Bexar County Sheriff Inmate Search | Jail Custody

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Bexar County, Texas · Recent arrests, SID lookup, jail custody, bond and inmate services

Find a Bexar County Inmate Without Searching the Wrong System

If someone was just arrested in San Antonio or elsewhere in Bexar County, start with the Central Magistrate Search. It covers qualifying arrests processed during the last 24 hours and gives you the identifiers you will need next—especially the SID and booking number.

For older booking activity, move to the Sheriff’s seven-day Jail Activity Reports. If the question is simply “Are they still in jail, what are the charges, and what is the bond?”, BCSO also provides a direct inmate-information line at 210-335-6201. This guide shows exactly which route to use and what to do after you find the person.

Search arrests from the last 24 hours Open 7-day Jail Activity Reports Not finding the person?
Full booked name Date of birth SID if known Booking number Approximate arrest time
BEXAR CUSTODY PULSE SEARCHING
CENTRAL MAGISTRATE
CUSTODY CHECK
SID + BOOKING MATCH
SID
24-HOUR ARREST SEARCH
7-DAY ACTIVITY
CUSTODY ROUTE CONFIRMED
A booking or arrest is not a conviction. Bexar County’s arrest, magistrate and jail records describe custody and allegations available at that point in the process. They do not establish guilt or replace the final court record.
Newest arrests

Central Magistrate Search covers qualifying arrests processed within 24 hours.

Jail activity

BCSO keeps its Jail Activity Reports online for up to seven days.

Best identifier

Save the SID and booking number as soon as you find the person.

Custody & bond

Call 210-335-6201 with the full name and date of birth.

Main jail

200 N. Comal Street, San Antonio, TX 78207.

Start here

Choose the answer you need instead of opening every Bexar County portal

ARRESTED TODAY Use Central Magistrate first

Best for a Class B or higher arrest processed through Central Magistrate during the last 24 hours.

Follow the recent-arrest steps
ARREST WAS A FEW DAYS AGO Check Jail Activity Reports

BCSO maintains these reports online for a maximum of seven days.

Use the seven-day reports
STILL IN CUSTODY? Call inmate information

For current charges, bonds and warrants, call 210-335-6201 with full name and DOB.

Confirm current custody
NEED THE BOND Wait for magistration data

Bond amounts and special conditions are updated through the magistrate process.

Check bond correctly
NEED A COURT DATE Move to the Justice Portal

Use the SID, defendant name or case information to find misdemeanor or felony court records.

Find the court case
HELPING SOMEONE IN JAIL Confirm SID before doing anything

The SID is important for mail, money, care packages and many inmate-service questions.

Mail, visits and money

Go directly to your Bexar County jail task

First 24 hours

Use the Central Magistrate Search for a very recent Bexar County arrest

The Central Magistrate Office processes Bexar County arrests for Class B offenses or higher and certain Justice of the Peace Class C charges. Its public recent-arrest search covers people processed by the office within the previous 24 hours.
Open the official Central Magistrate Search Open Bexar County Central Magistrate Search
Use the filter instead of scrolling the entire list Enter part of the booked name and narrow the results.
Check the displayed identity fields The search list includes the person’s name, race, identifying date information, SID and booking number.
Save the SID immediately This is the identifier you will repeatedly need for jail, court, mail and account questions.
Save the booking number separately The booking number identifies the custody event; do not confuse it with the SID.
Open the individual result Review the available arrest, charge, bond and magistrate information rather than relying only on the list row.
Check whether magistration has occurred The Central Magistrate Office updates bond amounts and special bond conditions after the defendant is magistrated.
Move to the jail or court route you actually need For custody confirmation call BCSO. For a court date or filed case, use the Justice Information Portal.
The 24-hour search is not an all-time inmate database. Not finding an older arrest here is normal. Move to Jail Activity Reports, the Justice Information Portal or the inmate-information line instead.
Search recent arrests Read Central Magistrate instructions
Central Magistrate Office
200 N. Comal, South Tower
San Antonio, TX 78207
Recent-arrest information: 210-335-6111
Operations: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Sheriff jail activity

Use the seven-day BCSO reports when the arrest is no longer in the 24-hour list

Bexar County does not require you to treat the Central Magistrate list as a permanent roster. The Sheriff separately publishes Jail Activity Reports and keeps those reports online for a maximum of seven days.

