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Texas Inmate Search: Find Someone in a Texas Prison, State Jail, or County Jail
Texas runs three separate custody systems — TDCJ state facilities, 243 county jails, and federal BOP. Search the wrong one and you get nothing. This guide tells you exactly which to open first, how to read results, and what to do when the name doesn’t appear.
Facility statistics sourced from TDCJ and Texas Commission on Jail Standards public reports. Figures approximate and subject to change.
For Texas state custody, go to inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/start and search by full legal name, TDCJ number, or SID number. The free tool — operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice — covers all state prisons and state jails. Key limitations: data is updated on weekdays only and is at least 24 hours old; people not yet transferred from county jail will not appear. For live assistance call (800) 535-0283, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. (Source: TDCJ Offender Search official page)
Where Should I Search? — Find the Right System First
Texas custody is divided across three systems that share no records with each other. Opening the wrong search tool produces empty results even if your person is detained. Use this to identify which system to open first.
County Jail
Search our county directory below
TDCJ Offender Search
📞 (800) 535-0283
Federal BOP
Separate from TDCJ entirely
VINELink / TDCJ Parole
1-877-894-8477 (24/7)
Which Texas System Holds Your Person?
Texas custody operates across three completely separate systems. Each has its own search tool, its own records, and its own process. If you search the wrong one, you will find nothing — not because the person isn’t there, but because the databases are independent.
County Jail (Pre-Trial)
People awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences under one year, or sentenced but not yet transferred to TDCJ. Each county sheriff operates independently.
243 county and private facilities statewide under Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
TDCJ — State Prison or State Jail
People convicted of felonies and transferred to Texas state custody. Includes state prisons (2+ years) and state jails (180 days–2 years). Both searchable in one TDCJ tool.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Federal convictions, federal drug trafficking, immigration-related federal detainers, or any case prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Federal inmates are not included in the TDCJ Offender Search.
How to Search the TDCJ Offender Database — Step by Step
Open the Official TDCJ Offender Search
Go directly to inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/start — the official, free, government-operated tool. No registration or account is required. If the page does not load correctly, try a different browser or refresh the page before assuming the search is broken.
Texas Inmate Search by Name
Enter the person’s last name and at least the first initial of their first name — this is the minimum required by the TDCJ system. For common surnames, adding the full first name narrows results significantly. Enter the legal name exactly as it appears on government-issued ID. A nickname or shortened name will not return results.
Texas Inmate Search by TDCJ Number or SID
If you have the person’s TDCJ number or SID (State Identification) number, enter it instead of the name — it returns results instantly without name-matching. These are different from the county booking number assigned at arrest. See the identifier guide below if you are unsure which number you have.
Read and Record the Results
Click a matching name to see full record details: TDCJ number, current unit and location, offense, sentence length, and projected release date. Screenshot or record the TDCJ number — you will need it to set up phone calls, send money, and schedule video visits.
TDCJ Number vs SID Number vs Booking Number
This is one of the most frequent points of confusion for families. These three identifiers are assigned by different agencies for different purposes — and only one of them works in the TDCJ search.
⚠ Important: The TDCJ Offender Search is updated on working days only, and data is at least 24 hours old at all times, per the notice displayed on the official TDCJ search page. Transfers processed late Friday may not appear until Monday or Tuesday. Call (800) 535-0283 for real-time status.
Texas State Jail vs State Prison — What’s the Difference?
Texas is one of very few states with a separate “state jail” felony category. Both state jails and state prisons appear in the TDCJ Offender Search, but the rules around sentence length, release, and good-time credit are entirely different — and families who don’t know this are regularly blindsided by incorrect release date expectations.
State Jail — 180 Days to 2 Years, Served Day-for-Day
A state jail felony is Texas’s lowest felony classification — typically covering small-quantity drug possession, minor property crimes, and certain DWI offenses. Sentences run from a minimum of 180 days to a maximum of two years. State jail inmates serve their sentence day-for-day with no parole eligibility and no early release for good behavior. (Source: Texas Comptroller, State Jails report.) A two-year state jail sentence means two years served — the projected release date in TDCJ is the actual release date.
