This page helps with Inmate Search in Texas by showing where to look, what details to enter, and what to do if the person is not in state custody. It focuses on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and its public inmate lookup options.

The main statewide tool is TDCJ Inmate Search. Use official channels for current information, and remember that this site is not a government agency and does not provide legal advice or guarantees.

Have the right identifying details ready before you search.

  • The inmate’s last name and at least the first initial of the first name
  • The 7-digit TDCJ number, if you have it
  • The SID number, if you have it

The online search can also be narrowed with gender or race. Name searches use an exact match for the last name entered.

  • Open search the TDCJ inmate database.
  • Enter either the name combination, the TDCJ number, or the SID number.
  • Review the result for inmate location and other available inmate information.
  • If you are an inmate relative planning pickup, call the unit before you go.

Important: the online service includes only inmates currently incarcerated in a TDCJ facility, and the information is updated on working days only and is at least 24 hours old.

What the statewide search covers

The TDCJ online lookup is limited to people who are currently in a TDCJ facility. If you do not find the person there, they may be in another confinement setting instead of state prison custody.

For facility-level follow-up after you identify a unit, use the view the TDCJ unit directory to check unit names, cities, counties, operators, gender designations, and facility types.

If the person is not under TDCJ supervision, the state notes that you may need to contact the holding facility directly. That can include federal custody, another state department of corrections, or a city jail or other Texas law enforcement agency.

Other ways to request inmate information

If the online search does not give you what you need, TDCJ also provides telephone and email request options for inmate information such as location, offenses, and projected release date.

For phone requests, the offices listed are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. If you do not know the inmate’s TDCJ or SID number, telephone requests require the exact date of birth.

For email requests, send the inmate’s full name and 7-digit TDCJ number to pia@tdcj.texas.gov. If you do not know the TDCJ number, provide the exact date of birth, or if that is not known, the approximate age and county of conviction. Include the inmate’s name in the subject line. TDCJ states there is no charge for this service.

Questions about classification can be sent to classify@tdcj.texas.gov. Technical problems with the search page can be sent to webadmin@tdcj.texas.gov.

Contact TDCJ inmate information offices

Use the contact below that matches the type of status or help you need.

  • TDCJ Inmate Locator/General Information Line
    Huntsville: (936) 295-6371
    Toll free Texas: (800) 535-0283
  • Board of Pardons and Paroles status line
    Parole review status before release vote: (844) 512-0461
  • Parole Division status line
    Parole release status after release vote: (512) 406-5202
  • TDCJ public information email requests
    Email: pia@tdcj.texas.gov
  • TDCJ classification questions
    Email: classify@tdcj.texas.gov
  • TDCJ website technical support
    Email: webadmin@tdcj.texas.gov

Common questions

TDCJ says you need either the last name and at least the first initial of the first name, or the TDCJ number, or the SID number. If you are using a name, the system looks for an exact match on the last name. Start with the online search if you have one of those combinations.

The online lookup only includes inmates currently incarcerated in a TDCJ facility. If no result appears, the person may be in federal custody, another state system, a city jail, or another Texas confinement facility. In that situation, contact the holding facility directly.

How current is the TDCJ online inmate information?

TDCJ states that the website is updated on working days only and that the information is at least 24 hours old. Treat the online result as a public status tool rather than a real-time feed. If timing matters, call the appropriate TDCJ line or the unit directly.

Can I request inmate information by email instead of using the website?

Yes. TDCJ says you can email pia@tdcj.texas.gov for inmate information requests. Include the inmate’s full name and 7-digit TDCJ number, or provide the exact date of birth if the number is unknown.

What phone number should I use for parole status in Texas?

Use the Board of Pardons and Paroles status line at (844) 512-0461 for parole review status before the release vote. Use the Parole Division status line at (512) 406-5202 after the person has been voted to be released. For general inmate location help, use the Huntsville line or the Texas toll-free status line.

Choose a County in Texas

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