Los Angeles County Inmate Search: Custody Information, Visits and Contacts

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) provides an online inmate search for available records in its county custody system. This guide explains how to locate a person, confirm a booking number and facility, arrange a visit, report healthcare concerns, and find the appropriate deposit or notification service.

Independent information guide: This website is not affiliated with LASD. Official custody information, visiting decisions, healthcare services, payments, and property requests are handled by the department or other responsible provider.

Start with the official search: Use the LASD Inmate Information Center. For help locating a person or obtaining a booking number, call 213-473-6100. For healthcare concerns about a person in LASD custody that require immediate assistance, the portal lists the Medical Command Center at 213-893-5544.

A booking or custody record does not establish that a person has been convicted. The inmate locator is also separate from court records and is not a criminal-history report.

Choose Your Next Step Searching County Custody Records If No Record Appears Reading Custody Information Classification, Transfers and Restrictions Arranging a Visit Medical and Mental Health Concerns Deposits and Personal Property Victim Custody Notifications Release Information and Court Records Contacts and Official Services Custody Request Checklist

Choose Your Next Step

Locating a person, scheduling a visit, reporting a medical concern, and sending money use different services. Choose the entry point that matches your request.

Starting points for custody information and related services
Your task	Where to start	What to prepare
Locate a person in LASD custody	Inmate Information Center or 213-473-6100.	Complete name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date when known.
Obtain or confirm a booking number	The available custody record or Inmate Information at 213-473-6100.	Complete name and date of birth or arrest date.
Schedule a visit	Official visiting registration and scheduling system.	Current facility, booking number, visitor information, identification, and any required clearance.
Report an urgent healthcare concern	Medical Command Center at 213-893-5544.	Name, booking number when known, facility, specific concern, and your contact information.
Deposit money	Current LASD deposit instructions.	Recipient details, booking number, depositor information, payment method, and any required identification.
Ask about property or a money release	The responsible facility or the applicable service listed in official custody resources.	Booking number, requested items or funds, and documents establishing any required authorization.
Register for county custody notifications	VINE, following current California and county instructions.	Name or booking number and the contact information required for notification.
Locate someone transferred to state prison	CDCR incarcerated-person search.	Name, CDCR number when known, and transfer information.
Request victim notifications from CDCR	CDCR victim services application.	Offender information, your relationship to the case, and current contact details.

Searching County Custody Records

The official LASD inmate locator provides available records for people booked into the department's custody system. It is not a single database of every person detained by every agency in Los Angeles County.

Information to Gather

The person's complete first and last name.
Middle name, when known.
Date of birth.
Approximate arrest date.
Booking number, if already available.
The arresting agency or last known facility, when known.

Search and Confirm the Match

Open the official portal and read its current notices.
Enter the identifying information requested by the search form.
Complete the required reCAPTCHA verification.
Review possible matches rather than relying on a name alone.
Compare available identifying details with the information you have.
Record the booking number and current facility when shown.

Check spelling, surname order, hyphenation, and compound names. Use a nickname only when it is relevant to the official record. Incorrect identifying information can prevent a match or return the wrong person.

If you cannot complete the verification or obtain useful results, follow the portal's instructions or call Inmate Information at 213-473-6100.

If No Record Appears

A missing result does not prove that the person has been released or is not in custody. Consider the timing of the booking, the search information, and which agency is holding the person.

Recent Arrests and Booking Delays

The Inmate Information Center states that records are not available for bookings that occurred within the preceding two hours. This notice concerns booking time, which may differ from the time of arrest.

A person may still be undergoing processing or awaiting transfer into the LASD system. Allow for the stated delay, verify the identifying details, and contact the arresting agency or Inmate Information when the location remains uncertain.

The two-hour notice is not a guarantee that every record will appear exactly two hours after an arrest or booking.

Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Check the name and date of birth against reliable information. Try another supported search field when appropriate, and compare any possible matches carefully.

Do not assume that a record belongs to the person you are seeking solely because the first and last names match.

Custody Under Another Agency

The person may be held by a city police department, state correctional institution, federal agency, or another jurisdiction. Contact the arresting agency if you do not know which custody system to search.

For a transfer to California state prison, use the CDCR search service. A missing county result by itself does not establish whether a release or transfer occurred.

Reading Custody Information

Available details depend on the record and its status. Use the information shown to confirm identity and determine the responsible facility or service.

Booking Numbers and Court Case Numbers

A booking number identifies a custody record. A court case number identifies a court proceeding. They are not interchangeable.

Use the booking number for LASD custody inquiries when requested. For hearings, filings, or court documents, obtain the relevant court case number and use the court's records service.

