Federal Inmate Search
Looking for someone in federal prison? Use our free federal inmate search — a quick federal inmate locator — to look them up by name or BOP register number. It checks the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) directory live and shows the person’s name and facility, so you can confirm you have the right person. No account is needed.
Search for a federal inmate
Free to search — no account needed. Enter a name or BOP register number.
Searches all federal BOP facilities · or add funds directly
We are not the Bureau of Prisons
ContactMeAsap is an independent company. We are not the BOP, and we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the BOP or CorrLinks/TRULINCS. Our search checks the BOP’s public directory to help you confirm who you are looking for — it is not an official BOP record. For official information about someone in federal custody, go to the BOP at bop.gov.
How the BOP inmate search works
The Federal Bureau of Prisons keeps a public directory of people in federal custody. Think of our search as a federal inmate locator for that directory: it looks the person up live. You can search two ways:
- By name.Enter the person’s first and last name. If more than one person matches, you’ll see details such as each match’s register number, age and facility so you can pick the right one.
- By BOP register number.Every person in federal custody is assigned a BOP register number: eight digits, usually written like 12345-678. It appears on mail from the BOP, and it points to exactly one person, so it’s the surest way to find the right inmate.
Searching is free, doesn’t require an account, and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Can’t find the inmate? Try these tips
- Check the spelling, and try the full legal name instead of a nickname.
- Use the register number if you have it — it appears on mail from the BOP.
- Make sure the person is in federal custody. The BOP directory doesn’t include state prisons or county jails, which keep their own records.
- Still stuck? Text us at 734-215-7002and we’ll help.
Found them? Stay in touch by text
Once you’ve confirmed your inmate’s name and facility, you can start texting a federal inmate from your own phone. ContactMeAsap relays your messages through CorrLinks/TRULINCS, with unlimited federal inmate text messages on both plans.
- Select your inmate in the results and click Start Texting. Their register number carries over to checkout, so you don’t have to enter it again.
- Add funds and choose a plan: the Basic Federal Plan is $20 per month of service, and the Premium Federal Planis $30 per month of service and adds the AI assistant “Diamond”, Puerto Rico & Central/South America, 25 free federal prison photos, priority CorrLinks processing and 24/7 federal inmate support.
- Follow the setup instructions we send by text and email once your payment is approved.
Both plans are pay-as-you-go: you add funds when you choose, and your balance is yours until you use it. Plans and prices as of October 2026. You can also send photos to your inmate.
Federal inmate search FAQ
Is the federal inmate search free?
Yes. Searching the BOP directory with ContactMeAsap is free and you don’t need an account. You only pay if you decide to start texting your inmate.
What do I need to search for a federal inmate?
A name or a BOP register number. The register number is the surest way to find the right person: it’s eight digits, usually written like 12345-678, and it appears on mail from the BOP.
What does the search show me?
When you find a match, you see the person’s name, BOP register number and the facility where they’re located, so you can confirm you have the right person before you pay. If more than one person matches, you’ll see details such as register number, age and facility to help you choose.
Can I search for someone in a state prison or county jail?
No. The BOP directory covers people in federal custody, and ContactMeAsap is built for federal inmates. State prisons and county jails keep their own records.
Is ContactMeAsap part of the Bureau of Prisons?
No. ContactMeAsap is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the BOP or CorrLinks/TRULINCS. For official information about someone in federal custody, use the BOP’s own website at bop.gov.
I found my inmate. What happens next?
Click Start Texting to go to checkout with your inmate’s register number already filled in, then add funds and choose the Basic or Premium plan. Once your payment is approved, we send setup instructions by text and email.
Find the person you want to contact
Free to search — no account needed. Enter a name or BOP register number.
Searches all federal BOP facilities · or add funds directly
Not sure which service fits? See our federal inmate texting service overview, or add funds to get started. New to texting a federal inmate? Read our guide to how to text a federal inmate.
ContactMeAsap is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) or CorrLinks/TRULINCS. Federal institutions may monitor or restrict inmate communications, and availability can vary by facility.