This page helps users with an inmate locator need in Santa Clara County, California, including where to search for custody information and which Sheriff’s Office contacts can help with related jail questions.
The main public path is the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff “Who’s in Custody” Inmate Search, with additional custody, visitation, commissary, and records services handled through the Sheriff’s Office.
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search
Use the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Inmate Search to look for people currently listed in custody. The search page is labeled “Who’s in Custody” and is the primary online inmate locator for Santa Clara County.
Search the Sheriff’s Office inmate locator.
Tip: The search tool may require you to complete the “I’m not a robot” check before results are available.
Custody Bureau and jail facilities
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Custody Bureau operates the county jail system and related custody services. The custody system includes the Main Jail Facility and the Elmwood Correctional Men’s and Women’s Facilities.
The Main Jail Complex is located in downtown San Jose and books about 30,000 people each year. Elmwood in Milpitas includes separate men’s and women’s facilities.
- Main Jail Complex: 150 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110.
- Elmwood Complex - Men’s Facility: 945 Thompson Street, Milpitas, CA 95035.
- Elmwood Complex - Women’s Facility: 701 South Abel Street, Milpitas, CA 95035.
Visit scheduling after locating an inmate
Social in-person visits are scheduled through the Sheriff’s Online Visiting Registration system. All visitors must be registered and approved before signing up for visits.
Beginning February 18, 2026, visitors must re-register using the new Online Visiting Registration website to schedule new visits. Visits already scheduled between February 18 and March 9 will be honored, but they will not be visible in the new system.
Review jail visit registration information.
- Visitor approval may take up to seven business days for Main Jail registration.
- Visitors must present a current government-issued photo ID.
- Visitors must check in 30 minutes before the scheduled visit.
- Visits may be canceled because of facility emergencies or inmate housing changes.
Commissary and inmate account options
After confirming custody status, families and friends may use the custody commissary options to deposit money or purchase gift packs for an incarcerated person. Commissary items may include food, hygiene products, stationery, reading glasses, and personal items.
Review custody commissary options.
| Option | What it supports | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby kiosk | Deposits by cash, Visa, or MasterCard credit or debit card | Available at the Main Jail and Elmwood lobbies, with funds available within 24 hours. |
| Telephone | Deposits by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card | Call (866) 232-1899 and use facility code 295110. |
| Money order or cashier’s check | Deposits without a deposit fee | Include the inmate’s name, PFN number, and sender contact information. |
| Gift packs | Online item orders for delivery to custody facilities | Credit and debit card payments are accepted. |
Sheriff’s Office records and warrant information
The Records Division is the custodian of Sheriff’s Office records and is located in the lobby of Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in San Jose. In-person counter services are by appointment only.
For warrant information, the Records window can provide information to requesters who give the subject’s name and date of birth. A person checking their own warrant must show proper identification.
Local criminal record requests, report requests, visa or clearance records, and other Sheriff’s records services are handled by the Records Division. Some services have fees, and some services require in-person identification, mailed paperwork, or appointment scheduling.
Inmate locator contacts
Use these Sheriff’s Office and facility contacts for custody, visiting, records, and related inmate locator questions.
-
Office of the Sheriff, 55 West Younger Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-4400
Toll free: (800) 211-2220
Fax: (408) 294-2467
Email: so.website@shf.sccgov.org -
County of Santa Clara Main Jail, 150 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-2800
Phone: (408) 299-3438
Email: Visiting.MainJail@shf.sccgov.org -
Elmwood Complex - Men’s Facility, 945 Thompson Street, Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (408) 957-5300
Visiting phone: (408) 957-5900
Email: Visiting.Elmwood@shf.sccgov.org -
Elmwood Complex - Women’s Facility, 701 South Abel Street, Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (408) 957-5300
Visiting phone: (408) 957-5900
Email: Visiting.Elmwood@shf.sccgov.org -
Records Division, 55 West Younger Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 808-4705
Common questions
Where can I search for someone in Santa Clara County custody?
Use the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff “Who’s in Custody” Inmate Search to look for current custody information online.
Which agency handles the inmate locator for Santa Clara County?
The Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff handles the online inmate search and related custody services through its Custody Bureau.
What should I do after I find the person I am looking for?
If you plan to visit, use the Sheriff’s Online Visiting Registration information and make sure you are registered and approved before scheduling a visit.
Who handles Sheriff’s Office records or warrant information?
The Records Division handles Sheriff’s Office records services and warrant information at the Records window. In-person counter services are by appointment only.
Can I add money to an inmate account?
Yes. The custody commissary options include lobby kiosks, telephone deposits, mailed money orders or cashier’s checks, and online gift pack purchases.