This page helps users handle an inmate search in Orange County, California, and understand the main official options for inmate information, custody contacts, visitation, mail, accounts, and bail.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department provides the Inmate Information System through its Public Services Portal. Users should be ready to create an account or sign in before using the system.

Inmate Information System

The main online resource for an Orange County inmate search is the Inmate Information System from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The system is housed in the Public Services Portal and uses sign-in and authentication requirements.

New users are required to create an account with an email address and password. Returning users can sign in through the OC Sheriff’s Public Services Portal.

  • Go to the Inmate Information System page.
  • Create an account or sign in through the Public Services Portal.
  • Use the portal to access available inmate information.

Important: The current version of the Inmate Information System does not provide inmate charges.

Get inmate information services

The Sheriff’s Department also provides a public inmate information page for related custody needs. Users can review the Get Inmate Information page for official options tied to inmate location, inmate accounts, clothing exchange, inmate property, and bail or bond.

  • Locate an inmate
  • Deposit money to an inmate account
  • Exchange inmate clothes
  • Pick up inmate property
  • Post bail or bond for an inmate

Inmate charges and booking information limits

The Inmate Information System and Booking Log are online. The Sheriff’s Department notes that additional online public services are still being developed.

Because inmate charges are not available in the current version of the system, bail bonds personnel who need charge information should continue using the current method available to them.

Inmate accounts, bail, and bonds

For inmate accounts, the jail cashiering offices accept cash, government checks made payable to the inmate, and money orders. Money orders must be payable to the “County of Orange – Sheriff’s Department” and must show the inmate’s name and booking number.

Personal checks, cashier’s checks, and traveler’s checks are not accepted for inmate accounts. Funds are made available for inmate use approximately 30 minutes after the transaction is completed, and inmate accounts may have a maximum balance of $500.

Bail cash payments may be made at the Intake Release Center Jail Cashiering office. Accepted bail payment types include cash, bank cashier’s checks, personal checks, money orders, and traveler’s checks, subject to the Sheriff’s Department rules for verification, exact amounts, identification, and payment type limits. Review the Cashier & Bail Information page before attempting to pay.

Bonds are accepted at the Intake Release Center and Theo Lacy Facility. The Sheriff’s Department does not recommend or direct users to any bail bond agent or company.

Visiting, phone calls, video visits, and mail

Public visiting is limited to four visits per inmate each week, with one visit per day from Friday through Monday. Visitors must call the facility where the inmate is currently housed to make an appointment. The Visiting Hours Information page lists the jail facilities used for appointment setup.

The inmate phone call and video visitation system is provided by ViaPath Technologies, also identified as Global Tel Inc. or GTL, and is not owned or operated by the OC Sheriff’s Department. All communications, phone calls, and video visits are subject to monitoring and recording.

Inmates may send and receive unlimited correspondence unless limits are justified for public safety, facility order, or compliance with state or federal law. Incoming and outgoing mail is subject to search before delivery. The inmate’s name and booking number are required on all mail items.

Orange County inmate contact information

Use these Sheriff’s Department contacts for inmate records, jail facilities, cashiering, and related custody questions.

  • Inmate Records, 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
    Phone: (714) 647-4666
  • Central Men’s & Women’s Jails, 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
    Phone: (714) 647-4666
  • Intake Release Center, 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
    Phone: (714) 647-6063
  • Intake and Release Center Jail Cashiering, 550 North Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
    Phone: (714) 647-6085
    Hours: 24 hours a day
  • Theo Lacy Facility, 501 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868
    Phone: (714) 935-6940
  • Theo Lacy Jail Facility Cashiering, 501 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868
    Phone: (714) 935-6905
    Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • James A. Musick Facility, 13420 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618
    Phone: (949) 855-2600
  • Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Dispatch
    Phone: (714) 647-7000 or (949) 770-6011

Common questions

Where do I search for an Orange County inmate online?

Use the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information System. You must create an account or sign in through the Public Services Portal.

Does the online inmate system show charges?

No. The current version of the Inmate Information System does not provide the ability to view inmate charges.

Who should I contact to verify bail details?

Contact Inmate Records before attempting to pay bail to verify the full name, booking number, full bail amount, and acceptable payment methods.

Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?

Public visitors must call the facility where the inmate is housed and make an appointment. Public visiting is limited to four visits per inmate each week, with one visit per day from Friday through Monday.

What information is required on inmate mail?

The inmate’s name and booking number are required on all mail items sent to the facility where the inmate is housed.