What Is the CDCR Inmate Locator?
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator is the official, free tool for finding anyone currently incarcerated in a California state prison. It is maintained by CDCR and updated regularly with current housing assignments.
You can search by the person's full name, CDCR number, or date of birth. Results show the facility where they are housed, their projected release date, and basic sentence information. The tool does not show county jail inmates — for those, use the county-specific inmate search links below.
Open CDCR Inmate LocatorPost It Bail Bonds is not affiliated with CDCR. This page links to official government resources for informational purposes only.
What Information Do I Need to Search?
The CDCR Inmate Locator works best with at least one of the following identifiers. Having more than one narrows results significantly.
Full Legal Name
First and last name as it appears on official records. Middle name helps narrow results for common names.
CDCR Number
A unique identifier assigned when someone enters state custody. The fastest and most precise search method.
Date of Birth
Used alongside name to filter results when multiple people share the same name.
If the search returns no results, the person may be in a county jail (not yet sentenced), a federal facility, or may have been released. See the county search links below.
Not Sure Whether to Search State or County?
Search State Prison If…
The person was convicted and sentenced to more than one year, or was transferred from county jail to state custody after sentencing.
Search County Jail If…
The person was recently arrested, is awaiting trial, or has not yet been sentenced. Most people who can be bailed out are still in county custody.
County Inmate Search Tools:
How to Use the CDCR Inmate Locator
- 1
Go to the CDCR Inmate Locator
Visit ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov — the official CDCR search portal. No account or login is required.
- 2
Enter the Person's Name or CDCR Number
Type the full legal name or CDCR number into the search fields. You can also add a date of birth to narrow results.
- 3
Review the Results
Results show the current facility, CDCR number, projected release date, and offense information. Click a name for full details.
- 4
Contact the Facility Directly
Use the facility phone number listed on this page or the CDCR Facility Locator to arrange a visit or call.
State Prison vs. County Jail — Key Differences
California State Prison
- Operated by CDCR
- Holds people sentenced to 1+ year
- No bail available — sentence already imposed
- Search via CDCR Inmate Locator
- 32 facilities across California
County Jail
- Operated by county sheriff
- Holds pre-trial and short-sentence inmates
- Bail may be available — call a bail agent
- Search via county-specific tools
- 58 counties, each with its own system
If someone was recently arrested and has not yet gone to trial, they are almost certainly in a county jail — not a state prison. State prisons hold people who have already been convicted and sentenced. If bail is still an option, Post It Bail Bonds can help.
Search by County:
CDCR Services for Families
Visiting
Each facility has its own visiting schedule and rules. Contact the facility directly or check the CDCR visiting page for current hours and requirements.
CDCR Visiting InfoPhone & Mail
Inmates can receive mail and make phone calls through approved services. GTL/Telmate is the primary phone provider for most CDCR facilities.
Family ResourcesVictim Services
CDCR's Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services provides notifications and support for crime victims.
Victim ServicesAll Active CDCR Facilities
32 verified active facilities as of September 2026. California Correctional Center (Susanville) is excluded — officially closed June 2023. Click any facility link for the official CDCR page.
California Correctional Institution
CCI24900 Highway 202, Tehachapi, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California Health Care Facility
CHCF7707 S. Austin Road, Stockton, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California Institution for Women
CIW16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California Medical Facility
CMF1600 California Drive, Vacaville, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California Rehabilitation Center
CRC5th Street & Western Avenue, Norco, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California State Prison, Corcoran
COR4001 King Avenue, Corcoran, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California State Prison, Los Angeles County
LAC44750 60th Street West, Lancaster, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California State Prison, Sacramento
SAC100 Prison Road, Represa, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →California State Prison, Solano
SOL2100 Peabody Road, Vacaville, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Central California Women's Facility
CCWF23370 Road 22, Chowchilla, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Chuckawalla Valley State Prison
CVSP19025 Wiley's Well Road, Blythe, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →High Desert State Prison
HDSP475-750 Rice Canyon Road, Susanville, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Pelican Bay State Prison
PBSP5905 Lake Earl Drive, Crescent City, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Pleasant Valley State Prison
PVSP24863 W. Jayne Avenue, Coalinga, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
RJD480 Alta Road, San Diego, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Sierra Conservation Center
SCC5150 O'Byrnes Ferry Road, Jamestown, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
SATF900 Quebec Avenue, Corcoran, CA
View Official CDCR Facility Info →Recently Closed Facilities
The following facility has been officially closed by CDCR. Do not attempt to contact it — inmates were transferred to other active facilities.
What Information Does the Locator Show?
Once you find the person in the CDCR system, the locator displays the following information:
Current Facility
The name and location of the CDCR prison where the person is currently housed.
CDCR Number
The unique identifier assigned to each person in state custody.
Projected Release Date
An estimated release date based on the sentence and any applicable credits. Subject to change.
Offense Information
The offense(s) for which the person is serving time, including county of commitment.
The CDCR Inmate Locator does not show medical, disciplinary, or classification records. For those, contact the facility directly.
Can't Find the Person?
If a search returns no results, consider these possibilities:
They may be in a county jail
If recently arrested or awaiting trial, they are likely in county custody — not yet in the state system. Use the county inmate search links on this page.
They may have been released
If the sentence is complete or they were paroled, they will no longer appear in the active inmate locator.
They may be in a federal facility
Federal inmates are not in the CDCR system. Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov.
Name spelling or DOB may differ
Try alternate spellings, maiden names, or a broader date range. The CDCR number is the most reliable search field.
If you believe someone is in state custody but cannot locate them, call the CDCR Public Information line at (916) 445-4950.
The California Model — Rehabilitation Focus
California's correctional system operates under the California Model, a framework emphasizing rehabilitation, education, and successful reentry into society.
Education & Vocational Training
Inmates can earn high school diplomas, college credits, and vocational certifications while incarcerated.
Cognitive Behavioral Programs
Evidence-based programs address the root causes of criminal behavior and build skills for successful reentry.
Reentry Planning
CDCR works with inmates approaching release to connect them with housing, employment, and community support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you need? Call Post It Bail Bonds at (855) 479-4345 — we can help you locate someone and explain your options.