Search Arrest, Mugshot & Inmate Records by Name
Search by name and state for arrest, booking, mugshot, inmate, jail roster, prison, criminal and court-record search categories.
Independent records-search resource. This website is not a government agency, police department, sheriff's office, jail, prison or courthouse. Search coverage varies by source and jurisdiction. Some links may lead to third-party services, and compensation may be received when a partner service is used.
Find the Person and the Correct Next Step
Use the official Cook County Sheriff locator to check whether someone is listed in the Chicago jail system. Search with the full first and last name or a booking ID entered without a hyphen.
This guide helps you find housing, discharge progress, visitation, trust funds, mail, phone services, court dates, booking records and state-custody follow-up.
Cook County Jail Search at a Glance
Important: Cook County does not provide a simple public alphabetical roster. You must search for a specific person.
What Information Do You Need?
Jail custody, police arrest data, court records and state-prison information are held in different systems.
Search for an Individual in Cook County Jail
The official locator offers two search routes: full first and last name, or booking ID.
Open the official Sheriff locator
Avoid copied jail lists, paid search pages and unofficial mugshot galleries when current custody matters.
Use the complete legal name
The name search requires the full first name and full last name. A last-name-only search is not the official form’s listed method.
Use booking ID when available
A booking number can be more precise than a common name. Enter the digits without a hyphen.
Open the correct result
Compare name spelling, booking ID, custody status, housing location and discharge information.
Save the booking ID
You may need the identifier for deposits, mail, visitation, phone help and records requests.
Check court information separately
The Sheriff locator is not a replacement for the Clerk’s court docket or a certified court record.
Recent arrest: locator information is generally posted after booking and processing, which can take approximately four to six hours.
Use the Arrest Hotline Before Jail Booking
A person may still be in police custody and not yet appear in the Cook County Jail locator.
The Cook County Public Defender operates a free Arrest Hotline for people held by law enforcement anywhere in Chicago or Cook County. The arrested person, a family member or a friend can call.
Cook County Public Defender Arrest Hotline
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Legal reminder: a person in police custody has the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
Understand Booking, Housing and Discharge Details
Each locator field answers a limited question. Use the related official source for the next step.
| Detail | What it helps confirm | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Booking ID | The identifier assigned to the Cook County custody record. | Use it for deposits, mail, visitation and records requests. |
| Housing location | The division and tier where the person is currently assigned. | Match it with current visitation instructions. |
| Custody status | Whether the person is currently listed in the jail system. | Recheck before travelling or sending funds. |
| Discharge information | Available release-processing information. | Use the discharge tracker and arrange pickup only after confirmation. |
| Jail record | A custody or intake event. | Use the Clerk’s system for later court activity. |
Identity Checks Before You Rely on a Match
- Exact first and last name
- Middle name or initial
- Suffix such as Jr., Sr. or III
- Booking identification number
- Approximate arrest date
- Housing division and tier
- Custody or discharge status
- Related court case number
Wrong-person warning: do not identify someone from a similar name, photo or social-media post alone.
How to Read the Housing Location
The first characters identify the jail division. The second set identifies the tier or living unit.
| Example | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| DIV2 | The person is assigned to Division 2 or the current equivalent shown by the jail. | Division information helps staff identify the correct housing route. |
| DIV08 | The first characters point to Division 8-related housing. | Confirm whether the person is in RTU, Cermak or another listed unit. |
| 2B | The second part represents a tier or living unit. | The tier may be needed for visitation scheduling. |
| Q1 | A unit-level housing code. | Use the current code rather than an old saved schedule. |
Schedule warning: the Sheriff’s visitation page states that older divisional schedules are not currently followed because modified procedures remain in effect. Confirm the current visit process instead of relying on an archived schedule.
Why the Person May Not Appear
A blank result does not automatically mean no arrest occurred.
“I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name] is currently in Cook County custody. The approximate arrest date is [date]. The person is not appearing in the locator. Which official system or department should I check next?”
Cook County Jail Contact Guide
Use the number that matches your question instead of calling several unrelated offices.
Main jail complex
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
| Need | Contact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 773-674-1945 | Bonding, discharge, property, court-location and general corrections help. |
| Automated Help | 773-674-5245 | Custody, housing, visitation, trust, medical, mailroom and records prompts. |
| Visitor Information | 773-674-8225 | Visitor approval and application-status questions. |
| Individual in Custody Services | 773-674-1979 | Family liaison and service-related questions. |
| Trust/Finance | 773-674-6864 | Deposits, balances, refunds and forwarded funds. |
| Electronic Monitoring | 877-326-9198 | Electronic-monitoring questions. |
Pretrial Release vs Older Cash-Bond Cases
Illinois stopped requiring money for pretrial release in newly filed cases after September 18, 2023. Older cases may still carry cash-bond requirements.