Open Jail Activity Reports Open BCSO Jail Activity Reports
Choose the date that fits the booking Start with the day of the arrest, but also check the following date when the arrest occurred late at night.
Search the report for the surname On desktop use your browser’s Find command. On a phone, use the browser’s Find on Page option when available.
Compare identifiers before assuming a match Similar names are common. Use the SID, booking number and known arrest date to confirm identity.
Do not interpret a missing row as proof of release BCSO warns that information may not be updated yet depending on where a defendant is in the booking process.
Call when custody status matters now A daily activity report is different from a live conversation with detention staff.
Seven-day limit: BCSO states that its Jail Activity Reports are maintained online for a maximum of seven days. For an older event, switch to the court-record or Central Records route.
Know what you found

SID, booking number, charge and bond are not the same thing

Bexar County inmate-search field decoder
Item
What it helps identify
What it does not prove
Best next use
SID
The person within Bexar County criminal-justice systems.
That every entry under the SID is the same arrest.
Use for jail, mail, court and inmate-service questions.
Booking number
A particular booking or intake event.
Final prosecution or conviction.
Use when discussing the current arrest with jail staff.
Charge
The allegation recorded at that stage of processing.
The prosecutor will file or prove that exact offense.
Compare with County Clerk or District Clerk court records.
Bond amount
A release condition currently attached to a case.
That payment will immediately result in release.
Confirm every active charge and hold before paying.
Magistration
Judicial processing during which bond and special conditions can be set.
The criminal case has been resolved.
Use updated bond data and then follow the court case.
Release
The end of the displayed custody event.
Dismissal or acquittal.
Search the final court disposition.
Best habit: Take a screenshot or write down the SID and booking number before leaving the search. Those two identifiers will save time when calling the jail, scheduling services or tracing the court case.

How BCSO says to find an SID

Recent arrest

Use the Central Magistrate Search.

Search for SID
Misdemeanor record

BCSO directs users to Central Filing.

210-335-2238

Felony record

BCSO directs users to the District Clerk.

210-335-2591

Current status

If the real question is “Are they still in jail?”, call with the right information

BCSO’s inmate and bond information line provides inmate charges, bond amounts and warrant information. The Sheriff instructs callers to have the person’s full name and date of birth.
Call inmate/bond information: 210-335-6201 Open official inmate/bond instructions
Use this call script
I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name], date of birth [date], is currently in Bexar County custody. I have SID [number] and booking number [number], if those help. Can you confirm the current custody status, active charges, bond amounts and whether there is a warrant or other condition affecting release?

What to write down during the call

Exact booked name
SID
Booking number
Every active charge
Bond on each charge
Any warrant or hold information staff can provide
Whether magistration is complete
Next court or records route
Troubleshooting

The person is not showing—what should you check next?

The arrest is too new Booking and magistrate data may not yet be reflected in the public tools.
The 24-hour window has passed Move from Central Magistrate to the Sheriff’s seven-day activity reports.
The name is different Try another spelling, hyphenation, suffix or legal surname.
The person already bonded out Search the Justice Information Portal for the resulting criminal case.
It is a city violation Central Magistrate directs City of San Antonio violation questions to 210-207-7532.
The arrest occurred outside Bexar County Search the county where the booking actually occurred.
You need an older record Use the Justice Information Portal or Central Records rather than a current arrest list.
You only need current custody confirmation Call 210-335-6201 with the full name and DOB instead of repeating online searches.
Do not repeatedly refresh one portal. Bexar County intentionally separates recent-magistrate data, seven-day jail activity, court records and current inmate/bond assistance. Switch tools when your question changes.
Bond and release