State Prison — Over 2 Years, Parole Eligible
A state prison sentence covers felony offenses carrying more than two years. These inmates are eligible for parole after serving a portion of their sentence determined by the offense type. Good-time credit can also reduce the effective sentence. The TDCJ search shows both a projected release date and a parole eligibility date — these are different figures and both matter for planning.
Parole Eligibility vs Projected Release Date — Comparison
| Term | What It Means | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Projected Release Date | Estimated release based on sentence minus good-time credit | State prison inmates |
| Parole Eligibility Date | Earliest date a parole hearing can occur — release is not guaranteed on this date | State prison inmates |
| Maximum Sentence Date | Latest possible release with zero good-time applied | Both prison and state jail |
| State Jail Release Date | Fixed date — day-for-day, no parole, no early release | State jail inmates only |
| Mandatory Supervision | Release to community supervision before max sentence date — different from parole | Eligible prison inmates |
If the unit name in the TDCJ record contains “State Jail,” apply the day-for-day rule. If it is a numbered or named prison unit, parole rules apply. When in doubt, call TDCJ at (800) 535-0283 to confirm which rules govern a specific sentence.
Name Not Showing Up in TDCJ? 6 Specific Reasons
A blank result in the TDCJ Offender Search does not mean the person is not in custody. There are six specific reasons this happens — each has a different next step.
1. Still in County Jail — The Transfer Delay
After a felony conviction, the county jail must complete and submit transfer paperwork. TDCJ reviews the paperwork, then arranges physical pickup — a process that can take several weeks in total. According to KERA News reporting on TDCJ transfer policy, the current average pickup time is approximately 25 days from paperwork completion. During that entire period, the person remains in county custody and will not appear in the TDCJ search. Check the county jail roster for the sentencing county first.
2. County Booking Number Used Instead of TDCJ Number
If you are searching by ID and getting no results, confirm which number you have. County booking numbers — on arrest paperwork and county jail records — are not recognized by the TDCJ search tool. Switch to searching by full legal name, or wait until a TDCJ number is assigned after state intake.
3. Data Hasn’t Updated Yet — Weekday-Only, 24-Hour Lag
Transfers, releases, and arrivals processed after business hours Friday will not appear until Monday or Tuesday at the earliest. (Source: TDCJ Offender Search official notice.) If a known transfer happened over a weekend, search again Tuesday morning. For urgent status, call (800) 535-0283 directly — phone staff can confirm status before the online record updates.
4. Released, on Parole, or Under Mandatory Supervision
The TDCJ Offender Search only shows people currently incarcerated in a TDCJ facility. Someone who has been released, completed their sentence, or is serving parole or mandatory supervision in the community will not appear. Register at VINELink.com for free automatic alerts when custody status changes.
5. Previous TDCJ Number — Use the Separate Search Tool
If the person was previously incarcerated in Texas, they may have an old TDCJ number from a prior sentence. The main search only pulls active records linked to the current number. Go to offender.tdcj.texas.gov to search by previous TDCJ numbers — this separate tool covers historical records and cross-references prior numbers to current ones.
6. Federal Custody — Search BOP Instead
If the conviction was in a U.S. District Court — federal drug trafficking, immigration offenses, federal firearms charges, bank robbery — the person is in Bureau of Prisons custody. Federal inmates are not included in the TDCJ Offender Search. Search at bop.gov/inmateloc instead.
Reading Your TDCJ Results — Field-by-Field Guide
Does the TDCJ Search Show Mugshots?
As of recent TDCJ policy changes, mugshots are no longer consistently displayed in the online Offender Search results. If you need a county booking photo, that is a separate county jail record — contact the county sheriff’s office directly or check the county’s online roster, which in many cases still displays booking photos. TDCJ mugshots and county booking photos are different records maintained by different agencies.