Facility and Status Information

Note the current facility and any status information displayed. Recheck the record before traveling or sending an approved item because housing assignments may change.

A visible custody record does not establish that the person is currently eligible for a visit, that an item may be delivered, or that a property release has been authorized.

Limits of the Online Record

The locator is not a medical-status system, a complete court record, or proof of conviction. It does not replace direct confirmation when you need to act on a release, transfer, visit, or authorization.

Classification, Transfers and Restrictions

Classification

The LASD custody FAQ describes an “unclassified” person as awaiting a permanent housing assignment. Classification and housing review can affect access to visits and telephone privileges.

Timing depends on the circumstances. Contact Inmate Information or the responsible facility about the person's current status rather than treating a general timeframe as a guaranteed waiting period.

Transfers Between Facilities

The department's FAQ states that family members are not automatically notified of transfers between county facilities. Confirm the current location through the search service or Inmate Information before arranging a visit or mailing an approved item.

A move between LASD facilities differs from a transfer to another agency. The receiving agency may have its own search, visiting, and notification systems.

Lockdowns and Other Restrictions

Security conditions, disciplinary restrictions, medical activities, and daily operations can affect movement, visits, telephone access, and other services.

A scheduled visit may be delayed or canceled even when the custody record remains visible. Follow current facility notices and appointment instructions.

The official custody FAQ provides general explanations, but confirm the instructions applicable to the person's facility and status.

Arranging a Visit

Use the official LASD visiting registration and scheduling system after confirming the current facility and booking information. Locating a person does not create a visiting appointment.

Confirm the person's current facility and visiting eligibility.
Read the current rules for the facility and visit type.
Register or sign in through the official scheduling system.
Complete any required visitor clearance before booking.
Select an available appointment and retain the confirmation.
Bring the required identification and supporting documents.
Follow the appointment's arrival and check-in instructions.

Identification and Clearance

Visitors must meet the applicable identification and eligibility requirements. People on parole or probation, or with a felony conviction, should confirm whether prior clearance is required.

The custody FAQ describes a clearance process through the Men's Central Jail Legal Unit for relevant MCJ visits. Confirm the responsible unit and current procedure for your facility rather than assuming that one process applies everywhere.

Visits With Minors

Confirm the minor's identification requirements, accompanying-adult rules, and registration arrangements before booking. Requirements may involve a birth certificate, identification, parental authorization, or guardianship documentation.

Ask the facility which documents are required for the child's exact age and accompanying adult before scheduling the visit.

Children must remain supervised. Do not plan to leave a child unattended while another person completes a visit.

Availability and Delays

Visit allowances, appointment availability, and visit length depend on the applicable rules and custody status. A published allowance does not guarantee a particular appointment or uninterrupted access.

Facility movement, medical activities, restrictions, and other operations may delay or cancel a visit. Check current notices before traveling.

Scheduling Assistance

The official scheduling system lists the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at 213-680-4887. Review its current contact information and operating hours for assistance with registration or scheduling.

Use Inmate Information at 213-473-6100 for custody location questions rather than directing them to the visiting help desk.

Medical and Mental Health Concerns

For healthcare concerns about a person in LASD custody that require immediate assistance, the Inmate Information Center directs callers to the Medical Command Center at 213-893-5544.

Prepare the person's complete name, booking number when known, facility, the specific concern, and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Information Families Can Provide

A known medical or mental health condition.
Relevant medication information.
A recent change or concern requiring attention.
Relevant treatment-provider information, when available.
Your relationship to the person and contact details.

Ask staff how to submit records or other supporting information through the designated process. Providing information does not necessarily authorize the department to disclose private healthcare details to you.

The inmate search does not show a diagnosis, treatment plan, medication record, or detailed healthcare update.

Eyeglasses and Other Medical Items

Prescription eyeglasses, orthopedic footwear, and other medical items may require medical review, authorization, and compliance with custody standards.

The custody FAQ describes specific procedures for certain items, including processing through the MCJ Legal Unit. Confirm the current requirements, recipient location, approved item specifications, and delivery method before purchasing or sending anything.

Do not assume that an outside prescription, court document, or general visiting appointment alone authorizes delivery.

Deposits and Personal Property

Current Online Deposit Service

LASD announced that online deposits through Access Corrections became available effective July 28, 2025. This later announcement updates older portal wording stating that online deposits were discontinued in 2015.

Start from the department's current deposit announcement and instructions, then follow its designated service link.