Confirm every Bexar County bond before paying anything

BCSO scam warning: The Sheriff’s Office states that it does not take payment by phone to avoid arrest and will not ask you to buy gift cards or send cryptocurrency.
Confirm the correct person Match the full name, DOB, SID and booking number.
Wait for updated magistrate information Bond amounts and special conditions are updated after magistration.
Ask about every active charge A person can have more than one case or warrant affecting release.
Call 210-335-6201 before paying Confirm current charges, bond amounts and warrant information.
Verify any surety company BCSO tells users to check the current license status of a bail bond company through the Bexar County Bail Bond Board.
Understand a cash bond BCSO states that the full amount must be posted by cashier’s check or money order payable to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Bring valid identification Valid ID is required for the cash-bond process.
Keep the receipt Preserve bond receipts until the case and any refund process are complete.
BCSO cash-bond rule currently published:
Cashier’s check or money order only.
Payable to: Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
No cash, traveler’s checks or personal checks.
Valid ID required.
Read BCSO bond information Verify bail bond companies
After the booking

Find the Bexar County court date and filed criminal case

Bexar County consolidated its former court-record, fugitive and bail-bond searches into the newer Justice Information Portal.
Open the Justice Information Portal Open the Bexar County Justice Information Portal
Search the defendant’s name Use the exact booked name first.
Add identifiers when the list is broad Compare DOB, SID, filing date and known offense information.
Determine whether the case is misdemeanor or felony Bexar County County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal records; the District Clerk is the official custodian of felony criminal court records.
Open every matching case One arrest can create more than one criminal cause.
Read the most recent event Court settings, warrants, bond orders and case status can change after the initial booking.
Use the court record for the outcome Do not interpret release from jail as dismissal of the criminal charge.
Misdemeanor records

Use the County Clerk side of the Justice Information Portal.

Central Filing/SID help: 210-335-2238

Felony records

The District Clerk is custodian of Bexar County felony criminal records.

Criminal Filing: 210-335-2591

Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W. Nueva Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Do not confuse jail status with case status. Someone can be released on bond while the prosecution remains active for months or longer.
Visiting someone in custody

Register with ICSolutions before making the trip

Confirm the person is still in custody Check the SID and current status before scheduling.
Open BCSO’s visitation page Open official Bexar County visitation
Create an ICSolutions account Registration is required before a visit can be scheduled.
Schedule within the current public hours Do not assume the Video Visitation office operating hours and actual public visiting hours are identical.
Test your device before a remote visit BCSO currently states that its desktop platform is not compatible with Mac or Chromebook computers. A Windows-based computer is required for that platform.
Use the ICS mobile app when appropriate BCSO also allows video visitation through supported iOS and Android phones.
Current Bexar County public video-visitation schedule
Day
Public visitation
What to know
Monday
No public visits
Professional visits are handled separately.
Tuesday–Friday
8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Register and schedule through ICSolutions.
Saturday
8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Confirm appointment before travelling.
Sunday
Normally closed
Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are published exceptions, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Thanksgiving / Christmas
Closed
Recheck the official page around holidays.
Video Visitation help
BCSO Video Visitation staff: 210-335-8270
ICSolutions registration/technical support: 888-646-9437
Parking tip that is actually county-published: Bexar County maintains a surface parking lot at the Adult Detention South Annex campus, 222 S. Comal Street, which specifically supports Video Visitation along with the South Annex and related county services.
Provider-change watch: In July 2026, Bexar County opened a new procurement for its inmate video-visitation and phone system. That means the technology provider may change later. Always enter visitation through the Bexar County page instead of permanently bookmarking the vendor login.
Personal inmate mail

Put the SID on the envelope or the letter may never reach the kiosk

BCSO states that the inmate’s name and SID number are required. Include the unit location when known.
Use this mailing format
[Inmate’s full booked name] – SID [number]
[Unit location, if known]
Bexar County Adult Detention Center
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207

What happens after the letter arrives?

Mailroom receives it Incoming personal mail is opened and inspected.
The letter is scanned The inmate views the correspondence through the facility kiosk.
Digital access remains available BCSO states that scanned mail can remain viewable through the kiosk for up to six months.
The physical mail is not stored indefinitely Mail that has been scanned is held for two business days before destruction.

