How to Use the Federal Inmate Locator

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The Federal Inmate Locator is a database service provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that can be accessed from the Internet. It allows users to look up any federal inmates who were incarcerated from 1982 to the present. It also shows some records for people who were in custody with the Federal Bureau of Prisons but did not serve due to dismissal of charges or for other reasons. It’s easy to learn how to use the Federal Inmate Locator, since all that needs to be done is to enter identifying information about the person you are searching for. However, the information must be accurate to produce a result.

Method 1
Method 1 of 1:

Use the Federal Inmate Locator

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Using an identification number, such as a Register Number, results in a better chance of finding a match. Identification numbers can be found on records and written correspondence. If using the name option, make sure you have the first and last name with the correct spellings.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Enter the Internet URL http://www.bop.gov/ to get to the Bureau of Prisons website.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Get more information about the service and detailed instructions for how to use the Federal inmate Locator by clicking the “More Information” link at the top right of the screen.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Select the drop down box next to “Type of Number” in the box entitled "Choose the proper type of ID number." The options are Register Number, DCDC Number, FBI Number and INS Number.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You must enter a first and last name. Names must be spelled correctly; there are no Boolean or advanced options.
    • Use the race and sex pull down menus to input information that will filter the search results. Enter the person’s age in the Age" box.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid713512-v4-728px-Use-the-Federal-Inmate-Locator-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A new page will display results that match your search criteria. Information includes name, Register Number, age, race and sex of the inmate and the release date. The link for the correctional facility is available to find inmates who are in custody. Use that link to get facility contact and visiting information.
    8. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get a picture of a inmate online?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    Once you type in the name and the prisoner's ID number, then their mugshot and booking information will show up.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 83 Helpful 23
  • Question
    How do I find a picture of a federal inmate?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions in this article, to use the Federal Inmate Locator. Once you enter all the correct information on the federal prisoner you are looking for, their mugshot and booking information will immediately show up.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 96 Helpful 36
  • Question
    How I can find out how many visitors he has had in prison?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    The website will not say how many visitors he had, but if you get the chance to speak with him, he will tell you how many visitors he has had so far.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Write to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for information about inmates released before 1982.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • The Bureau of Prisons only lists information for individuals who are incarcerated for Federal crimes. Those imprisoned for violating local or state laws are housed in state prisons or local jails. To locate a non-Federal inmate, contact the state’s department of corrections. Links to state corrections departments can be found at USA.gov.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be sure to use the legitimate Federal inmate locator tool from the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Other sites have “Federal inmate locator” in their titles, but are actually commercial sites. These sites charge a fee to run background checks and display information. There is no fee to use the Bureau of Prisons’ locator tool.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Survive in Federal Prison
      How to
      Deal with Being in Prison
      How to
      Find a Good Attorney
      How to
      Get a Job with a Criminal Record
      How to
      Find Information Online
      How to
      See if Someone Is in Jail: Easy Resources & Tips
      Can You Marry Someone in Prison or Jail? Yes - and Here’s How
      How to
      Write an Appropriate Letter to Someone in Jail or Prison
      How to
      Deal With a Loved One Going to Jail
      How to
      Prepare for Jail
      How to
      Get Financial Assistance for Children of Incarcerated Parents
      How to
      Get Early Release from Prison
      How to
      Cope with a Spouse's Incarceration
      How to
      Fill Out a Prison Visitation Form: Your Top Questions Answered
      Advertisement

      References

      1. https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc//

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 130,871 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement