This page helps with a CDCR inmate locator need in California by explaining how to use the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS), what the results can show, and when to contact CDCR staff for help.

CIRIS is provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a public service for selected incarcerated person information. Use it carefully, and verify important details through the proper court, jurisdiction, facility, or CDCR contact when needed.

California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS)

The main statewide tool for a CDCR inmate locator search is search California incarcerated person records in CIRIS. Before using the search, read the CDCR disclaimer and click the "Agree" button to continue.

  • Open CIRIS and review the disclaimer carefully.
  • Accept the disclaimer if you agree to the terms shown by CDCR.
  • Use the search results only as informational records, not as an official CDCR record.
  • Check identity details carefully before relying on a match.

Use extra caution with common names. CDCR warns that mistaken identification can occur when relying only on details such as name, age, CDCR number, admitted date, or current location.

What CIRIS results can and cannot confirm

CIRIS gives access to selected incarcerated person information, but CDCR states that the website is informational only. It may include errors or omissions and may not reflect a person’s true name, age, CDCR number, current location, commitment county, admitted date, or parole eligible date.

Information about some incarcerated persons is not included in CIRIS. If the search does not locate the person, use CDCR’s Identification Unit for assistance rather than assuming the person is not in CDCR custody.

If you need conviction information, contact the court or jurisdiction tied to the case. CIRIS is not presented as the official source for conviction records.

Facility location and housing follow-up

After locating a person, you may need facility details for mail, money, packages, or visiting. The CDCR Facility Locator provides an interactive map that can be filtered by facility type and opened directly in Google Maps.

For written contact, CDCR says mail should include the incarcerated person’s full name, CDC#, institution name, P.O. Box, housing when available, city, state, and ZIP. If you need the CDCR number or housing assignment, contact the institution or Public Information Officer.

Contacting and supporting an incarcerated person

CDCR provides separate Family & Friends Services pages for contact, visitation, money, and approved vendor packages. These steps often depend on the person’s CDCR number and current institution.

  • For mail, include the person’s full name, CDC#, institution name, P.O. Box, housing when available, city, CA, and ZIP.
  • For phone contact, the incarcerated person must initiate outgoing calls.
  • For visits, use CDCR visitation information to check status, schedule, and prepare.
  • For sending money, look up the CDCR number and determine the person’s location first.
  • For quarterly packages, use only approved vendors for incarcerated people in California State Prison.

CDCR states that, beginning January 1, 2023, telephone audio calls from an incarcerated person in a California state prison are free to the incarcerated person and their friends and families. Phone calls are limited to 15 minutes.

Visitation, money, and package resources

Use the official CDCR service pages that match the task you need after the locator search.

Task Official CDCR resource Key point
Visit scheduling review CDCR visitation information CDCR lists steps for approval, visiting status, scheduling, and visit preparation.
Sending money review CDCR money options CDCR says to look up the CDCR number and facility location first.
Sending packages review CDCR approved package vendors Family members cannot send quarterly packages directly to people incarcerated in California State Prison.
Institution details view the list of CDCR adult institutions The list includes institution names, physical addresses, and main phone numbers.

CDCR contact options

Use these contacts when you cannot locate a person, need assistance with a locator issue, or need a CDCR complaint or policy question routed through the appropriate office.

  • CDCR Identification Unit
    Phone: (916) 445-6713
    Hours: Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
  • California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of the Ombudsman, P O Box 942883, Sacramento, CA 94283-0001
    Phone: (916) 445-1773
  • CDCR Office of Research Data Concierge Service
    Email: data.requests@cdcr.ca.gov

Common questions

Where do I search for a CDCR inmate locator record in California?

Use the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search. CDCR requires users to read and accept the disclaimer before using the service.

Is CIRIS an official CDCR record?

No. CDCR states that CIRIS is an informational service only and should not be relied on as an official CDCR record.

What should I do if I cannot locate an incarcerated person?

Contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. If the person has a common name, CDCR says a date of birth will be required.

Where should I get conviction information?

For conviction information, contact the court or jurisdiction connected to the case. CIRIS is not the official conviction record source.

Who can help with CDCR complaints or policy questions?

The CDCR Office of the Ombudsman can listen, answer questions, explain CDCR policies and procedures, suggest referrals, and help address complaints at the lowest possible level.

Choose a County in California

Find local search steps and office contacts for your area below.