Common reasons mail is rejected or returned

Missing SID
Name and SID do not match
Person has already been released or transferred
Cash, checks or money orders included
Credit cards, IDs or original documents
Hardback, leather-bound or spiral books
Prohibited photographs or contraband
Items other than permitted correspondence
Inmates may have a maximum of three paperback books in the cell. BCSO requires qualifying books, magazines and newspapers to be sent through established bookstores or directly from the publisher under its current publication rules.
Mailroom: 210-335-6240
Alternate Mailroom line: 210-335-6868
Read current inmate-mail rules
Commissary and care packages

Use Access Corrections for commissary—not the mail envelope

Electronic commissary deposit

BCSO currently uses Access Corrections Secure Deposits.

  • Online through Access Corrections.
  • Phone: 866-345-1884.
  • Live bilingual phone agents are available 24/7.
  • Supported participating retail locations are available.
  • Access Corrections mobile app is also offered.
Open official deposit instructions

Money by mail

Do not place money in ordinary inmate correspondence.

  • Cashier’s checks and money orders only.
  • No personal checks.
  • Payable to Inmate Trust Fund.
  • Write the inmate’s name and SID on the payment.
Inmate Trust Fund
P.O. Box 831609
San Antonio, TX 78283

Approved care packages

BCSO currently uses Access SecurePak for approved package orders.

  • Choose only facility-approved products.
  • Order through the Bexar County SecurePak route.
  • Phone orders: 800-546-6283.
Open care-package instructions

Problem with an account or order?

Have the inmate’s name and SID before calling.

Inmate Banking: 210-335-5171

Banking supervisors: 210-335-6287

Commissary/package complaints: 210-335-5074

Before sending money: Verify the person’s SID and current custody first. Money sent for the wrong person or after a release creates a much harder problem than spending one minute confirming the record.
Family checklist

You found the inmate—do these five things next

Save the SID and booking number You will need them repeatedly.
Confirm charges and bond Call 210-335-6201 instead of relying on a screenshot from hours ago.
Find the court case Use the Justice Information Portal so you know the court and case type.
Choose only the inmate service you need Register for visitation, deposit commissary funds or send compliant mail.
Do not discuss case strategy on normal jail communications Treat ordinary jail calls, mail and social video visits as non-confidential.
Sheriff records

Need the arrest report, mugshot or local record instead of custody?

BCSO Central Records handles public-information requests under the Texas Public Information Act and publishes separate instructions for mugshots, offense reports and record checks.
Current BCSO Central Records service fees
Record/service
Published fee
What to provide
Offense / incident report
No cost
Case number, or date, location and complainant name.
Record check
$3
Enough identifying information for the requested search.
Criminal history
$8
Confirm requirements with Central Records before visiting.
Sheriff’s letter
$2
Describe the letter or verification required.
Crash report
$6
BCSO directs crash-report users to TxDOT.
Certified crash report
$8
Verify availability before paying.
BCSO’s current Central Records page says in-person service fees are cash only and no bills over $10 are accepted. Verify that payment instruction before travelling because fee procedures can change.

Mugshot request

Prepare one of these identifiers

BCSO says a mugshot request should include the full name, SID number or date of birth.

Use the mugshot-request method shown on the current Central Records page rather than an unofficial image database.

Open BCSO Central Records
Defense help

How to find the inmate’s appointed lawyer or a private defense attorney

Bexar County Public Defender

The Public Defender represents eligible defendants only after appointment by a Bexar County court or Pretrial Services. The office does not take applications from family members and cannot simply be hired.

The office states that when it has been appointed and the client is in jail, the Public Defender will visit the client by video within 72 hours.

101 W. Nueva Street, Suite 310
San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: 210-335-0701

Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Open Public Defender information
Private criminal defense lawyer

Use the State Bar of Texas directory rather than choosing a lawyer from an unsolicited jail-related call.