TDCJ Inmate Record vs Texas Criminal Record — Which Do You Need?
| What You Need | Where to Look |
|---|---|
| Current TDCJ custody status | TDCJ Offender Search — inmate.tdcj.texas.gov |
| County jail custody | County sheriff website roster |
| Federal custody | BOP Locator — bop.gov/inmateloc |
| Court records and case status | County or District Clerk of the sentencing court |
| Statewide criminal history (background) | Texas DPS Crime Records Service |
| Release / transfer notifications | VINELink.com — free, 24/7 |
⚠ Juvenile Records: Adult TDCJ and county inmate searches do not provide juvenile detention records. If you are looking for someone under 17, contact the relevant county juvenile probation department or juvenile detention authority directly.
Arrest to Release — How Texas Custody Works
Texas County Jail Directory — Search by County
Texas has 243 county jails, each operated by an independent county sheriff with its own roster. There is no single statewide search tool. The major counties below link to dedicated pages with official rosters and facility information.
Major Texas Counties — Quick Links
Major County Jail Addresses
| County | Facility Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County | Harris County Jail | 1200 Baker St, Houston TX 77002 | (713) 755-5000 |
| Dallas County | Lew Sterrett Justice Ctr | 111 W Commerce St, Dallas TX 75202 | (214) 761-9010 |
| Tarrant County | Tarrant County Jail | 100 N Lamar St, Fort Worth TX 76196 | (817) 884-1213 |
| Bexar County | Bexar County Adult Detention | 200 N Comal St, San Antonio TX 78207 | (210) 335-6000 |
| Travis County | Del Valle Correctional Complex | 3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle TX 78617 | (512) 854-9700 |
| El Paso County | El Paso County Detention | 3850 Justice Dr, El Paso TX 79938 | (915) 546-2280 |
Always call ahead to confirm current visiting hours and bond payment procedures — policies change. The addresses above are verified as of August 2026 but confirm before traveling.
County not listed? Contact the county sheriff’s office directly, or check the Texas Commission on Jail Standards directory at tcjs.state.tx.us for all 243 facilities.
Found Them in TDCJ — What to Do Next
Once you have located the person in the TDCJ Offender Search and noted their TDCJ number, here is the order of next steps most families need.
How to Send Money to a TDCJ Inmate
Every person in a TDCJ facility has a Trust Fund account — the commissary account used for snacks, hygiene items, and phone credits. Deposits go into this account from outside. The inmate draws from it; you cannot hand money to them directly.
| Method | Provider | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Cash at retail | MoneyGram (Walmart, CVS, Kroger) | TDCJ number + full legal name |
| Online transfer | JPay.com | TDCJ number + account setup |
| Online transfer | MoneyGram online | TDCJ number — no in-person needed |
| Money order to unit Trust Fund | Allow 7–10 business days |
Always use the inmate’s TDCJ number and full legal name — not the county booking number. A mismatched identifier can delay or misdirect funds. See our full Send Money to a TDCJ Inmate guide for current fee comparisons.
How to Set Up Phone Calls from a Texas Prison
Phone Registration Is Required Before Calls Work
All TDCJ calls route through Securus Technologies — the state’s contracted provider. Before an inmate can successfully call your number, that number must be registered in the Securus system using the inmate’s TDCJ ID number. Calls are blocked until registration is complete — the inmate calls, nothing connects, and neither side knows why without this context.
Register at tdcj.texas.gov/offender_tele — follow the link to the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment. For technical issues, contact TDCJ Inmate Technology Services at (800) 848-4284, Monday through Friday — confirm current hours at tdcj.texas.gov before calling.
