This page helps users handle an inmate search in Cook County, Illinois, using the official Individual in Custody Locator and related Cook County Department of Corrections resources.

Use the locator first to search by name or booking number, then use Cook County Sheriff’s Office contacts for visitation, bond, mail, trust accounts, property, or discharge questions.

Individual in Custody Locator

The main online search tool for a Cook County inmate search is the Individual in Custody Locator. It lets users search for a person currently listed in custody.

Have one of these search options ready:

  • Full first name and full last name
  • Booking ID, entered without a hyphen

Use the information exactly as you have it. A booking number search can be useful when a name is common or spelling is uncertain.

  • Go to the official locator.
  • Enter the full first and last name, or enter the booking ID without a hyphen.
  • Submit the search and review the matching custody record.
  • Use the listed information to follow up on visitation, bond, mail, property, or trust account needs.

Cook County Department of Corrections information

The Cook County Department of Corrections manages the Cook County Jail at 2700 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608. The department provides custody-related information and public support for jail services.

For general jail information, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office lists the Customer Service Main Line for bonding, discharge, property pick-up or recovery, court hearing times and locations, trust funds, and related questions.

Tip: If a search result does not answer your next question, use the official jail contact lines rather than guessing from unofficial listings.

You can also review the Cook County Department of Corrections page for jail location and department information.

Visitation after locating an individual in custody

Visitation starts with the custody listing. The FAQ for the locator says to apply by searching for the individual in custody; a “Register online” link is provided next to the person’s photo.

Visitors over age 17 must complete an application. A separate application is needed for each individual in custody you want to visit. Visitors age 17 and under do not complete the application, but must be accompanied by an approved visitor who is visiting the same individual in custody.

Applications are processed within 7 business days. After that period, users may contact the Visitor Information Center at (773) 674-8225 or email doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov to ask about approval status.

For scheduling details, use the Cook County Individual in Custody Visitation application. For division and housing-location guidance, review the Individual in Custody Visitation Schedules.

Mail, phone, trust account, and property next steps

Once you confirm the person’s booking information, several common jail services use the individual’s name and booking number.

  • Mail should include the individual’s name and booking number at 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.
  • If you do not know the booking number, use the locator or call the automated system at (773) 674-5245.
  • Friends and family phone account support is handled through ViaPath Support Customer Service at (877) 650-4249.
  • The Trust/Finance Office handles questions about adding money to a trust fund account.
  • Property pick-up rules depend on the division where the individual is housed.

For mail rules, review the Sheriff’s Office page on how to send mail to an Individual in Custody. For money deposits and commissary information, use the Individual in Custody Trust Account page.

Bonding and discharge questions

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office lists bonding information for family and friends of individuals in custody. Bond can be posted at Division 5, 2700 S. California Ave., from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 365 days a year.

Cash, bank checks, cashier checks, credit cards, and debit cards are listed as accepted payment options. Personal checks and money orders are not accepted. Credit or debit card bail payments include a non-refundable 2.13% service fee and must be made in person at 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.

Review the official Cook County bonding information before going in person. After bond is posted, discharge processing can take about 2 to 3 hours, and may take longer if GPS monitoring is required.

Cook County inmate search contacts

Use these contacts for official follow-up after using the locator.

  • Cook County Department of Corrections, 2700 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608
    Phone: (773) 674-1945
  • Customer Service Main Line
    Phone: (773) 674-1945
    Email: ccso.feedback@ccsheriff.org
    Hours: 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Automated Help Line
    Phone: (773) 674-5245
    Use for custody searches, bond payment information, visitation information, trust account information, property, commissary, mailroom, and records prompts.
  • Visitor Information Center
    Phone: (773) 674-8225
    Hotline hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Trust/Finance Office
    Phone: (773) 674-6864
    Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Records Office
    Phone: (773) 674-2390

Common questions

Where do I search for a Cook County individual in custody?

Use the official Individual in Custody Locator. You can search by full first and last name or by booking ID without a hyphen.

What if I only have a booking number?

Use the booking ID field in the locator and enter the number without a hyphen. The example format shown by the locator uses digits only.

How do I apply to visit someone in Cook County custody?

Search for the person in the locator first. A “Register online” link is provided next to the individual’s photo for the visitation application.

How long does visitation approval take?

Applications are processed within 7 business days. After that, call the Visitor Information Center at (773) 674-8225 or email [doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov](mailto:doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov) to ask about approval.

Do minors need a visitation application?

No. Visitors age 17 and under do not complete an application, but they must be accompanied by an approved visitor who is visiting the same individual in custody.

How do I find the booking number for mail or deposits?

Use the Individual in Custody Locator or call the automated system at (773) 674-5245. Mail and trust account deposits should use the exact name and booking number.

Where can family or friends post bond?

Bond can be posted at Division 5, 2700 S. California Ave., from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Some weekday courthouse locations are also listed for certain hours.