Verify the recipient's name and booking information.
Confirm that the selected agency and account are correct.
Review fees, limits, and processing instructions before paying.
Provide the depositor information required by the service.
Retain the confirmation and contact the designated support service if a problem occurs.

The LASD announcement states that a valid residential address is required and that P.O. box addresses are not accepted. Check the current instructions for identification and any in-person transaction requirements.

Property and Money Releases

A property release, money release, vehicle-related authorization, and deposit are different transactions. Finding a custody record or attending a visit does not authorize you to collect possessions or funds.

Confirm which facility or unit holds the property, who may authorize release, which documents are required, and how collection must be arranged.

Use the official custody resources or contact the responsible facility for the procedure that matches your request.

Victim Custody Notifications

County Custody Notifications

VINE provides custody information and notification services for participating jurisdictions. Use VINE's current California service to check the relevant county record and available notification options.

Registration may require contact information and a PIN, depending on the notification method. Keep your contact details current and follow the service's instructions for managing alerts.

A search alone does not register you for notifications. Confirm that registration was completed and which custody events the service covers.

Transfers to California State Prison

County custody notifications and CDCR victim services are separate. Do not assume that a county registration automatically provides ongoing notifications after a transfer to state prison.

CDCR directs eligible victims and other qualifying applicants to the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services application process for its notification services. CDCR's notice states that it discontinued notifications through VINE effective December 31, 2016.

For registration assistance, contact CDCR victim services at 877-256-6877 or review the official victim services page.

For a public state-prison location search, use the separate CDCR search service.

Release Information and Court Records

Use available custody information to identify the responsible agency, but confirm release questions directly with that agency. An online entry does not guarantee the exact time a person will leave custody.

Sentence calculations, credits, court orders, other holds, and transfers may affect release arrangements. Do not calculate a release date from a general credit example or assume that a transfer means the person has been released.

Court Matters

Court dates, filings, judgments, and case documents belong to the relevant court records system. For Los Angeles County court matters, start with the Los Angeles Superior Court.

A court case may continue after release from jail. A person may also have multiple court matters associated with a custody period.

For questions about the legal effect of an order or the person's case, contact the attorney or appropriate court office.

Contacts and Official Services

Prepare the person's complete name, date of birth, booking number when known, and the specific request before contacting a service.

Custody contacts and official service entry points
Service	Contact or official entry point	Purpose
Inmate Information	213-473-6100 Inmate Information Center	Custody location, booking-number assistance, and general custody questions.
Medical Command Center	213-893-5544	Healthcare concerns about a person in LASD custody requiring immediate assistance.
Visiting registration and scheduling	Official visiting system 213-680-4887	Visitor registration, appointments, and scheduling-system assistance. Check current support hours.
Men's Central Jail Legal Unit	213-974-0103 441 Bauchet Street Los Angeles, CA 90012	Specified MCJ legal and authorization procedures. Confirm responsibility and submission instructions before visiting or mailing items.
Inmate deposits	LASD deposit instructions	The current authorized deposit service and applicable requirements.
County custody notifications	VINE	Available custody information and notification registration for participating jurisdictions.
CDCR victim services	877-256-6877 Victim services application	Eligibility and registration for state correctional victim notification services.
State-prison location search	CDCR search service	Available records for people in California state correctional custody.
LASD general departmental contact	213-229-1700 211 W. Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012	General departmental inquiries. Use the specific custody service for location, visiting, medical, or payment questions.

For additional routing information, review the official LASD phone directory. Confirm service hours, facility instructions, and submission arrangements before traveling.

Custody Request Checklist

Use the official locator: Start with the LASD Inmate Information Center for county custody records.
Confirm identity: Compare available identifying details rather than relying on a name alone.
Allow for booking delays: The portal's two-hour notice concerns recent bookings, not necessarily the time of arrest.
Keep the booking number: Use it for custody inquiries when requested.
Recheck the facility: Housing assignments and responsible agencies may change.
Book visits separately: A custody result does not create an appointment or establish visiting eligibility.
Confirm facility rules: Check identification, minor-visitor documentation, clearance, and arrival requirements.
Use the medical contact: Report healthcare concerns through the designated service.
Follow current deposit instructions: Use the service linked by LASD and verify the recipient before paying.
Separate notification systems: Confirm county registration and apply for CDCR services when appropriate.
Confirm release questions directly: Do not treat an online status or general credit formula as a guaranteed release time.
Protect sensitive information: Submit identification and medical documents only through the designated process.

If you find an outdated detail or broken link in this guide, please contact our website editor. Custody location questions, visits, medical concerns, payments, property requests, and official authorizations should go to LASD or the responsible agency.