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New Jersey Inmate Search

Find inmates in New Jersey state prisons and county jails. Search the official NJ DOC inmate locator, county jail rosters, and custody status databases.

NJ DOCState Agency
~19,000Est. Population
Free SearchOnline Lookup
About This Directory

The NJ DOC maintains an online inmate locator allowing the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities. This directory also links to county jail rosters, federal inmate search tools, and victim notification programs for New Jersey.

State DOC
NJ DOC
Prison Population
~19,000
Facility Types
State Prisons, County Jails, CBFs
How-To Guide
How to Search for an Inmate in New Jersey

Use these steps to locate someone in a New Jersey state prison or county jail.

1
Use the NJ DOC Online Locator

Visit the official NJ DOC website and navigate to the inmate search tool. You can search by first name, last name, or DOC number. Results show facility location, custody level, and projected release date.

2
Search County Jail Rosters

If the person was recently arrested or awaiting trial, they may be held at a New Jersey county jail. Most New Jersey county sheriffs publish online jail rosters searchable by name. Visit the county sheriff's website for the county where the arrest occurred.

3
Search the Federal BOP Locator

For individuals sentenced to federal crimes, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator at bop.gov/inmateloc. Federal inmates are held in separate facilities from state prisoners.

4
Register for Victim Notification (VINE)

The VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system notifies registered victims when an inmate's custody status changes. Register at VINELink.com or through the New Jersey VINE program.

Frequently Asked Questions
New Jersey Inmate Search FAQ
Is the New Jersey inmate search free?

Yes. The NJ DOC official inmate locator is free to use online. County jail roster searches are also typically free. Third-party aggregate sites may charge fees but are not official sources.

What information can I find in the New Jersey inmate search?

The NJ DOC locator typically shows full name, DOC ID number, current facility, custody level, offense(s), sentence length, earliest release date, and sometimes a photo. County jails may show booking date, charges, and bond amount.

What if the person isn't found in the New Jersey search?

If you can't find someone, they may be: held in a county jail not linked to the state system; held in a federal facility (check BOP); recently released or transferred; or the name may be spelled differently. Try searching with partial names or alternate spellings. You can also call the NJ DOC directly.

Search Tips
  • Use legal name, not nickname
  • Try partial last name if unsure
  • DOC ID gives most accurate result
  • Check county jail if recently arrested
  • Federal offenses: use BOP locator
NoteThis tool searches publicly available government records. Data reflects official NJ DOC information and may have up to 24-hour delays.
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