CDCR Inmate Locator: How to Find an Inmate in California Prisons

Posted: May 1, 2025 | By US Prison Guide Team

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) oversees one of the largest prison systems in the United States, housing over 95,000 inmates across 35 state prisons as of 2025. For families, friends, and legal advocates trying to locate an inmate in this vast system, the CDCR Inmate Locator is an essential tool, providing a public online platform to search for incarcerated individuals. Whether you’re looking to visit, send mail, or stay updated on an inmate’s status, this guide will walk you through how to use the CDCR Inmate Locator, what information it provides, and additional resources for connecting with inmates in California.

What Is the CDCR Inmate Locator?

The CDCR Inmate Locator is an online service provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help the public find inmates housed in state prisons. Accessible through the official CDCR website at cdcr.ca.gov, this tool allows users to search for inmates by their name or CDCR number, providing key details like their current facility, inmate number, and parole eligibility date. The locator is part of CDCR’s commitment to transparency, ensuring that families and legal representatives can stay connected with inmates while adhering to privacy and security protocols.

California’s prison system is massive, with facilities like San Quentin State Prison, Folsom State Prison, and Pelican Bay State Prison holding a diverse population of inmates, from those serving short sentences for non-violent crimes to individuals with life sentences for serious offenses. In 2025, the CDCR reported an inmate population of 95,425, down from a peak of 173,000 in 2006 due to reforms like Proposition 47, which reduced certain felonies to misdemeanors. The CDCR Inmate Locator is a lifeline for those navigating this complex system, offering a straightforward way to find loved ones behind bars.

How to Use the CDCR Inmate Locator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the CDCR Inmate Locator is a simple process, designed to be accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Whether you’re searching for a family member, friend, or client, here’s how to navigate the tool effectively to find the information you need.

Step 1: Access the CDCR Inmate Locator

Start by visiting the official CDCR website at cdcr.ca.gov. On the homepage, look for the “Inmate Locator” link, typically found under the “Inmate Services” or “Public Resources” section. As of May 1, 2025, the locator is prominently displayed on the site’s main navigation bar, making it easy to find. If you’re on a mobile device, the site is optimized for smaller screens, ensuring a seamless experience.

Step 2: Enter Search Information

The CDCR Inmate Locator requires you to input specific details to search for an inmate. You’ll need either the inmate’s full name (first and last) or their CDCR number, a unique identifier assigned to each inmate upon entering the system. For example, a CDCR number might look like “AA1234.” If you don’t know the CDCR number, using the full name is sufficient, though it may return multiple results if the name is common, such as “John Smith.”

To narrow your search, you can also enter additional details like the inmate’s date of birth or the last known facility, though these fields are optional. The locator uses a secure database updated daily, ensuring the information is current as of the last update, typically at midnight Pacific Time.

Step 3: Review the Results

After entering the search criteria, the CDCR Inmate Locator will display a list of matching inmates. Each result includes the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, age, current facility, and parole eligibility date, if applicable. For example, a search for “Michael Johnson” might return an inmate housed at California State Prison, Sacramento, with a parole eligibility date of June 2026. If the inmate has been paroled or released, the locator will indicate their status as “discharged” and provide the date of release.

The locator also includes a disclaimer noting that the information is for public use but may not reflect real-time changes, such as transfers between facilities or recent releases. If multiple results appear, you can use additional details like the CDCR number or date of birth to identify the correct individual.

Step 4: Take Action with the Information

Once you’ve located the inmate, the CDCR Inmate Locator provides the foundation for further action, such as arranging a visit, sending mail, or contacting the facility for more details. For example, if the locator shows an inmate at San Quentin State Prison, you can visit the CDCR website’s “Visiting” section to schedule an appointment, which requires pre-approval and adherence to strict guidelines, such as dress codes and visitor registration.

The locator does not provide sensitive information like the inmate’s exact cell location, medical history, or disciplinary record, as these are protected under privacy laws like the California Information Practices Act. However, it offers enough detail to help families stay connected, making the CDCR Inmate Locator a crucial tool for those navigating California’s prison system.

What Information Does the CDCR Inmate Locator Provide?

The CDCR Inmate Locator offers a range of details to help users understand an inmate’s status within the California prison system. While it prioritizes privacy and security, the tool provides enough information to facilitate communication and support. Here’s what you can expect to find when using the CDCR Inmate Locator:

Inmate’s Full Name: The legal name of the inmate, ensuring accurate identification.
CDCR Number: A unique identifier (e.g., “AA1234”) used for all official correspondence and inquiries.
Age: The inmate’s current age, helping to distinguish between individuals with similar names.
Current Facility: The prison where the inmate is housed, such as Folsom State Prison or Pelican Bay State Prison.
Admission Date: The date the inmate entered the CDCR system, providing a timeline of their incarceration.
Parole Eligibility Date: If applicable, the earliest date the inmate may be eligible for parole, though this is subject to change based on behavior and legal proceedings.
Release Status: If the inmate has been released or paroled, the locator will show their discharge date and status.