  • Select Criminal Defense as the practice area.
  • Narrow the location to San Antonio or Bexar County.
  • Confirm the lawyer’s current licence information.
  • Ask about experience in the assigned Bexar County court.
  • Get fees and representation terms in writing.
Search the State Bar of Texas directory

Victim or survivor assistance

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Division can provide case-status information, court accompaniment, referrals, help with victim-impact statements and Crime Victims’ Compensation applications.

Victim Assistance: 210-335-2105
Open Bexar County Victim Assistance
Bexar-specific option

An active warrant does not always require starting at the main jail

Bexar County operates a Booking and Release Satellite Office that can process some defendants with active warrants through magistration and bonding without first going to the Adult Detention Center.

This is not available for every warrant. The county says the Satellite Office cannot process violent offenses, sexual offenses, crimes against children, out-of-county warrants or out-of-state warrants. Those matters must be processed at the Justice Intake and Assessment Annex at 200 N. Comal.
Call before going Confirm that the warrant is active and eligible. Call 210-335-2592
Ask staff to verify eligibility Do not rely on a third party’s interpretation of the offense.
Make sure a bond amount is already set The Satellite Office cannot process a bond without an active warrant and bond amount in the system.
Bring valid photo ID Bring bond paperwork when working with a bondsman or attorney.
Bring the correct surety-bond processing payment The county currently publishes a $15 money-order processing fee for surety bonds, with specific rules when several cases are involved.
Do not park at a meter The county advises that processing takes approximately three hours.
Booking and Release Satellite Office
Basement of Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa Street, B10.2
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-2592

Published magistration windows:
Monday–Friday
8:00 AM–9:00 AM
1:00 PM–1:30 PM
Check eligibility and current instructions
Addresses, phones and parking

Bexar County jail contacts worth saving

Adult Detention Center
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207

Detention Administration: 210-335-6219

Administration: 210-335-6010

Inmate / Bond Information

210-335-6201

Have the full name and date of birth ready.

Central Magistrate
200 N. Comal, South Tower
San Antonio, TX 78207

210-335-6111

24 hours / 365 days

Video Visitation

210-335-8270

ICSolutions support: 888-646-9437

Mailroom

210-335-6240

210-335-6868

Inmate Banking

Main: 210-335-5171

Supervisors: 210-335-6287

District Clerk Criminal Filing
Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W. Nueva Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

210-335-2591

Public Defender
101 W. Nueva Street, Suite 310
San Antonio, TX 78205

210-335-0701

Parking near the Adult Detention Center

Main detention campus

Bexar County lists paid parking in the Bexar County Parking Garage for Adult Detention Center visitors.

Confirm current rates and garage access before travelling.

South Annex / Video Visitation

The county’s Adult Detention South Annex surface lot is at 222 S. Comal Street and specifically supports Video Visitation and other Comal Street campus services.

Check the county parking page

Map to the Bexar County Adult Detention Center

Map to the Adult Detention South Annex and visitation parking area

Before driving downtown: Confirm the person is still in custody, confirm which service you actually need, and check current hours. The jail, Central Magistrate, Video Visitation, court records and Booking/Release Satellite Office do not all use the same entrance or schedule.
Five-minute action plan

If someone was just arrested in Bexar County, do this in order

Search Central Magistrate Look for the person in the current 24-hour arrest list.
Save SID and booking number Do this before opening anything else.
Call 210-335-6201 Ask for current charges, bond and custody information.
Open the Justice Information Portal Find the criminal case and court assignment.
Only then pay, visit or send anything Confirm the current SID, custody status and official provider before spending money.
10 practical questions

Bexar County Sheriff inmate search and jail custody FAQs

How do I find someone currently in the Bexar County Jail?

For a very recent arrest, start with the Bexar County Central Magistrate Search, which covers qualifying arrests processed within the last 24 hours. Save the person’s SID and booking number. You can also review BCSO Jail Activity Reports, which are maintained online for up to seven days. When you need confirmation of current custody, charges, bond amounts or warrants, call the Bexar County inmate and bond information line at 210-335-6201 with the person’s full name and date of birth.

