Dallas County Sheriff Inmate Search | Jail Custody

Dallas County, Texas · Jail Lookup, book-in number, housing, bonds and release status

Find a Dallas County Inmate and Confirm the Current Custody Status

Start with the official Dallas County Jail Lookup when someone may have been booked into Lew Sterrett, North Tower, West Tower or Kays Tower. Search by personal information, book-in number or case number, then save the person’s exact housing and case details before calling, visiting or sending money.

The lookup can show the jail location, tank location, book-in date, charges, warrant numbers, magistrate, holds and bond amounts. It does not show the final court outcome, so this guide also explains how to connect the jail result with the Dallas County criminal court record.

First and last name Date of birth Race and sex Book-in number Case number
DALLAS CUSTODY SIGNAL CHECKING STATUS
SHERIFF JAIL LOOKUP LIVE SEARCH
NAME BOOK-IN CASE
JAIL CUSTODY RESULT
HOUSING + BOND CHECKED
ID
BOOK-IN RECORD CONFIRMED
An arrest or jail record is not a conviction. The Dallas County lookup shows booking and custody information available through the Sheriff’s system. It does not prove guilt or provide the final disposition of the criminal case.
Official search

Search by personal information, book-in number or case number.

Inmate information

Call 214-761-9025 when the online status is unclear.

Bond desk

111 W. Commerce Street, open 24 hours a day.

Main jail complex

Lew Sterrett Justice Center in downtown Dallas.

Official review

Procedures checked August 5, 2026.

Choose the quickest route

What are you trying to confirm?

RECENT ARREST Find whether booking is complete

Search by name, date of birth, race and sex. Call the jail when the arrest was recent and no result appears.

Follow the search steps
STILL IN CUSTODY? Check the jail and tank location

The result may identify Lew Sterrett, North Tower, West Tower or Kays Tower, along with a tank location.

Read the custody fields
BOND OR HOLD Review every listed charge

One case may have bond while another case, warrant or hold prevents release.

Confirm bond and release
VISIT OR VIDEO CALL Verify housing before registering

In-person and video visits use different schedules and identity requirements.

Check visitation rules
MAIL OR MONEY Save the book-in number first

The book-in number is required for mail, trust deposits, commissary packages and other services.

Mail, calls and deposits
FINAL CASE RESULT Search the warrant or case number

Use the Dallas County court portal to find the filed case, docket and disposition.

Verify the court outcome

Go directly to the Dallas County task

Official Sheriff search

How to use the Dallas County Jail Lookup

Best search order: use a book-in number when available, then a case number, then the person’s full name with date of birth, race and sex.
Open the official Dallas County Jail Lookup Avoid paid inmate-search websites when the county search is available for free. Open Dallas County Jail Lookup
Choose Search by Prisoner Information Enter the last name, first name, date of birth, race and sex.
Use the name shown on the booking Try a hyphenated surname, suffix, former name, maiden name or alternate spelling when the first search fails.
Search by Bookin Number when known The portal spells this field as Bookin Number. It identifies one specific Dallas County intake.
Search by Case Number when known A case number can connect the jail record to a particular criminal matter.
Open every plausible match Compare the full name, date of birth, race, sex, book-in date and known arrest circumstances.
Save the jail and tank location Do this before travelling, scheduling a visit or calling about property.
Copy every warrant number The Dallas County result uses warrant numbers to route users toward related court records.
Review every charge, hold and bond Do not assume the total bond is the only obstacle to release.
Continue to the court portal Search each warrant or case number for the current court record and final disposition.
The official name-search form may require first name, last name, race and sex. When one field is uncertain, try the book-in or case-number search or call the inmate information line.
Jail result decoder

Understand the Dallas County inmate record

What the jail fields mean—and what they do not prove
Field
What it identifies
What it does not prove
Best next action
Name and DOB
The identity information attached to the booking.
Identity when only the name matches.
Compare the book-in date and case number.
Jail location
The Dallas County facility shown for the current custody record.
That the person will remain in that building.
Recheck before visiting.
Tank location
The housing unit shown in the jail system.
That housing will not change after classification or medical review.
Use it when staff or visitation asks for housing.
Book-in number
One Dallas County jail intake.
The final court outcome.
Use it for mail, deposits and jail questions.
Book-in date
When the person entered Dallas County booking.
The exact date of the alleged offense.
Compare it with the arrest report.
Charge
The allegation linked to a listed warrant or case.
Conviction or that the prosecutor kept the same charge.
Search the related court case.
Warrant number
The number Dallas County uses to connect the jail entry with a criminal matter.
That an old warrant remains active.
Enter it in the court portal.
Magistrate
The magistrate associated with the displayed bond decision.
That the bond has not changed since that decision.
Read the newest court order.
Bond amount
The most recent bond amount shown for that charge or warrant.
That paying it releases the person from every matter.
Check all charges and holds.
$0 bond
The jail page states that no bond was permitted to be set by the magistrate judge for that entry.
The status of another case.
Contact counsel or check the latest court order.
Hold
Another agency or legal reason that may affect release.
How long the hold will remain.
Ask which agency placed the hold.
Total bond
The total displayed monetary bond amount.
That all non-monetary release barriers are cleared.
Call the Bond Desk before paying.
Minimum identity check: match the date of birth and at least one additional identifier such as the book-in number, case number, booking date or known arrest location.
No-result help

