Texas Inmate Search

We are so glad you came to this page. We will try our best to aid you with your Texas Inmate Records search.

If you want to start your Texas Inmate Records search right now, you can visit https://texasinmaterecords.com/. This site may help you find the data you need fast. It lets you look for folks held in many spots. Use it if you need quick facts.

Locating Texas Inmates: State, County, and City Systems

Find out how to look for people held in Texas. This task can seem big. But, there are tools to help. You can look at the state, county, or a smaller place. Each has its own way to share data.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Inmate Search

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) holds most state felons. They have ways for you to find data. You can look on the web. You can send an email. Or, you can call them. These steps help you find who you are looking for.

Online Offender Information Search Portal

The TDCJ has a tool on its web page. It is the Offender Information Search portal. You can get facts here. Look by name. Look by TDCJ six-digit number. Or, use the State Identification (SID) number. You can add sex or race to help narrow your search. This tool shows where they are held. It lists what they did wrong. It gives a date they might get out. This site is free to use. It helps the public find men and women in TDCJ care. The data is usually up to date within a day or two.

Email Requests to TDCJ

You can send an email to the TDCJ. Ask for data on a person held. You need their full name. You also need their TDCJ number. If you do not know the TDCJ number, give their date of birth. Send the email to classify@tdcj.texas.gov. Make sure the subject line of your email has the person's full name. This helps them find the file fast. This way is good if you cannot use the web tool. Or, if you need more help.

To ask for inmate records by mail from TDCJ, you can send a written request. Send it to: TDCJ - Classification and Records Department, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342-0099. In your letter, put the inmate's full name and TDCJ number. If you do not have the TDCJ number, put their full birth date. Say what data you need. It may take some time to get a reply by mail. Be sure your own mailing address is clear in the letter.

Telephone Inquiries to TDCJ

You can call TDCJ for help. For general inmate data, call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283. They take calls from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. If you want to know about parole, call the parole status line. That number is (844) 512-0461. Have the person's name and TDCJ number or SID number when you call. This will help them find the data you need. The staff can tell you where a person is. They can give some facts on their time.

Understanding TDCJ Inmate Classifications

When people first go to TDCJ, they are checked. They are searched. Their picture is taken. Their fingerprints are taken. They are asked things. This helps TDCJ learn of their past crimes. It checks their schooling. It looks at job history. It checks if they used drugs. They get a health check too. All these facts help sort them. Some go to state jails. These are for less serious crimes. Some go to a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF). This is for those with drug or drink issues. Most are in General Population (Gen Pop). Gen Pop 1 means they are in rooms outside the main fence. They may work outside with few guards. Gen Pop 2 means they are in rooms or cells inside the main fence. They may work outside but with armed guards. Some who are a risk live in Administrative Segregation. These are cells for one person. If a person is not a citizen of the U.S., they can ask TDCJ to tell their home land's embassy.

County Jail Inmate Search

Each county in Texas runs its own jail. These jails hold people waiting for trial. They also hold those with short jail times. Most county sheriff's offices have websites. These sites often have ways to look for people held.

Online Inmate Locators

Many Texas counties let you look for jail inmates online. For example, Harris County has a tool on its [sheriff's website](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.harriscountyso.org/JailInfo/ διαφορετικα_καθε_μεραaspx). Dallas County also has an online jail lookup. Jefferson County (Inmate Search) and Collin County (Inmate Information) provide these tools too. To use them, you often need the person's name. Sometimes a birth date or booking number helps. The tool will show booking facts. It may list the crimes. It may show the bond sum. These tools are free. They help you find people in county jails fast. Each county site may look a bit different. But they all aim to give public data.

Contacting County Jails Directly

If you cannot find the person online, try to call the jail. You can go to the sheriff's office in person. Or, you can call or send an email. For Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, call (409) 835-8411. The jail phone is (409) 726-2500. The main Jefferson County Courthouse is at 1149 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. Their hours are mostly 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. For Collin County Detention Bureau, call (972) 547-5100. The main office is at 4300 Bloorndale Road, McKinney, TX 75071. Their hours are set for visits and calls. It is best to check their website for the right times. You should have the person's full name. Their birth date is also good to have. These jails can tell you if someone is there. They can give rules for visits or sending mail.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office main office is at 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002. You can call them at (713) 755-6044 for jail data. Their hours for public needs are usually 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. The Dallas County Jail is at 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. For data on people held there, call (214) 761-9025. Check their site for hours of operation for specific needs. Each jail has its own forms for asking for data in person or by mail. You might need to fill one out.

