custody. Transfer takes time after sentencing.
Federal BOP
Federal charges prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Federal inmates are not included in the ADOC search — completely separate system.
How to Use the ADOC Offender Database — Step by Step
Open the Official ADOC Inmate Locator
Go to doc.alabama.gov/inmate/inmate-search/ — the official free tool run by the Alabama Department of Corrections. No account or payment required. If the page does not load, try clearing your browser cache or switching browsers.
Search by AIS Number — Fastest and Most Accurate
The AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number is a unique six-digit identifier. Per the official ADOC search page, the AIS number field takes precedence in all searches and returns only the exact matching record. Enter it if you have it — one wrong digit returns zero results, so verify each digit before searching.
Search by Name — Open-Ended, Not Exact Match
Name search in ADOC is open-ended: entering just the first few letters returns all records beginning with those letters. If a full name returns nothing, try entering only the first three or four letters of the last name and scan the results list. Always use the exact legal name — not a nickname or shortened version.
Read the Results — Note the AIS Number
A matching record shows name, AIS number, current facility or program, offense, admission date, and projected release date. Write down the AIS number immediately — you will need it for every next step: sending money, addressing mail, and setting up phone calls.
If Nothing Appears — Do Not Assume
A blank result does not mean the person is not in custody. Per the official ADOC search page, the database is not always updated instantly — new intakes or transfers may take time to appear. See the troubleshooting section below for all six specific reasons a name may not show up.
What Is an AIS Number — and Where Do You Find One?
The AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number is the single most important identifier in the Alabama prison system. It is a unique six-digit number assigned by ADOC to every person in state custody. No two people share the same AIS number, making it more reliable than name-based searches.
AIS Number vs Booking Number vs Case Number
| Identifier | What It Is | Where to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| AIS Number | 6-digit ADOC identifier — assigned at state intake | ADOC Inmate Search — most accurate |
| County Booking Number | Assigned by county sheriff at arrest | County jail roster only — not recognized by ADOC |
| Court Case Number | Assigned by the court clerk | Court records search — not ADOC |
| Parole ID | Assigned by Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles | Parole records — separate system |
The county booking number on arrest paperwork is not an AIS number. An AIS number is only assigned after the person enters ADOC state custody following sentencing. If you don’t have it, search by name first — then note the AIS number from the results. To request it directly, call ADOC Central Records at (334) 353-9738.
Name Not Showing Up? 6 Specific Reasons
A blank result in the ADOC search does not automatically mean the person is not in custody. There are six specific reasons this happens — each with a different solution.
1. Still in County Jail
If the arrest was recent or sentencing just happened, the person may still be in county custody awaiting transfer to ADOC. Per the official ADOC search page, the database does not include people in county or city jails. Search the county jail roster first. Transfer timing varies by case and is not instantaneous after sentencing.
2. Youthful Offender Act — Not in the ADOC Database
This is the most overlooked reason. Per the official ADOC Inmate Search page: “Inmate Search and Population Totals do not include those inmates sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act.” If the person received a YOA sentence, they will not appear regardless of how many times you search. Call ADOC Central Records at (334) 353-9738 for guidance.
3. Name Spelling Error or Wrong AIS Number
Name search must match the exact legal name on file. Nicknames, shortened names, and spelling variations return nothing. For AIS searches, one wrong digit returns zero results. Try partial last name entries. If the AIS number is not working, switch to name search and verify the correct AIS number from the results.
4. Recently Transferred — Database Has Not Updated
Per the official ADOC database notice, the system is not always updated in real time — new entries or transfers may take time to become visible. If a transfer recently occurred, wait and search again the following business day. For urgent confirmation, call (334) 353-9738 directly.
5. On Supervised Reentry Program — Shows as “SRP”
If the person is on ADOC’s Supervised Reentry Program, they are living in the community under supervision — not in a physical facility. Their record appears in the search with “SRP” and a county name in the Institution field. This is not an error. It means they have been released from a facility and are completing their sentence under community supervision.
6. Released, on Parole, or Sentence Completed
The ADOC database covers only currently incarcerated individuals — historical records are not available online. If the person has been released, granted parole, or completed their sentence, they will not appear. Contact the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles at paroles.alabama.gov for post-release information.
Reading Your ADOC Results — Field by Field
Institution Abbreviations Decoded
| Shows As | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CF | Correctional Facility — standard state prison |
| CWC | Community Work Center |
| WR | Work Release facility |
| SRP + county name | Supervised Reentry Program — person is living in that county under supervision |
| [County name] | Assigned to a local county facility, not a state prison |
| [State name] | Currently assigned to another state’s custody |
Sentence Codes — No Release Date on Record
Per the official ADOC results page, these codes appear when a standard release date does not apply to the sentence:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DR | Death Row |
| LW | Life Without Parole |
| LB | Life — Barred from Parole |
| LP | Life — Parole Possible |
| BP | Barred from Parole |
If you see one of these codes where you expected a release date, a fixed end date does not apply to the sentence. Consult with a licensed attorney for information specific to the case.
