New York Inmate Search

Use this website for informational purposes only.

With an incarceration rate of 376 per 100,000 people, New York has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. One may face a prison sentence when convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Examples of these crimes include drug abuse violations, larceny, disorderly conduct, and DUI (driving under the influence). 

The Inmate Lookup Tool 

If you have a loved one or a person of interest locked up in one of New York's correctional facilities, you can use the Inmate Lookup tool to find them. The tool offers information on the location and status of inmates locked up in all correctional facilities in New York. 

It has a list of all current inmates as well as some former inmates imprisoned from the early 70s. However, it doesn't list people who had the court overturn their convictions and youthful offenders. Note that youthful offender papers and records in New York are confidential and unavailable to any entity or individual under Criminal Procedure Law 720.35. 

How to Complete the Inmate Search 

The Inmate Lookup tool will take you through a step-by-step process to find the person you are looking for. These steps include: 

1. Gathering accepted identifying information 
2. Opening the form 
3. Filling out the form 
4. Referring to the Results section for further details 
5. Writing down or printing the information you get 

What You Need to do the Search 

You need the inmate's identifying information to start the search. The identifying information may include personal details and state-issued identification numbers that include the following: 

• DIN (Department Identification Number) assigned to them upon entering a correctional facility 
• New York State Identification Number 
• Birth year 
• First and last names 

Correctional facilities across the country assign department identification numbers to inmates for record-keeping purposes. The DIN remains valid until the inmate's term ends.  

You can get the DIN from the inmate or search their name on the Inmate Lookup tool for the same. If both methods don't work, call (518)-457-5000 for further assistance. 

A New York State Identification Number can help you access an inmate's records online. It is DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice Services)-issued.  

When Can You Access the Lookup Tool? 

The lookup tool is open for public use Mondays to Fridays from 12 AM to 11:45 PM. You can also use it on Weekends from 12:30 AM to 11:30 PM. 

Telephone lines for the New York's Department of Corrections and Community Supervision are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Both NYS residents and out-of-state residents can call the line. However, standard call fees and rates apply. 

This site is not owned or operated by any state government agency, read more.