City Jail Inmate Search

Some cities in Texas have their own jails. These are for people who break city laws. Or, for those waiting to move to a county jail. You can check the city police website. Some have tools to look for people held. If not, you can call the city jail. Ask them if the person is there. Small town jails may have less data online.

Federal Inmate Search (for inmates in federal prisons located in Texas)

If a person broke a federal law, they are in a federal prison. Texas has several federal prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has a tool.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator Tool

The BOP Inmate Locator is on their website. You can look by name. Or, use their BOP register number. This tool shows people held from 1982 to now. It tells you where they are. It gives a release date too. This is for federal prisons all over the U.S., not just Texas.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

For older federal prison data, you need NARA. NARA keeps files from 1870 to 1981. You may need to ask NARA for these old files. Their website gives facts on how to ask.

Accessing Different Types of Texas Inmate Records

Knowing where someone is held is one part. Getting their records is another. Texas has laws on what is public. Some files are easy to get. Others need more steps.

Criminal Court Records

Court files show what happened in a case. Most court files are public. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) lets people see many state files. But, court files fall under Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. This rule guides how courts share their files.

Where to Obtain Records

To get court files, go to the court where the case was heard. This could be a District Clerk's office. It could be a County Clerk's office. These offices keep files for their courts. For a person's whole crime list in Texas, check the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS has a Crime Records Division. They do background checks for jobs. Some state groups, like the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC), keep files on people they license. If you need files from JBCC, they have a Request for Records Form. You can email it to jbcc@txcourts.gov. Or mail it to PO Box 12066, Austin, TX 78711-2066. Their main office is at 205 W. 14th, Ste. 600 Austin, TX 78701. Call them at (512) 475-4368. Their work hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

You can ask for court case files in person at the court clerk’s office. Most of these offices are open 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. You may need to fill out a form. Say the case number if you know it. Or, use the names of the people in the case. Fees may be charged for copies. The clerk can tell you the cost. For DPS crime history, you must use their forms. Their website shows how to ask. This is often used for job checks. You must give the person's full name and birth date. Fingerprints may be needed too.

Online Court Record Databases

Some Texas court files are online. re:SearchTX is a website. It has civil case files from many counties. Some parts are free. For full files, you may pay. The Texas Appeals Management and eFiling System (TAMES) Case Search has files too. These are from the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and courts of appeals. You can view some for free. Some large counties like Bexar, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Harris, Tarrant, and Travis have their own online databases. Check the District Clerk or County Clerk website for your county. These can show civil, criminal, family, and probate case files.

Felony Records

Felony crimes are more serious. These files are usually kept by the District Clerk's office in the county where the crime was judged. A felony file will have many details. It will show the charge, court dates, pleas, and the court's choice. It will also show the punishment. You can ask for these files at the District Clerk's office. Some may be online. Others you must ask for in person or by mail. There might be a fee to get copies.

Misdemeanor Records

Misdemeanor crimes are less serious than felonies. County Clerks' offices keep these files. For example, the Travis County Clerk has data online from June 1986. They have pictures of files from December 2005. They keep Class A and B misdemeanors. They also have Class C ones if they were appealed from a lower court. To ask for a search, you need the person's name and birth date. Travis County Clerk can be reached at (512) 854-9188. Their hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their main office is at 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751. The Jefferson County Clerk also does misdemeanor searches. They have a form for this. There are fees for searches and copies. A search may cost $10 per name. These searches do not include federal crimes or files from other counties.

A request form for misdemeanor records can often be found on the county clerk's website. For instance, the Jefferson County Clerk's office is at 1085 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. You can call them at (409) 835-8475 for fees and hours. Their office hours are generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. When you request, give as much info as you can. This helps make sure the search is for the right person. You can ask for a plain copy or a certified copy. A certified copy has a stamp from the clerk. It says the copy is true and right. These cost more.

