Texas Prison Inmate Search
Do you need to find someone in Texas prison? If a family member or loved one has been sent to prison, you might be wondering how to find them. Probably you want to write to them and stay in touch while they do their time.
I used to be able to display a form on this page that let folks search for inmates within TDC but the folks at TDCJ have changed the way things work and I cannot make it work now. I hope to have a solution soon. Meanwhile please continue to send your questions to me and I will keep trying to help y’all. Sorry for the hassle.
You can also check these other pages I have with information about Texas prison, Federal prison, and, soon to come, county jails in Texas.
My husband got 180 days in state jail on his release date says April 7 2016 . he’s going to school for GED & alcohol classes will he get the 20% ?
Hi there…from what I understand state jail is day for day, what you get is what you do. He should be released on the date listed.
Can anyone talk to the inmate once he calls the person registered? I have a prepaid cell and the house phone is in my parents name. Please help
When my son would call my phone his brother, sister and dad would talk to him on my phone, as well as putting it on speaker so he could talk to his baby.
Veronica, Rose is right – state jail is day for day. Now, in some cases a sentence is a TDC sentence but due to different things a TDC offender is housed at a state jail unit. This is not the same as serving a state jail sentence. Considering his sentence is 180 days that sounds like state jail, and he will probably be there for the duration of the 180 days. Peace ~ Magnum
Ok I finally got my husbands info and sent out a letter. So my question is, can they get mail and send mail while in processing? The lady at the jail say they can’t while in processing but I just need to know cuz I haven’t heard from him since he caught chain and I don’t want him to think I forgot about him. 🙁
Yes they can write…just need to have money to buy the stuff to write/mail with!
How long does it take for their commissary money from county to get to them?
I honestly don’t know. I just added money the minute the I got his number. Do you know about jpay? You can use it on the computer or the ap on your phone to write him, he will get the letters faster but still have to write you back regular mail. You can use this to put money on his books as well.
Thank u for all the help for other families I was juest reading your massages n there very helpful god bless u n your family an the best for this year to all of yall nice n kind of yall
Hey Alma, thanks for your note. I consider myself lucky to be where I am at today, so it’s my pleasure to share what I know. Peace ~ Magnum
Hey yall…hows it going? Shamekia any word yet? Hope all is moving forward quickly for you all…just wanted to check in! Praying still for you out here and your loved ones in there.
My husband caught chain on Dec 30 from Dallas county how long does it usually take for them to show up on the tdcj website… He has yet showed up…
Hey Rainy, It will take several days, especially since it was just a holiday. It’s a difficult time for the family of an inmate but try to be calm and keep checking. He is in intake and OK, it just takes a couple days to show up. Peace ~ Magnum
Hi Rainy…like Magnum said it takes a few days and unfortunately the holidays slow stuff down. He should show up any time now. If youre like me youre checking the site several times a day. As soon as he shows up write down his TDCJ number and you can enter it into jpay and write him and put money on his books. My son said being able to make store while in processing, when everyone told him no way it was too soon to have money, was like Christmas as a kid…and the letters just keep them going and encouraged! Hang in there!!
USUALLY SHOW UP IN 3-4 DAYS
Hi Rose no word yet on release but my boyfriend says he has less than 60 days. He is definite that he will complete the program on Feb. 4th. Just waiting now, he’s suppose to be on a monitor when he comes home.
That’s awesome!! The monitor is a pain but def better than being inside! If his is like my sons itll be for sixty days as long as he has a job…we have 20 more days to go and it comes off. Parole will call you and tell you so you will have to get a land line if so. I think it was about a month before release when they called me. I called ATT (because that’s who they told me to use) and got it all set up and was ready and waiting! Hang in there, its sounding promising like its almost over!
I’m trying to find out my boyfriend’s ID number so I can write him, can anyone tell me how to write him? He’s in Jester 3 but I can’t get his information! Thanks in advance
If you enter his name above in the inmate finder he should come up with his number/unit/etc as long as hes been processed and given a number.
Hey everyone – wishing y’all peace in 2016. Life is good! If you’ve got someone inside just hang in there and the days will pass. Hope this time goes fast and my best advise is just to stay in toich as much as you can. For those inside hearing from family and friends keeps you going. Actually it’s amazing how quickly you find your real friends are real far and few between. But the ones that stick by you are the real deal.
Rose – how’s things going with your son? Hope he is doing well and adjusting to being home. I think you said he had a job straight out of the chute, right? I sure appreciate you keeping up on the questions here and helping folks with their questions. I got my hands full right now and don’t get on here as often as I should.