Why the Dallas County inmate search may show nothing

The person is still in intake Fingerprinting, identification, medical screening and magistrate processing may occur before the public record appears.
The booking name is different Try another spelling, hyphenated surname, maiden name, suffix or legal name.
The person was released quickly Search the Dallas County court record and contact the arresting agency.
The person is in a city jail A new arrest may begin in Dallas, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie or another municipal facility.
The person was booked elsewhere Search the county where the person was physically taken into custody.
The event involved a citation A criminal or municipal case can exist without a Dallas County jail booking.
The person was transferred Check TDCJ after a state transfer or the federal inmate locator for federal custody.
The record is restricted Juvenile, sealed, expunged and confidential information may not appear publicly.
Missing-inmate call script
I am trying to confirm the booking or release status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have happened on [date] through [agency]. Can you confirm whether the person is still processing, currently housed, released, transferred or listed under another spelling or book-in number?
Dallas County inmate information: 214-761-9025
Detentions Administration: 214-653-2902
Inmate Housing Bureau: 214-653-2601
Current custody verification

How to tell whether the person is still in Dallas County custody

Reopen the exact booking Use the book-in number rather than repeating a broad name search.
Check whether a jail location is displayed An active location and tank generally indicate an active housing assignment, but always confirm when release may be underway.
Review every listed charge and hold A person may remain in custody after one case is resolved.
Check for a court or magistrate update A new bond order may not appear immediately on every screen.
Call before travelling Ask whether the person is housed, at court, in medical treatment, transferring or completing release.
Custody-status call
I am calling about [booked name], date of birth [date], book-in number [number]. The online result shows [jail and tank]. Can you confirm whether that is the current location and whether the person is housed, at court, on medical status, transferring or being released?
Outside non-attorney calls about release date, release destination, posted bond, wellness checks and warrant checks should be directed to Dallas County jail information at 214-761-9025.
Detention facilities

Understand the Dallas County jail locations

The North Tower, West Tower and Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility are located in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center complex at 111 W. Commerce Street in Dallas.
North Tower
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

The official facility page lists a capacity of 3,292 maximum-security inmates.

West Tower
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Houses several custody and medical or behavioral classifications.

Suzanne Lee Kays Tower
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Also called South Tower; the official page lists a capacity of 2,304.

Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Bond Desk, visitor processing, property release and other jail services are handled in this complex.

Gill-Hernandez Medical Unit

A centralised jail medical and mental-health facility with medical, dental, radiology and specialised housing functions.

George Allen Jail
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

The Sheriff’s current detention-centres page states that this former jail is depopulated and no longer used as an active detention facility.

Use the location shown in the live result. Do not assume every Dallas County inmate is in “Lew Sterrett” without checking the specific tower and tank assignment.
Bond and release

Confirm every charge before posting Dallas County bail

The Dallas County Bond Desk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
Verify the full name, DOB and book-in number Avoid paying toward the record of a person with a similar name.
Write down every warrant and charge A separate charge can have a different bond or no bond.
Ask about all holds Another county, city, state, immigration or parole authority may delay release.
Confirm the newest bond order The magistrate or trial court can change the amount or release conditions.
Choose an approved payment method Dallas County accepts cash, an eligible cashier’s check or an eligible money order for cash bonds.
Do not use a debit or credit card for a cash bond The Sheriff’s current bond page states that debit and credit cards are not accepted for this purpose.
Use a local financial institution A cashier’s check or money order must be issued by a local DFW-area financial institution, and proof of purchase is required.
Verify any bail-bond company Use a legitimate Dallas County company and obtain a written premium and collateral agreement.
Keep the receipt Save the payer’s name, cause or warrant number, amount and payment evidence.
Allow for release processing Posting bond does not mean the person will walk out immediately.
Scam warning: Dallas County specifically warns people not to send bond money through Cash App or another unofficial payment demand. Western Union is currently unavailable for Dallas County bonds.
Bond confirmation script
I am calling about [booked name], DOB [date], book-in number [number]. Please confirm each active warrant or cause, the current bond for each entry, whether any entry has no bond, every agency hold, the total amount due and the accepted form of payment.
In-person visitation