Older Inmate and Court Records

Finding old files can be hard. If the case was long ago, the court where it was heard is the first place to check. The Texas State Law Library may have tips or guides too. For very old federal inmate files (1870-1981), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the place to go. Check their website for how to ask.

Interacting With and Supporting Texas Inmates

Once you find someone, you may want to reach out. Or, send help. There are rules for this. Each place has its own ways.

TDCJ Inmate Visitation

Seeing a person in TDCJ care needs planning. TDCJ has rules for all visits. These keep the place safe and in order. Breaking rules can mean no visit.

Online Visitation Portal

If you live in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, you can use the TDCJ online visitation portal. You must make a user page. The person held must have you on their approved list. Once you are approved, you can book a visit. You can book up to seven days before you want to go. If you need help, call the unit where the person is.

Visitation Rules and Regulations

You must be 17 or older to visit. You need a good state or federal ID card with your photo. Most times, just one adult can visit at a time. Up to two children (16 or younger) can come with an approved adult. Get there 30 minutes before your booked time. This lets them check your ID. Do not bring much with you. No phones, bags, food, or drinks are let in. Some spots have lockers for your things. You can keep the locker key. There is a dress code. No clothes that show too much. Sleeves must go halfway down your upper arm. Skirts or shorts must be at least to your mid-thigh. No tight clothes like spandex unless you wear shorts or a skirt over them. Lawyers can visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Church visits have some time limits. Visits are a gift, not a right. They can be stopped if rules are not kept.

County Jail Visitation

County jails also have rules for visits. These can change from one county to the next. Check the sheriff's website for the rules. For example, the Harris County Sheriff's Office lets you book visits. Call (713) 755-5300 for data (this is a general line; specific scheduling numbers might vary per facility). Their main jail visit spot is often listed by facility, with a key address being 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX. You must book at least 24 hours ahead. You need ID and must dress right. LaSalle Jefferson County Downtown, TX, also needs you to book. Call (409) 434-4653 from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Visit times there change by day. For example, Monday is 1 PM to 4 PM. Wednesday and Friday are 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Visit hours and rules for county jails change a lot. For Collin County Detention Facility (4300 Bloorndale Road, McKinney, TX 75071), check their website or call (972) 547-5100 for the most current visit plans and rules. Many jails now use video visits too. Some are free. Some cost money. These let you see and talk to the person through a screen. You may need to sign up for this online through a third-party site that works with the jail. Always check the specific jail's website for their hours of operation for visiting, as these can change.

Sending Money to Texas Inmates

People in jail or prison can get money. This money goes in a trust fund or commissary account. They can use it to buy things like food, soap, or stamps.

TDCJ Commissary & Trust Fund Deposit

For TDCJ inmates, you can send money through eCommDirect. This is on the Texas.gov website. If you have tech issues, call 1-877-452-9060. For other help with TDCJ money, call (936) 437-4726. The office that helps with this is in Huntsville. Check the TDCJ site for the right forms or steps.

County Jail Inmate Accounts

County jails use different ways to get money. Bexar County uses Access Corrections. You can send money online at their website. You can call 866-345-1884 day or night. There are bilingual people to help. You can pay in person at some stores that use Cash Pay Today. Call 844-340-CASH (2274) to find one. There is an Access Corrections app for phones too. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is at 200 North Comal Street, San Antonio, TX 78207. Their main phone is (210) 335-6010. Their hours are M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM. Collin County uses a TouchPay portal (details often found via the Sheriff's Office inmate information page). Check the Collin County Sheriff's website for details on how to send money.

Sending Mail and Care Packages

You can send mail to people in jail. There are rules for what you can send. Care packages with approved items can also be sent.

TDCJ Mail Procedures

TDCJ has strict rules for mail. All mail is opened and checked, except some mail from lawyers. Do not send things that are not allowed. Check the TDCJ website (look for offender rules or mail information). It will list what you can and cannot send. It will also give the right way to address your mail. This helps it get to the person.

County Jail Mail and Care Packages

County jails also have mail rules. Bexar County uses Access SecurePak for care packages. You can order online from their website. Or, call 1-800-546-6283. They sell kits with snacks, food, and writing stuff. All items are approved by the jail. Collin County Sheriff's office also has data on their website. It tells how to send mail and care packs. Always check the specific jail's rules before you send anything. This stops your mail or pack from being turned back.