I want to add some more news and information to this site to help people out. Any suggestions you have about what would help the most? I think I’ve covered a lot of it about depositing money and communicating and all that. What else did you find yourself wanting to know when your son was facing incarceration in TDC?
Peace y’all ~Magnum
Hey Magnum…glad to see you! My son is doing great, working, marriage growing…rebuilding a relationship with his son from a prior relationship. So far so good, just moving forward. I think a lot of questions I had during all of this were just to do with the unknown, which none of us can really answer other than off our own experiences and even then they don’t always match lol. You’ve got a wealth of information on here, I honestly don’t know what you could add. Im pretty sure most people are like me and just want this over and in the midst of it all are looking for hope and encouragement and a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s why I check in here every morning with my coffee…just to offer some encouragement and help with what I know. Its def not the best/funnest ride in the world but it does end and it does get easier. Im thankful for your blog and the time you take to answer questions!
Hi, I recently found out a good friend of mine is in prison, I do not know much about his case just what I found on the Internet. So I don’t know how to find out if he’s federal or state….I really would like to get access to an adress to where I could write to him. If you can please guide me or help me look for him I’d really appreciate it, his name is Daniel Villalobos and he should be 26 yrs old, hispanic. Thank you
Hi Mary, I put in your friends name on the TDCJ inmate search engine at the top of this page. It says that he is at the Clements Unit in Amarillo. Look that unit up and you should get the mailing address 9601 Spur 591, Amarillo, Tx 79107. Hope this helps.
Hey Mary, to add to Shamekia’s info, when you look him up in the inmate locator be sure to make note of his TDC number and include it next to his name on your letters. So you would put his name, his TDC#, then next line Clements Unit, then the rest of the address. You have to include your return address and also be aware that anything you write to him will be reviewed before it is delivered to him. Peace ~ Magnum
I have a question is shows my husband caught chain on Dec 30th when should his info show up on tdcj website… I’m trying to get him some money and let him know we are good since the horrible storm here in Garland.
My husband was transferred to Dominguez on November 25th, he still has not been able to make phone calls and get visitation privileges. I’ve already registered my phone to receive calls, but his calls are not coming through. Does anyone have an idea as to why? I’m new to this whole situation and just need some guidance.
If he is still undergoing processing that can take anywhere from two weeks to 45 days. It was a little over a month from transfer before I got my first phone call from my son. Just continue to write him and make sure he has money on his books to by hygiene and writing supplies. Hang in there!
Thank you for the advise. Do you happen to know if it might take longer for the processing to be completed due to the holidays?
The holidays can slow things down…people being off, etc. Nothing moves very fast any way in there and holidays sure don’t help.
Hi wasn’t sure how to ask questions, but here goes. My husband has been granted parole he is coming home Feb. 16, 2016 after 20 months. He will have the ankle monitor. My questions are “now what” ? He has a job. I know I am very fortunate, and believe me it’s be probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. God is good and I’m forever grateful.
I don’t know what to expect. I guess should follow my own advice Let go let God. Maybe just answered my own questions thanks
Hey there, yeah, that is a good question. And, your answer to yourself was pretty good. I think it just depends. You know your husband and you know yourself, so you might already have an idea. I would say be patient with him and yourself and just let things unfold as they should. There can be a lot of pressure on everyone and once the euphoria fades a bit it’s back to reality as usual. I think the ankle monitor is tough on some people. It can be frustrating to be let out then still be tied down to the house so much. Hopefully he will be off that pretty soon. Good that he has a job lined up, that is excellent. Peace ~ Magnum
Hi there…my son got released the day before Thanksgiving on an ankle monitor for 60 days minimum, has a job and has about 30 days, or less to go on the monitor. His first weekend home was hectic because of the holidays and then people dropping in wanting to see him. Id catch him standing off alone and just go talk to him…it was overwhelming and he was sad that no one out here (friends) had really changed. He would go to his room where it was quiet because he just felt overwhelmed by all the commotion. That lasted a few days, maybe a week…but hes okay now. Still sometimes feels sad that he has made decisions for the bettering of his life and some family and friends are still living out there in ways hes leaving behind, but hes steadfast in his decisions and has decided loving them from a distance is what is best. Just be patient and give him room to go be alone if he feels the need. It wont take long and he will be back in the swing of life out here. The monitor is a pain just simply because they are free, but still tied to a curfew…but its not for long…like Ive been saying this too shall pass and it shall! Congrats on him coming home! Not long now, keep hanging in there! I know the joy and excitement you are feeling!
Merry Christmas yall…Praying for those just starting on this road, that your walk be as easy and smooth as possible…praying for those finishing up and almost home, that these last days go by fast and easy. Keep the faith and keep hanging in there…it does pass…it does end…and it does get okay again. Much love and prayers to you all!
Hi I’m new to this whole process could use some guidance on how to find where my husband got transferred to Tuesday from Harris county to Tdc, does anyone know how I can find out what unit he was transferred too or how long it will take for him to show in the system so I can write him? Thanks!
Hi Nicole…with the holidays it might take a little longer for him to show up in the system. All you can really do is keep checking the tdcj inmate locator site. Once he shows up you be able to get his number and write him and put money on his books. If you haven’t heard about the jpay ap you can download that as well and send him emails that the unit will print and give to him. He will still have to write back by regular mail but he will get your mail much faster. Im sorry your road is just beginning…hang in there, keep the faith and stay positive. Prayers for you and your family and husband. Processing can take anywhere from two weeks to 45 days, after processing he will be able to call you so as soon as you have his number you will want to register your phone. If you scroll down some you will see info I posted on how to register your phone. Hang in there!
Rose, I just want to thank you for your prayers. I got a letter from my boyfriend and be said that he should finish CHANGES program on February 4. Not sure when we will get a release date but there is some light at the end of this tunnel. The holidays are hard but Thank God it will be the last one without my love. To everyone just starting on this journey stay positive believe me it won’t be easy. You will cry, scream and ask why me but know that this is only temporary.
Hey…you are more than welcome. Im just sorry any of us have this knowledge and have to go thru this, inside and out here. You are right…there are moments of crying like a baby, feeling like it will never end…then the little bouts of joy/hope…then crying/screaming again…but it does pass. Im so glad you got a finish date for Changes…Im praying for you that he is home in February!!
My boyfriend was approved for parole with F1-3R in October 1st, 2015. He started CHANGES during the last of that month. I just got a letter from him saying he just got his blood work done and 2 weeks ago the parole office in Tarrant county called to verify my address. This is new to me so I don’t know what to expect next. I guess I’m anxious and excited for him to come home it’s been 20 months since he got locked up. Any information would be helpful.
Oh yeah it also said this Approved on 10/01/2015
FI-3R (12/2015)- Transfer to a TDCJ rehabilitation program, such as Changes/Lifeskills, and release to parole on or after completion and not earlier than three months from the specified date of 12/2015.Â
If Im thinking correctly once he completes the program then parole will issue a release date. Changes was not required for my son to make parole or be released so I didn’t keep up with the dates of that class as closely, but I do know someone being released upon completion of a class and from what they know the class will complete towards the end of March and he should be released around the first of April, but no set date yet. I would call the Release phone number if I were you and see if they have a release date yet…512-406-5299. I called them daily until they had a release date for my son.
Thank you for the info Rose. I will call because I’ve been checking the website daily and nothings changed.
hi i had a question my husband finished his class on the 30th and still no release how long does it take to see one? and will he be out for the holidays?
Try calling that release number…512-406-5299 and see if they have one. I called them daily, sometimes twice lol morning and right before five because I don’t know when they update stuff. Ive heard of people getting a release date the day before and then some getting a date a few weeks before…theres no telling really. Id just keep calling
Hi mmm i called nd i was told that the boards voted till April but his done with his classes i dont get it ???
If they voted and approved and he has finished his class…has his PRD happened yet? If not chances are that is his release date.
What is PRD? I was told voted but they didnt say nothing about approval…
i found his prd and that is till 2017 so does that mean he will come out till then ?
Have you check his parole review status on the tdcj inmate search? When you go on there you should see a yellow tab saying parole review information. Click on that and it will tell you if the board has made a decision or not. Hope this helps.
Yea, click the yellow parole review button…see what all that says…its very frustrating and nothing moves very fast. Just keep checking things and hang in there. Hopefully under parole review there will be something to give you a bit more info.
Yes he was approved already and it says FI-3R 01-2016 but I don’t understand none of this… thanks for helping me out
Here is what I found…
FI-3 R (Month/Year)–Transfer to a TDCJ rehabilitation program. Release to parole only after program completion and not earlier than three months from specified date. Such TDCJ program may include either CHANGES/Lifeskills, Voyager, Segovia Pre-Release Center (Segovia PRC), or any other approved tier program;
So January is the specified date so I see that meaning he is coming home in January…as long as all goes well, no cases I mean. YAY!!!!
one question on my husbands parole review it says this now FI-1 (FURTHER INVESTIGATION 1)- Release offender on parole supervision as soon as eligible???????
Hi Jenny…I don’t know why it changed to that. If you call the board he is under they may be able to give you more info. Does it give an eligible for parole date? Im sorry Im not more help.
NO WELL HE WAS APPROVED FOR PAROLE SENCE AGUST THEN IT SAID HE WAS APPROVED FOR THAT I CALLED ND THEY SAID AFTER HIS APPROVED FOR THAT AI-1 THAT IT TAKES FRM 30 TO 60 FOR HIM TO BE HOME…. WELL I GUESS IT DONT MATTER AS LONG AS HE COMES HOME RIGHT…. THANKS FOR HELPING ME OUT THO 🙂
Hang in there Jenny…hes coming home! I know its hard and frustrating and you just want a date to count down to and know an end is in site, but you do have an end, that 30-60 days…its coming! Maria, you are welcome. Its a hard time, for them and us…just hang in there, stay positive and keep the faith…this too shall pass and hopefully we will not walk this walk again!
Hello my husband recieved an FI 5 and approved for release under the stipulations that he complete an IPTC program and not to be scheduled for release no sooner than JANUARY 1 2016. He started that program in june and has since completed the program on december 16th 2015…He has not heard a word from nobody as far as his home approval or his release date. Can anyone tell me what to expect because all that has gone through the program with him has gotten their home approved and a release date except him. Thanks for any information that can be provided
Have you tried calling release at 512-406-5299 to see if they have a release date yet? It would seem like to me that you should be hearing something any time now.
I have a question about the 6,000 inmate nation wide release in our history! I don’t know how to leave a post here. Therefore, I had to go under a reply button. I constantly see my husband status everyday..I write letters to Parole since he still under review and we do have the right since his not up for a vote yet..information was told. The system is so unfair to our prisoners and we are their advocates for them out here! They took his short-way twice is placed in a Trustee camp but it seems that they are just not being heard justly. Our system is so chaotic when it comes to your love one behind bars. I sometimes wonder if they even read your letters written to the board and take efforts in seeing their good virtues. I guess I am just wishing to hard! I am sorry to vent like this but they have amendment as a prisoner and rights but I guess like they say? They are state property of classification and statistics of numbers.
Hi Maria. Im not sure Im understanding what your question is. I had read that the inmate release, the 6000 was federal inmates and really do not know much else about that. I know this is a hard road and no life in there is not fair doesn’t work like life out here. I pray your husband is doing okay and is able to be home soon. Keep writing your letters, checking his status and praying…this too shall pass…big hugs and lots of prayers to you and yours!
Good evening, Rose I do apologize for the confusion and misunderstanding on my behalf. I jumped from one topic to another. I truly don’t understand this system until you have your love behind bars! I read and try to understand the importance of short-way and denials of why and honestly it’s very heart breaking. I sometimes wonder if they even acknowledge our letters and even read the importance of them. Rose if you would read them I truly emphasize statically on how I am determined to bring him home. I am so glad at least our voice is being heard here and yes I appreciate your help and support. I will continue coming here for support because at times it really hurts me to see his status daily and still nothing..but please sorry for the confusion once again
Just pray Maria, that’s really all we have is prayer and faith. Keep the letters going to him for sure, he needs the encouragement and love. I know how hard this is, but it will pass. My son got to come home just before Thanksgiving. His first parole was denied and I thought I would die, but you just pull it together and trust that God has a plan and is working these things together for the good…Im sorry you and your family are going thru, it is heartbreaking. Hang in there!
Thank you! Very much for knowing what I am going through especially when there’s holidays coming and going. Yes! Praise God for all his work and letters I will not stop writing until they actually hear me out!! Rose, thanks for your support
My husband was transferred to Holliday unit last week, Nov 23, and his number appeared a few days later. Got a letter from him and have been emailing him daily. This morning his information page is empty. When I search I get nothing. When I called the unit, the operator said that Visitation could look him up for me, but then she was unable to transfer my call. Any ideas what happened to him?
I finally got an answer. After trying for an hour, I reached an officer who confirmed that he is still at the Holliday unit. When I asked her why his name disappeared from the system, she said “Well sometimes that happens.”
Wow, really?