The CDCR Inmate Locator does not include mugshots, detailed criminal histories, or specific sentencing details, as these are protected under privacy laws. However, the information provided is sufficient for families to take next steps, such as arranging visits or sending mail, which we’ll explore later in this guide.

Limitations of the CDCR Inmate Locator

While the CDCR Inmate Locator is a powerful tool, it has limitations that users should be aware of to manage expectations. Understanding these constraints can help you find alternative resources if needed. Here are some key limitations:

Not Real-Time: The locator is updated daily, typically at midnight Pacific Time, but it may not reflect recent changes like facility transfers, releases, or deaths. For example, if an inmate was transferred from Folsom to San Quentin on May 1, 2025, the locator might not show this until the next update.
Does Not Include County Jails: The CDCR Inmate Locator only covers state prisons, not county jails like Los Angeles County Jail or San Diego County Jail. If an inmate is in pretrial detention or serving a short sentence in a county facility, you’ll need to use the county sheriff’s inmate locator instead.
Limited to Adult Inmates: The tool does not include juvenile inmates, who are housed in facilities managed by the California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). For juveniles, you’ll need to contact the DJJ directly at (916) 323-6001.
Privacy Restrictions: Certain details, like an inmate’s medical status, disciplinary record, or exact location within a facility, are not disclosed to protect privacy and security. For example, you won’t know if an inmate is in solitary confinement or a medical ward.
Common Names May Yield Multiple Results: If you search for a common name like “James Brown,” you might get dozens of results, requiring additional details like the CDCR number or date of birth to identify the correct inmate.

If the CDCR Inmate Locator doesn’t provide the information you need, you can contact the specific prison directly—for example, San Quentin State Prison at (415) 454-1460—or use alternative tools like Vinelink.com, which offers nationwide inmate tracking and notification services for custody status changes.

Using the Information: Connecting with Inmates

Once you’ve located an inmate using the CDCR Inmate Locator, you can take steps to connect with them, whether through visits, mail, or phone calls. The CDCR has strict policies to ensure safety and security, so understanding these rules is crucial. Here’s how to use the locator’s information to stay in touch:

Visiting an Inmate

Visiting an inmate requires pre-approval and adherence to CDCR guidelines. After finding the inmate’s facility via the CDCR Inmate Locator, visit the facility’s page on the CDCR website to apply for visitation. For example, to visit an inmate at Folsom State Prison, you’ll need to submit a Visitor Questionnaire, available online, and wait for approval, which can take 30-60 days. Visiting hours vary by facility—Folsom typically allows visits on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—and you’ll need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Dress codes are strict; no revealing clothing, gang-related attire, or blue jeans (which resemble inmate uniforms) are allowed.

Sending Mail

To send mail, use the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and the facility’s address, which you can find on the CDCR website. For example, mail to an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison would be addressed as: Inmate’s Full Name, CDCR Number, Pelican Bay State Prison, P.O. Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532. Mail is inspected for contraband, so avoid sending prohibited items like cash, stamps, or explicit materials. Inmates can receive letters, photos (up to 10 per envelope, no Polaroids), and books directly from publishers.

Phone Calls and Other Communication

Inmates can make outgoing calls using the CDCR’s phone system, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., but they cannot receive incoming calls. Calls are made collect or through a prepaid account with the CDCR’s provider, GTL, which you can set up at gtl.net. Calls are monitored, and each call is limited to 15 minutes. Some facilities, like San Quentin, also offer video visitation, which can be scheduled online after approval.

Additional Resources for Families

Beyond the CDCR Inmate Locator, several resources can help families stay connected with inmates and navigate the prison system:

Vinelink: Available at vinelink.com, this service provides custody status notifications, alerting you to changes like releases or transfers.
CDCR Family Liaison Services: The CDCR offers support through its Office of Victim and Survivor Services, reachable at (877) 256-6877, which can assist with victim notifications and family inquiries.
Prisoner Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) provide resources for families, including legal support and visitation assistance, reachable at (415) 255-7036.

In Redwood County, Minnesota, where families often face similar challenges in supporting incarcerated loved ones, local support groups have cited the CDCR Inmate Locator as a model. “It’s a great tool for transparency,” a Redwood Falls community organizer said in 2025, noting that Minnesota could benefit from a similar system for its state prisons.

The Importance of the CDCR Inmate Locator

The CDCR Inmate Locator is more than just a search tool—it’s a bridge connecting families, friends, and advocates with inmates in California’s vast prison system. In a state where the prison population remains significant—95,425 inmates in 2025—the locator provides a vital service, helping loved ones maintain relationships that can aid rehabilitation. Studies show that inmates with strong family ties are 40% less likely to recidivate, according to a 2023 report by the Vera Institute of Justice, underscoring the importance of tools like the CDCR Inmate Locator.

From Redwood County to California, the need for accessible inmate information transcends geography, as families everywhere seek to support their loved ones behind bars. The CDCR Inmate Locator, with its user-friendly interface and daily updates, ensures that this connection remains possible, offering hope and clarity in a challenging system.