Inmate Programs and Services (County Level)

Some county jails have programs for people held there. Collin County, for example, lists inmate programs on its sheriff's website. These can be things like school classes. Or, drug or alcohol help. Or, faith services. These programs aim to help people held. They help them get ready to leave jail. Check the jail's site or call them to learn more.

Texas Parole and Release Information

Parole is when a person is let out of prison early. They must follow rules while on parole. Not all people held get parole.

Understanding Parole in Texas

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) decides who gets parole. They also look at clemency. Clemency can be a full pardon. This forgives the crime. It gives back all civil rights. A conditional pardon lets someone out if they act well. If they break rules, they go back to prison. The BPP looks at how long someone has served. For some crimes, they must serve one-third of their time. Or, up to 15 years for long terms, to be looked at for parole. You can call the BPP in Austin. The number is (844) 512-0451. They are there 8 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday to Friday. For general questions, email bpp-pio@tdcj.texas.gov. The BPP main office is at 209 West 14th Street, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78701.

The TDCJ Parole Division watches people once they are on parole. For data on someone who has been granted parole and their release status, call (512) 406-5202. If you have questions about where a parolee is, how they are watched, or their acts, you can email div@tdcj.texas.gov. The Parole Division headquarters is in Austin. Their work hours are typically 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.

Checking Parole Status

You can check if someone is up for parole. Or, if they are on parole. The TDCJ Offender Information Search portal shows a projected release date. This date may be linked to parole. You can also call or email the BPP or the TDCJ Parole Division. You will need the person's name. Their SID or TDCJ number is best. If you do not have those, give their full name and birth date.

Projected Release Date vs. Actual Release Date

The projected release date on the TDCJ site is not a sure thing. Some people may be let out on Mandatory Supervision. This means they are let out on their projected date if they have served enough time and meet rules. But, the BPP can choose not to let someone out, even if they are up for it. Many things can change a release date. Good behavior can help. Bad behavior can hurt. The date can change.

TDCJ Absconders and Tip Lines

If someone on parole runs off, they are an absconder. TDCJ tries to find them. If you know where an absconder is, call the TDCJ Tip Line. The number is 866-680-6667. You can call this line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to give your name.

Resources for Victims of Crime in Texas

If you are a victim of a crime, there is help for you in Texas. State and local groups give aid and support.

Office of the Texas Governor - Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division

The Governor's Office has programs for victims. The Criminal Justice Division runs a VOCA-Funded Victim Assistance Program. VOCA means Victims of Crime Act. This program helps fund groups that give services right to victims. You can call them at (512) 463-1919. Their website is https://gov.texas.gov/organization/cjd/victims-programs. Their main office is in Austin, TX, at the State Capitol Complex. Their office hours are generally 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Texas Office of the Attorney General - Crime Victims' Compensation Program

The Attorney General's Office helps crime victims with money. The Crime Victims' Compensation Program can help pay for costs from the crime. This could be for doctor bills or lost pay. Call them at (800) 983-9933. Their website is https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cvs/crime-victims-compensation. The main office for this program is in Austin. Forms to ask for help can be found on their website. You can often fill these out and send them in by mail or online. Their phone lines are usually open during normal business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.

County and City Level Victim Services

Many local police departments and sheriff's offices have their own victim services. For example, the Dallas Police Department Victim Services Unit helps victims. They give help in a crisis. They go to court with victims. They help with safety plans. They help victims ask for compensation. The Dallas Police Department Victim Services Unit is at Jack Evans Police Headquarters, 1400 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215. The Crimes Against Persons Division main number is (214) 671-3584. The Victim Services Coordinator is at (214) 671-3588. Their office hours for walk-in help or calls are typically 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Check your local police or sheriff's website for data on victim services near you.

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) Enrollment

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a free service. It tells victims if an offender's custody status changes. For example, if they are released or moved. You can sign up for VINE through many local law groups or online. This helps keep victims safe and informed.

Helpful Resources

Texas Warrant Search | Dallas County Jail | Fort Worth Jail