Hey Okie, I am glad you were able to reach somebody and found out he’s still there. I just always figure, with TDC you just can’t count on things being as they should. And, there isn’t much you can do about it to top it off. Hope things go smoother from here on out. Peace ~ Magnum
Just a little update. Things are going good. Son has a job. Parole is working with him good on hours and all with monitor. It was a bit aggravating the whole monitor, aa classes considering he was under the impression that by choosing to do the time rather than probation he wouldn’t have all this, but the monitor is only for sixty days and only on paper for a year so just making the best of it. But of a rough patch when realization hit that no one else has really changed, but decisions made to do him, his priorities and love those that cld hinder from a distance. I’m very proud of him. Still praying for those inside and their loved ones out here. Keep the faith and hang in there y’all.
Are you talking about Mark F. Walker? Was he finally released?
No I don’t know who that is
Rose you crack me up. Knowing all this prison terminology like “on paper” and “catching chain” – you shouldn’t even know about all this. Shame on your son and shame on me for putting my mom in the same position a few years back. Tell your son to suck it up and attend the AA and maybe he can even get some value from it. A monitor sucks but at least attending AA gives him an excuse to step out. Glad to hear he’s got a job. Hope to keep hearing good news about your son. Hang in there. Peace ~ Magnum
LOL! And now you sound like me…that’s EXACTLY what I said, suck it up! I started going to AA/NA earlier this year when my other son started having issues (when this one got locked up my other two fell apart), then started Alanon and its really been helpful so yea I agree he needs it and it will be a good thing. Whatever it takes to help self improvement and self awareness and keep that fire lit that says I don’t ever wanna go back there. Youre right, none of us should know this lingo…but such is life at times I guess lol. We are hanging!
Hi,
Please somebody tell me information about SAFP program in Johnston Unit?…. My son was transfer 2 weeks ago and he’s still no visitation allow. I all ready open account for put some money in his commissary. But I want to know more about the program and when be able to talk to him..
Thanks so much!!!
IT MAY TAKE A WHILE BEFORE GETTING A VISIT YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT TIL HE SET UP EVERYTHING AND DO YOU KNOW IF THIS GOING TO BE THE FINAL DESTINATION FOR HIM IT TOOK ME A MONTH BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO SEE MY HUSBAND MAYBE YOU WILL NEED TO WRITE HIM AND TELL HIM TO DO HIS VISTIATION LIST AND CALL EVERYDAY TO SEE IF THEY PUT IT IN THE SYSTEM YET
Hi i was wondering if there was anyway on finding out where my husband was transferred he got transfered wednsday &&is still not popping up in the system
With Thursday being a holiday and now it’s the weekend you may not know until Monday or Tuesday. Was he transferred from a unit or from county?? If a unit you can call his previous unit and they will tell you.
He was transfered from a county supposed to be going to a state jail i kind of figured i would know anything right away due to the holiday and weekend but I’m just worried they called to cancel our visit we had wednsday because he had been moved… 🙁
I believe everyone goes to Middleton for classification and processing…then they are moved on to whatever unit they will be sent to. He should show up in the system Monday or Tuesday…then you can write him immediately, thru jpay once you know his number and put money on his books so he can make store and get stuff to be able to write you back as well as hygiene and some food. Processing can take up to 45 days, it did with my son. If you scroll down thru this thread you will see a timeline of my sons stuff. We didn’t do state but its basically the same, except state is day for day. Just hang in there, stay encouraging and positive in your letters and remember this too shall pass. Big hugs and lots of prayers for yall!
Thank you so much I’m freaking out here not knowing i guess ill check again monday and tuesday i did read on your story congrats on your son being home…
The not knowing was the hardest part for me. Lol I called every unit last week during transfer just so I could at least know where he was. Hang in there!
I spoke to my mother in law and she called and asked them if they could at least tell her if he was there at the jail that he was going to get transferred too and they told her he’s there but hasn’t been given a number yet so praise the lord its only 15 minutes away from where i live now i can wait to see him!!
Great! At least you now know where he is…that helps some for sure! The UNKNOWN sucks lol. Hang in there!!
Hi rose would you happen to know how long inmate orientation is?
The processing part at Middleton? They told me it could take anywhere from two weeks to 45 days…My son went to Middleton on 2/13 and then it was 3/15 when I got my first phone call and then 3/21 when I got to go visit. Saw him once at Middleton and then the next weekends visit he was at Rudd where he stayed until paroled out. In my case it was closer to the 45 days. Hang in there…keep writing…its so hard I know…but it will pass.
hey rose,
when your loved one was release was it by the special schedule date or before it?
My son had his PRD on 11/29 but that was a Sunday and they don’t release on weekends. The Friday before tdcj release was closed for Thanksgiving so he got out on 11/25. If that PRD date falls during the week chances are it will be that date unless parole gives a different release date.