TDCJ Remote Video Visitation — Rules and Limits
TDCJ offers Securus remote video visits at eligible facilities. Key rules per TDCJ official policy:
Video Visit Rules (Source: TDCJ)
Sessions are typically 60 minutes. (Confirm current pricing at tdcj.texas.gov — rates are subject to change.) Per current TDCJ policy, inmates are limited to one remote video visit per month — confirm current rules before scheduling. Visits run on a fixed schedule — confirm the exact start-time policy at tdcj.texas.gov before booking. Not all TDCJ units are eligible. Confirm eligibility at tdcj.texas.gov/news/remote_video_visitation.html before booking.
How to Post Bond at a Texas County Jail
Bond information for county jail detainees is found on the county jail roster — not the TDCJ search. The TDCJ Offender Search only covers people already in state custody. If your person is still in a county jail awaiting trial or transfer, bond is handled at the county level.
Step 1 — Find the Bond Amount
The bond amount appears on the county jail roster for the county of arrest. For the major Texas counties, check the online roster linked in the county directory above. For counties without online rosters, call the county sheriff’s office directly — they can confirm the bond amount and type by name or booking number.
Step 2 — Understand Bond Type
Texas county jails use two primary bond types. A cash bond requires the full dollar amount paid directly to the county — accepted at the jail or courthouse. A surety bond allows a licensed Texas bail bondsman to post the bond, typically charging a non-refundable fee — confirm the exact rate with the bondsman before proceeding. Verify which type applies before making payment arrangements.
Step 3 — Pay at the Correct Location
Each county processes bond payments differently. In Harris County, bond is posted at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. In Dallas County, at the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Contact the specific county sheriff or jail directly to confirm the current bond payment location, accepted payment methods, and hours — these vary by county and are subject to change.
⚠ Bond rules, fees, and procedures depend on the court order and the individual case. Always confirm current bond information with the relevant county sheriff or a licensed attorney before making payment arrangements.
How to Visit Someone at a TDCJ Facility
Visitor Approval Process
All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list before the first visit. Submit a visitor application through the specific unit of assignment — each unit handles this separately, and approval can take time. Contact the unit directly by phone to request an application and confirm current visiting hours before you travel.
For visits to specialized units — the Polunsky Unit (death row, Livingston), medical facilities, or psychiatric units — contact the unit directly before planning a visit. Standard visitor approval does not cover these facilities.
Dress Code and What to Bring
TDCJ enforces its dress code at the entrance with no exceptions. Do not wear orange or tan clothing resembling inmate uniforms, revealing clothing, gang-related insignia, or open-toed shoes at most facilities. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Leave electronics and bags in your vehicle. Call the specific unit to confirm their current requirements before your first visit — individual units may have stricter rules than the baseline policy.
🔔 Texas VINE — Get Notified When Status Changes
Register at VINELink.com for free automatic alerts — by phone, text, or email — when an inmate’s custody status changes: releases, unit transfers, escapes, re-incarcerations. Covers both TDCJ state facilities and participating Texas county jails. Register or call 1-877-894-8477 anytime, 24/7.
Texas VINELink Setup Guide →Texas TDCJ — System Overview and Key Facts
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates one of the largest state prison systems in the United States. TDCJ manages more than 137,000 incarcerated individuals across more than 100 correctional facilities — state prisons, state jails, transfer facilities, pre-release units, and private facilities under state contract.
TDCJ’s primary operational division is the Correctional Institutions Division (CID), which oversees daily facility operations. The Parole Division supervises people released to community supervision. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles — a separate agency — makes parole decisions.
Notable TDCJ facilities families frequently ask about: the Huntsville Unit (“The Walls”) — the oldest TDCJ facility and site of executions; Polunsky Unit (Livingston) — men’s death row; Coffield Unit (Tennessee Colony) — one of the largest TDCJ prisons by population; and Mountain View Unit (Gatesville) — women’s death row.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) separately regulates the state’s 243 county and private jails with an average daily population of approximately 71,235. These are independent from TDCJ in records, operations, and oversight.