Visit the correct inmate on the correct Dallas County day

Cellphones are prohibited. Dallas County warns that this may affect visitors driving electric vehicles that depend on a phone for access or operation. Plan before entering the facility.
Dallas County general in-person visitation schedule
Inmate’s last name
Visit days
Visiting time
Last processing time
A through L
Monday and Thursday
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
M through Z
Tuesday and Friday
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
All inmates
Saturday and Sunday
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
All inmates
Wednesday
No general visitation
Not applicable
Sign-up begins 30 minutes before visitation
One 20-minute in-person visit per inmate per day
Maximum two visits per week
Up to two adults and two minor children at one time
Children under 17 may visit on weekends with an eligible adult
Visitors recently jailed in Dallas County may be ineligible
Hospital visits are normally not allowed
The inmate may be unavailable while at court or medical treatment

When a visitor does not have standard government photo ID

Dallas County offers a jail visitation card for eligible U.S. citizens age 18 or older. The card costs $5 and requires three original supporting identity documents. The service is handled at Lew Sterrett by following the orange line to probation check, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
SmartInmate video visitation

Schedule video visits early and follow the confirmation screen

Dallas County uses SmartInmate by Smart Communications for on-site and off-site video visitation. Visitors register online and provide government-issued photo identification.
Official-page conflict found: the Sheriff’s dedicated Video Visitation page currently says visits must be scheduled at least 72 hours ahead and last 20 minutes. A separate official phone/tablet/mail update says 24 hours and 15 minutes. Schedule at least 72 hours ahead when possible and rely on the duration and time shown in your live SmartInmate confirmation.
Registration basics
  • Registering visitor must be at least 17.
  • Use valid government-issued photo identification.
  • Approval may take up to 72 hours.
  • Visitors under 17 need a parent or guardian present.
  • On-site visits are limited to two per week.
On-site availability
  • Monday: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • No video visitation on Wednesday.
Privacy warning: video visits are recorded and electronically monitored. Do not discuss evidence, witnesses, passwords, alibis or defense strategy during a social video visit.
Mail, communication and money

Use the book-in number for every Dallas County inmate service

Personal mail

Address personal correspondence as follows:

Inmate’s booked name and book-in number
c/o Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 9226
Seminole, FL 33775-9226
  • Include the sender’s full name and return address.
  • Mail is not forwarded after release.
  • Released-inmate mail may be returned or sent to the postal dead-letter department.
  • Do not use this address for confidential attorney correspondence.
Read the official mail rules

Legal correspondence

Mail sent through the Florida processing centre is not confidential.

Attorney correspondence:
P.O. Box 660334
Dallas, TX 75266

Dallas County also encourages attorneys to use the secure SmartInmate legal-mail option.

Trust-fund deposits

  • Use the booked name and book-in number.
  • Cash kiosk at each jail.
  • CashPayToday walk-in locations: currently listed flat fee of $5.
  • Access Corrections online: fees listed as starting at $2.95.
  • Telephone deposits: 866-345-1884, fees listed as starting at $3.95.
Open Dallas County Inmate Money

Calls, tablets and messages

Dallas County currently directs families to SmartInmate for communication services.

  • Create the account using accurate personal information.
  • Confirm the inmate with the booked name and number.
  • Expect communications to be monitored unless they qualify as privileged attorney contact.
  • Do not send passwords, witness information or case strategy.
Read inmate telephone information
Do not mail money. Dallas County does not accept personal checks, payroll checks, money orders, tax refunds, stimulus checks, insurance checks, child-support checks or Social Security checks through the jail mail process.

Commissary care packages

Dallas County links to the SecurePak inmate commissary programme. Confirm that the person remains in Dallas County custody, then use the exact booked name and book-in number.
SecurePak package support: 800-546-6283
Online: DallasCountyPackages.com
Property, glasses and medical concerns

Handle inmate property without making two trips

Go to the Lew Sterrett front-lobby control centre Property release requests are processed through the jail complex.
Obtain the inmate’s signature When the inmate has a housing location, the requester takes the form to the appropriate facility for signature.
Use separate forms for property and clothing Dallas County does not process both categories on one form.
Request all property after vault processing Individual items cannot be selectively released after the property has entered the vault.
Bring acceptable government photo identification The requester must show an approved original photo ID.
Property release hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., every day
Sheriff’s Vault: 214-653-2648
Prescription and reading glasses may be delivered to building control at the jail facility where the inmate is housed. Confirm the current location first.

