This page helps with an Inmate Search in North Carolina by explaining the main official search tools, what they cover, and where to go for related custody, supervision, and victim notification information.

The main statewide lookup is the NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Public Information search, which covers state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees.

Use the NC DAC Offender Public Information search to look up people in North Carolina state prison custody or under NC DAC supervision.

The search form allows one or more criteria. Helpful fields include:

  • Offender status, such as active inmate, active probationer/parolee, inactive, or all
  • Last name, first name, middle initial, or last name sounds like
  • Offender number
  • Gender, race, ethnic group, birth date, or age range

Use the most specific information available first. An offender number is usually the narrowest search term when you have it.

  • Choose the offender status that best fits the person you are searching for.
  • Enter a name, offender number, or other available identifying details.
  • Run the search and review the matching records carefully.
  • If you need to contact NC DAC about a specific person, include the person’s first name, last name, and offender ID number when available.

What the statewide search covers

The NC DAC offender database provides information on North Carolina state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees. It includes historical information back to 1972.

The NC DAC offender database does not include county jail information. For broader custody-status notification support, North Carolina VINE includes county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.

You can review the NC DAC overview of North Carolina offender search options for the official list of public search tools.

Custody notifications and victim services

North Carolina VINE provides custody status information and confidential notifications. Notifications may be available by phone call, email, text message, or TTY for the hearing impaired.

Use North Carolina VINE when you need notification services or help tracking custody status changes.

Victim Support Services also assists victims and family members with prison, probation, parole, and post-release supervision questions, including approximate release date, location, escapes or captures, death, custody levels, and unwanted contact concerns.

Different official tools serve different search needs. Use the tool that matches the record type or status you need.

Tool Best use
NC DAC Offender Public Information Search by name or offender ID for state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees.
Automated System Query Create statistical reports about the incarcerated and supervised population, not named offender records.
North Carolina VINE Register for custody status notifications and victim service support.
NC Sex Offender Registry Search residential locations of registered sex offenders in North Carolina.
ICOTS Public Web Portal Search for offenders whose supervision has transferred to another state or is under interstate compact review.

The A.S.Q. custom offender reports tool is for counts and demographic reporting. It does not return specific offender identities.

Escapes, absconders, and facilities

NC DAC provides separate information for absconders, escapes and captures, inmate releases, and prison facilities. These tools can help when a person is under supervision, has moved facilities, or may not appear where expected in a basic search.

The NC absconders page lists people actively avoiding probation or parole supervision and provides a public tip line. The NC DAC institutions list provides prison facility names, custody levels, and facility locations.

Contact information for North Carolina inmate search help

Use these contacts for official help with offender information, victim services, notifications, or absconder tips.

  • North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, 214 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27603
    Mailing address: 5201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-5201
    Phone: (919) 733-2126
    Relay/TTY: (919) 866-3665
  • NC DAC contact form support
    Use for non-emergency questions about a person in custody or under supervision. If the inquiry relates to a specific person, provide the first name, last name, and offender ID number.
  • Victim Support Services
    Toll-free: (866) 719-0108
    Email: svc_dac_victimservices@dac.nc.gov
  • North Carolina VINE
    Phone support: (877) 627-2826
  • NC DAC absconder tip line
    Phone: (888) 646-0024

Common questions

Where do I search for a North Carolina inmate?

Use the NC DAC Offender Public Information search for state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees. Search by name, offender number, status, or other available identifying details.

Does the NC DAC offender search include county jail inmates?

No. The NC DAC offender database does not include county jail information. North Carolina VINE includes county jail inmates for custody-status and notification services.

What should I provide when contacting NC DAC about a specific person?

If your question relates to a person in an NC DAC facility or under NC DAC supervision, provide the person’s first name, last name, and offender ID number.

Can I get custody status notifications in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina VINE offers confidential custody status notifications and phone support for help locating an offender or registering for notifications.

Where can I find North Carolina prison facility information?

NC DAC maintains an institutions list with prison facility names, custody levels, and facility locations across North Carolina.