If you’re looking for an inmate in Dallas County – or want to see if someone you know has been arrested – searching is relatively simple. 

However, you’ll need to have some basic information in order to search, including their full name. Depending on the search method, you may also need other information. 

It’s important to note that you should never be asked to pay for this information. There are several websites that will search for you for a fee. These are not run by the county, and there is no need to pay for this information.

Dallas County Jail Inmate Lookup

If you have the necessary information, an online search will be the simplest way to find someone. The Dallas County Jail is a large complex with four separate units, and there may be inmates with the same names. The online tool is the best way to ensure you’ve found the right person.

Online

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department maintains a searchable database, called the “Lookup System.”

The search tool allows you to search for inmates by first and last name or an SPN (System Person Number). You cannot search by last name only.

First, go to the official website at https://www.dallascounty.org/jaillookup/search.jsp.

Enter your search details. You will have to be able to provide:

• Full name
• Race
• Gender

If you don’t have the above information, you can also search by case number or booking number.

Click the search button.

If the inmate is in custody, you will see:

• The inmate’s current status
• Criminal charges
• Bond information
• Projected release information (if applicable)
• Booking mugshot

The site contains significant information, including the tower where the inmate is being held, the tank location, the booking number, and the warrant number.

Charges and bond information will look like this:

By Telephone

You can also access the Dallas County Jail Inmate Information Line by calling 214-761-9025. This line is available 24/7, but wait times may vary. Please have the following information ready before you call. You will need:

• Inmate’s full name
• Date of birth or booking number

Note that some information may not be available to you by phone due to privacy concerns.

In Person 

You can also visit the Dallas County Jail (also known as the Lew Sterrett Justice Center) at 111 West Commerce Street in Dallas. Note that you will have to go through security and pay for parking, which will cost about $4 through the Parkmobile app.

You will enter the Frank Crowley Courts Building and visit the front desk officer to get inmate information. Please bring:

• Your valid government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport, for example)
• The inmate’s full name and date of birth or booking number

There are four different facilities in use at this location:

• Frank Crowley Courts Building
• North Tower Detention Facility
• West Tower Detention Facility
• Susanne L. Kays Detention Facility (South Tower)

Access will be easier if you can avoid visiting the courts building from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, when security lines can be long and parking can be difficult due to jurors arriving for jury duty.

The George Allen Jail and the Dallas County Criminal Courts Building and Jail (aka “The Old Jail”, located adjacent to Dealey Plaza) are no longer used to house inmates.

State Jails in Dallas County

If someone is not listed in the Dallas County database, it’s possible that they’re being held in a state jail facility. 

There is one state jail in Dallas County, but it is not located within the city limits. It’s located in Hutchins, about 18 miles from the Dallas County Jail. The Hutchins State Jail is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which maintains its own database at https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/.

You can also call the inmate search phone line at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.

What is VINELINK in Texas?

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a service that allows crime victims and the general public to access information about the custody status of offenders in jail or prison. It will also notify you of any changes in the inmate’s status, including:

• Release
• Transfer
• Escape

The VINE system can be accessed via the VINELINK mobile app, which you can download for iPhone (iOs) and Android.

• Online at https://www.vinelink.com.
• By phone at (877) 894-8463

If you’re confused, an experienced Dallas attorney can help you search. Contact us for a free consultation.

Information to Gather Before You Search

The Dallas County Jail holds up to 7,000 inmates, and is often near capacity. As mentioned above, different search methods require different information. If possible, try to gather the following additional information before starting your search, particularly if you’re searching by phone or in person.

• Full name
• Race
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Booking number
• State identification (SID) number
• Case number