Medical or wellness concern

Urgent family concern

Call jail information at 214-761-9025 and provide the inmate’s booked name, DOB, book-in number and current location.

Parkland Jail Health: 214-653-2621

Possible medical fee

Dallas County currently assesses a $10 health-service fee for certain inmate requests and outside inquiries that result in assessment by licensed healthcare staff.

Care must still be provided regardless of the inmate’s ability to pay.

The health-service policy states that an assessment fee cannot reduce the inmate’s trust-account balance below $6. Intake assessments, prescription medication and several specified mental-health and follow-up services are exempt.
Criminal court verification

Connect the Dallas County jail result with the court case

Dallas County makes felony and misdemeanor case information available through its court systems. Court information dating to 1975 may be searchable, and documents for many felony cases filed after 2009 are available online.
Copy every warrant or case number Use the number exactly as displayed in the jail result.
Open the Dallas County Courts Portal Registration is not required for normal public access. Open the Dallas County Courts Portal
Search the exact number first A number search is safer than relying on a common name.
Use a name search when the number fails Compare date of birth, filing date, court and charge.
Open the docket Review filings, hearings, bond orders, charging documents, pleas, dismissals, judgments and sentences.
Read every count separately One count may be dismissed while another remains pending or ends in conviction.
Find the disposition Release from jail does not mean the charge was dismissed.
Order a certified record when necessary A portal screenshot may not satisfy an employer, licensing body, immigration lawyer or court filing.

Felony record

The Dallas County District Clerk maintains felony and Magistrate Court records.

Felony Records Desk: 214-653-5950

Email: DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org

Class A or B misdemeanor

The Dallas County Clerk maintains County Criminal Court records.

County Clerk Criminal Courts: 214-653-7099

Central Records information: 214-653-5767

Temporary County Clerk records notice: beginning April 6, 2026, Dallas County Central Records stated that email requests and phone follow-ups were temporarily unavailable during a facility move. Criminal records from 2011 to the present remain online, while certified copies must be obtained in person until the notice changes.
Felony records not available online, record certifications and formal record searches may be requested at the District Clerk Felony Records Desk on the second floor of the Frank Crowley Courts Building, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sheriff reports and booking photos

Request the missing document from the office that created it

The county jail does not own every arrest report. Dallas County may hold someone arrested by Dallas Police, Irving Police, Garland Police, Mesquite Police, a constable, a state agency or another law-enforcement office.
Choose the correct record holder
What you need
Starting office
Information to provide
Current booking or housing
Dallas County Sheriff
Booked name, DOB and book-in number.
Sheriff-created incident report
Dallas County Sheriff Public Information
Date, time, location, names and report number.
City police report
The arresting municipal police department
Incident number, location, date and involved person.
Felony court disposition
Dallas County District Clerk
Warrant or cause number, name and DOB.
Misdemeanor court disposition
Dallas County Clerk
Case number, name and DOB.
Booking photo for current inmate
Dallas County Jail Lookup
Search and verify the active booking.
Older booking photo
Sheriff Public Information Officer
Name, DOB, charge and approximate booking date.
Copy-ready Sheriff record request
Under the Texas Public Information Act, I request the releasable booking, arrest, incident or offense records concerning [full legal name], date of birth [date], for the event on or about [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers include book-in number [number], warrant or case number [number] and agency report number [number]. Please provide electronic copies and a written cost estimate before processing if charges will exceed $[amount].
Warrant and wanted records

Do not treat an online Dallas County warrant result as final confirmation

Warrant information line

Dallas County Sheriff warrant information:

214-761-9026

Dallas County Wanted Search

The county provides an online wanted and delinquent-offender lookup, but warns that it may not be current enough for legal action.

Open Dallas County Wanted Search
Do not confront or attempt to detain anyone. Dallas County states that no action should be taken solely because a name appears in the online wanted system. Warrants and balances may change before the public list updates.
When the warrant concerns you, consult a qualified criminal-defense lawyer before deciding how to appear, surrender or request a bond review.
Older records and record clearing