What does the Bexar County Central Magistrate Search show?

The Central Magistrate Search covers people processed by the Central Magistrate Office within the last 24 hours for Class B or higher offenses. The public results include identifying information such as name, SID and booking number, and individual records can provide arrest and charge information. After magistration, bond amounts and special bond conditions are updated through the magistrate process.

What is a SID number in Bexar County?

SID means System Identification Number. It is an important identifier used in Bexar County jail and criminal justice records. For recent arrests, the SID can be found through the Central Magistrate Search. BCSO also directs people to Central Filing at 210-335-2238 for misdemeanor records and the District Clerk at 210-335-2591 for felony records when help locating a SID is needed.

Why is someone not appearing in the Bexar County inmate search?

The person may still be in booking, may not yet have been processed by Central Magistrate, may have been released before you searched, may be listed under another name, or may have a case outside the tools you are checking. The Central Magistrate Search covers only a 24-hour window and the Jail Activity Reports cover up to seven days. For current custody confirmation, call 210-335-6201 with the full name and date of birth.

How do I check a Bexar County inmate’s charges and bond?

Start with the Central Magistrate Search for a recent arrest and note every booking and charge entry. After magistration, bond amounts and special conditions are updated. For current inmate charges, bond amounts and warrant information, BCSO provides the inmate and bond information line at 210-335-6201. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready.

How do I visit an inmate in Bexar County Jail?

Register for an ICSolutions account through the official Bexar County visitation page and schedule the visit. Public visitation is not offered on Mondays. Current public visiting hours are Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Sunday is normally closed except for Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, when published visiting hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

What address do I use to mail a Bexar County inmate?

Use the inmate’s name and SID number, include the unit location if known, and address the letter to Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 200 N. Comal Street, San Antonio, TX 78207. The inmate’s name and SID are required. Incoming personal mail is opened, inspected and scanned for viewing through the inmate kiosk system.

How do I send money or a care package to a Bexar County inmate?

BCSO currently uses Access Corrections Secure Deposits for electronic commissary deposits. Deposits can be made online, by phone at 866-345-1884, through supported retail locations or with the Access Corrections app. Approved care packages are ordered through Access SecurePak, including by phone at 800-546-6283. For money sent by mail, BCSO accepts cashier’s checks or money orders payable to the Inmate Trust Fund with the inmate’s name and SID number.

How do I find a Bexar County inmate’s court case or court date?

After finding the SID or booking information, use the Bexar County Justice Information Portal. The county consolidated court-record, fugitive and bail-bond searches into this portal. Misdemeanor cases are maintained through the County Clerk and felony criminal records through the District Clerk. BCSO also directs users to County Clerk and District Clerk court records for inmate court dates.

Can I call Bexar County Jail to confirm whether someone is still in custody?

Yes. For inmate charges, bond amounts and warrant information, call 210-335-6201 and have the person’s full name and date of birth ready. The Adult Detention Center is at 200 N. Comal Street in San Antonio. Detention Administration can be reached at 210-335-6219 when you need help routing a detention-related question.

Research transparency

Official Bexar County sources used for this guide

Search and custody
Inmate services
Courts and records
Legal and victim help
Local logistics
Review standard

Current online procedures, phone numbers, addresses, fees, visitation hours, parking information and provider instructions were checked against government-published sources on August 7, 2026.

Accuracy and legal-use notice

Texas-arrest.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Bexar County, Central Magistrate Office, County Clerk, District Clerk, Public Defender, District Attorney or any court.

Jail data can change during booking, magistration, bonding, court processing, transfer and release. Confirm time-sensitive custody and bond information directly with BCSO before travelling, posting money or making a legal decision.

A person appearing in an arrest, jail or magistrate record is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Verify identity using more than a name alone and use the court record when you need the disposition of a criminal charge.

Last official-source review: August 7, 2026. The article intentionally avoids a generic third-party “inmate roster” because Bexar County’s own system separates the recent Central Magistrate search, seven-day Sheriff jail reports, live inmate/bond assistance and court-record portal.

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