Common Mistakes Families Make — and What to Do Instead
| Mistake | Why It Happens | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Searching ADOC for someone in county jail | Assuming one database covers everyone | Check county sheriff website first if arrest was recent |
| Using a nickname or shortened name | “Mike” won’t find “Michael” on official records | Use the exact legal name on government ID |
| Entering a booking number as AIS | Arrest paperwork has a booking number, not AIS | Search by name first, then note the AIS from results |
| Mailing letters to the facility address | Mail policy changed November 2025 — facility mail returned | Use the ALDOC Mail Processing address in San Antonio TX |
| Expecting an exact-match name search | ADOC name search is open-ended, not exact | Enter partial last name to see a broader results list |
| Searching for someone with a YOA sentence | Youthful Offender cases are excluded from ADOC database | Call ADOC Central Records at (334) 353-9738 |
| Not calling before visiting | Lockdowns and transfers happen without family notice | Call the facility the morning of any planned visit |
How to Send Money to an ADOC Inmate
ℹ Last Checked: August 2026 — Official Source: doc.alabama.gov/inmatemoney.aspx
Deposit methods, providers, and fee structures are subject to change. Confirm current instructions at accesscorrections.com or by calling (866) 345-1884 before sending funds.
Every person in ADOC custody has a debit account for commissary, phone credits, and tablet services. Money is deposited by family — it does not go directly to the inmate as cash.
Access Corrections — Online and by Phone
ADOC’s official deposit partner is Access Corrections. Deposit at accesscorrections.com or call (866) 345-1884. Accepts Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards. Always use the exact AIS number — a wrong number can send funds to the wrong account.
CashPayToday — Cash at Dollar General and Family Dollar
For cash deposits, use CashPayToday at participating Dollar General and Family Dollar locations statewide. Bring the inmate’s name and AIS number. No bank account required. Confirm current participating locations and any fees before visiting.
Sending Mail — Critical Policy Change (November 2025)
⚠ Important: Personal mail sent directly to ADOC facility addresses after November 10, 2025 will be returned to the sender. If your letters are being returned, this policy change is the reason.
The Alabama Department of Corrections has transitioned all personal mail — letters, photographs, drawings — to a digital processing system delivered via inmate tablets. All personal mail must now go to the centralized processing center.
New Mailing Address — All Personal Mail
ALDOC Inmate Mail Processing
P.O. Box 17339
San Antonio, TX 78217
The sender’s full name and physical address must be clearly written in the top left corner. Legal mail is not affected — legal correspondence still goes directly to the facility. Packages also still go to the local facility address.
Setting Up Phone Calls — ICS Solutions
ℹ Phone Provider Has Changed
ADOC has transitioned from Securus Technologies to ICS Corrections. Existing Securus accounts for ADOC calls are no longer active. Create a new prepaid account at ICSolutions.com to receive calls.
All calls are outgoing from the inmate — they call you. Before receiving calls, create a prepaid account at ICSolutions.com and fund it. Calls are subject to monitoring and recording per ADOC regulations. For video visitation availability at a specific facility, contact the facility directly or call (334) 353-3883.
How to Visit Someone in an Alabama State Prison
Visitor Application and Approval
Submit a visitor application to the specific ADOC facility before your first visit — each unit handles this independently. The process typically includes a background check and takes time to complete. Prior felony convictions or active warrants may affect approval. Contact the specific facility for application forms and current approval timelines.
Call Before You Go — This Is Not Optional
Lockdowns, disciplinary status changes, inmate transfers, and classification reviews can suspend visits without family notification. Call the facility directly the morning of your planned visit to confirm it is still scheduled. The ADOC main line is (334) 353-3883. An unexpected canceled visit after a long drive is one of the most common family complaints — a five-minute call prevents it.
Dress Code and What to Bring
ADOC facilities enforce dress codes at the entrance. Generally: no clothing resembling inmate uniforms, no revealing clothing, no open-toed shoes at most facilities, no gang-related imagery. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Contact the specific facility to confirm their current requirements before traveling — individual facilities may set additional rules.
Alabama County Jail Directory — Search by County
Alabama’s 67 county jails are maintained separately by county sheriffs. None are searchable through ADOC. For smaller counties without online rosters, call the county sheriff’s office directly or check the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association directory.
See our full Alabama County Jail Directory for all 67 counties.
Alabama Prisoner Lookup vs Other Record Searches
| What You Need | Where to Look |
|---|---|
| Current ADOC state custody | ADOC Inmate Search — doc.alabama.gov/inmate/inmate-search/ |
| County jail custody | County sheriff website roster |
| Federal custody | BOP Locator — bop.gov/inmateloc |
| Parole status or results | Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles — paroles.alabama.gov |
| Court records and case status | County circuit or district court clerk |
| Sex offender registry | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — alea.gov |
| Juvenile records | County juvenile court — generally not publicly searchable |