Correction, expunction and nondisclosure are different processes

Identify which record is wrong Compare the jail booking, arresting-agency report, court record and Texas DPS criminal history.
Obtain the controlling disposition Request a certified dismissal, judgment, acquittal, plea or other final order.
Correct factual errors first Contact the agency or clerk that created the incorrect field.
Review expunction eligibility Expunction can remove eligible records but is not available for every dismissal or arrest.
Review nondisclosure eligibility A nondisclosure order restricts public access but does not destroy every government record.
List only agencies that hold the record Dallas County warns petitioners not to add agencies that have no record related to the case.
Dallas County District Clerk expunction information: Expunctions and Non-Disclosures
Expunction status email: DCExpunctions@dallascounty.org
Nondisclosure status email: DCNondisclosures@dallascounty.org
Filing fees are generally nonrefundable. The District Clerk strongly recommends consulting an attorney because staff cannot provide legal advice or complete the petition for a filer.
Arrival and parking

Plan the downtown Dallas trip before leaving

Frank Crowley C Garage
199 N. Riverfront Drive
Dallas, TX 75207

Published hours: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Frank Crowley D Garage

Located across the street from the courthouse.

Published hours: 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Frank Crowley Lot F
199 N. Riverfront Drive
Dallas, TX 75207

Published as open 24 hours a day.

Parking is first come, first served. Dallas County states that there is no free parking in its garages. The reduced $3 county-garage rate is for jurors, not ordinary jail visitors.
Dallas County Parking Facilities: 214-653-6776
Dallas County Security: 214-653-7000
ABM parking at Frank Crowley: 214-761-9581

Map to Lew Sterrett Justice Center

Map to Frank Crowley Courts Building

Before taking action

Dallas County mistakes that cause avoidable delays

Not saving the book-in number

You will need it for mail, deposits, packages, calls and many staff questions.

Calling the court for a tank location

The Sheriff manages jail housing. The clerks manage criminal court records.

Paying one bond without checking holds

Another charge, warrant or outside agency may still prevent release.

Taking a cellphone into visitation

Cellphones are prohibited, and Dallas County specifically warns EV drivers to plan ahead.

Mailing a letter to the jail building

Personal mail is routed through the processing centre in Seminole, Florida.

Using an old video-visitation rule

Current official Dallas County pages conflict, so rely on your SmartInmate confirmation.

10 Dallas County questions

Dallas County Sheriff inmate-search questions answered

How do I search for an inmate in Dallas County Jail?

Open the official Dallas County Jail Lookup. Search by the person’s first and last name with date of birth, race and sex, or use the book-in number or case number when known. Open the matching record and verify the date of birth, book-in number, book-in date, jail location, tank location, charges, warrant numbers, holds and bond amounts.

What information do I need for the Dallas County inmate search?

For a name search, prepare the person’s first name, last name, date of birth, race and sex. A Dallas County book-in number or criminal case number can produce a more precise result. The portal spells the identifier as Bookin Number.

Why is someone not showing in the Dallas County Jail Lookup?

The person may still be going through intake, may have been released quickly, may be listed under a different spelling, may have received a citation, may be held in a city jail or another county, or may have been transferred. Try another spelling, search the Dallas County court portal and call 214-761-9025.

What does a zero dollar bond mean in the Dallas County jail record?

The Dallas County jail result explains that a zero-dollar bond indicates no bond was permitted to be set by the magistrate judge for that entry. The person may also have another charge or hold. Confirm the newest court order and every listed warrant before making release plans.

Where can I post bond for a Dallas County inmate?

An adult with acceptable identification may post an eligible bond at the Bond Desk in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. The desk operates 24 hours a day. Cash, eligible cashier’s checks and eligible money orders are accepted for cash bonds; debit and credit cards are not.

What are the Dallas County Jail visitation hours?

Last names A through L receive visits Monday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Last names M through Z receive visits Tuesday and Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All inmates may receive visits Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no general visitation on Wednesday.

How do I schedule Dallas County video visitation?

Register through SmartInmate and select the Dallas County option. Two current official Dallas County pages contain different advance-scheduling and visit-duration figures, so schedule as early as possible and rely on the confirmation displayed in SmartInmate. Video visits are recorded and monitored.

What is the Dallas County inmate mailing address?

Personal mail should show the inmate’s booked name and book-in number and be addressed in care of the Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 9226, Seminole, FL 33775-9226. Include the sender’s full name and return address. This is not the confidential legal-mail address.

How do I put money on a Dallas County inmate account?

Use the inmate’s booked name and book-in number. Dallas County lists cash kiosks at each jail, CashPayToday walk-in locations, Access Corrections online and telephone deposits at 866-345-1884. Provider fees can change, so check the total before submitting payment.

How do I check the final outcome of a Dallas County inmate’s case?

Use the warrant or case number from the jail record in the Dallas County Courts Portal or Criminal Background Search. The District Clerk maintains felony records and the County Clerk maintains Class A and B misdemeanor records. Read the disposition for every count because release from jail does not mean the case was dismissed.

Official resources

Dallas County sources used for this article

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