Inmate ID Number

Every person who enters a correctional facility receives a unique identification number. This number is used across all systems at the facility, including communication platforms, the commissary account, medical records, and official legal documentation. Without the correct inmate ID number, families cannot set up messaging accounts, send money, or find their loved one in an official database.

The format of the ID number differs by system. Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates receive a register number in the format 12345-678, where the last three digits represent the federal judicial district where the person was sentenced. State DOC numbers vary by state. California uses a CDCR number made up of a letter followed by five digits. New York uses a DIN, or Department Identification Number. Texas uses a TDCJ number. Checking the specific state DOC website explains what the number looks like and how to find it.

The best way to find an inmate's ID number is to use the official inmate search tool for the relevant correctional system. The Bureau of Prisons provides a free inmate locator at bop.gov. Each state DOC maintains its own searchable database. If you already know the facility, calling the facility's records office directly can often confirm the ID number quickly. Having the correct format and number saves significant time when setting up communication accounts for the first time.