Court-ordered release or detention
A judge may order release, conditions, monitoring or continued detention without traditional cash bail.
Cash bond may still apply
Cases filed before September 18, 2023 can still require a bond payment.
Current Cook County Bonding Location
For cases where cash bond still applies, Division 5 accepts eligible payments at 2700 S. California Ave. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day of the year.
| Payment detail | Official instruction |
|---|---|
| Cash | U.S. currency is accepted. |
| Bank or cashier check | Checks must be payable to the Clerk and may require bank verification. |
| Credit or debit card | Must be completed in person with the physical card and valid photo ID. |
| Card service fee | A non-refundable 2.13% service fee is listed. |
| Not accepted | Personal checks and money orders are not accepted for bond. |
Release Processing After Payment
After an eligible bond is posted, the Sheriff states that discharge can take approximately two to three hours. GPS installation or delayed court paperwork can add time.
- Confirm that cash bond still applies
- Check for another-agency holds
- Confirm court paperwork has arrived
- Ask whether GPS is required
- Bring valid photo identification
- Verify the accepted payment method
- Keep all receipts and documents
- Arrange safe transportation after release
Payment scam warning: do not use gift cards, cryptocurrency or an unsolicited payment link.
First Appearance and Court-Date Help
The Cook County Public Defender states that a person held by police overnight will have a First Appearance within 48 hours.
Prepare Useful Information for the Attorney
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Known booking or police-report number
- Work or school schedule
- Recent utility bill or address proof
- Reliable phone number
- Information about medication or urgent needs
- Attorney contact details
- Transportation plan if released
Sign Up for Court Reminders
The Cook County Court Reminder System can send telephone or text reminders for eligible felony and misdemeanor court dates.
Apply for Cook County Jail Visitation
Every adult visitor must complete an application and pass a background review before visiting.
Locate the correct person
Confirm the booking ID and current housing assignment before applying.
Submit one application per person
A separate application is required for each individual in custody you want to visit.
Complete every field accurately
Invalid, inaccurate or unverifiable details can result in denial.
Wait for the background review
Allow seven business days before calling or emailing to ask about application status.
Confirm approval before scheduling
Use the Visitor Information Center or the official scheduling portal.
Minor Visitor Rules
- Visitors age 17 or younger do not submit their own application
- A minor must be accompanied by an approved parent or guardian
- The adult and minor must visit the same person
- High-school-age minors may need a school or state photo ID
- One approved adult may accompany up to three children
- The scheduling page may allow up to two approved adults with minors
Reasons an Adult Application May Be Denied
In-Person and Microsoft Teams Visits
In-person visits use the Sheriff scheduling portal. Family video visits use Microsoft Teams. The detained person must add the visitor to the visitation list before staff arrange the day and time.
Disability Accommodation Help
Visitors requesting a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Compliance Officer. Advance notice may be required depending on the request.
Send Money to a Cook County Jail Trust Account
Use the exact name and booking ID shown by the locator. Online and telephone deposits generally take one to two business days to post.
City code
CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: Illinois
Receive code
1750
Use the exact custody name and booking number.
No agency code
Create an account and select the correct Cook County record.
Account help
Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mailed Payment Rules
| Payment item | Limit | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| USPS money order | $100 per money order | Make payable to the individual using the exact name and booking ID. |
| Cashier’s check | $1,000 per check | Amounts above the limit will be returned. |
| Cash by mail | Not accepted | Never place cash in the envelope. |
| Posting time | Up to five business days | Time begins after receipt and processing. |
Individual Full Name, Booking Identification Number
2700 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Lobby Kiosk Locations
The Sheriff lists kiosks at several jail-compound entrances and division lobbies. Confirm the current entrance before travelling because a housing division is not always the best public-access point.
Commissary and Excess-Fund Holds
An individual can generally purchase up to $100 in commissary items per week. Deposits considered excessive or a security concern may be held until additional funds are needed, discharge occurs or the person transfers.
Collect or Forward Remaining Trust Funds
Former individuals in custody and people on electronic monitoring can contact the Trust/Finance Office about remaining funds.
Collect Funds in Person
Former individuals in custody can visit the Division 5 lobby front desk with valid government-issued photo identification.
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Listed hours: 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Forward Funds to Another Facility
The Trust/Finance Office can mail funds only to the current address on file. A receiving correctional or mental-health facility may need to contact Cook County directly.
Send Mail Without Having It Returned
Include the person’s full name and booking number. A missing booking ID can delay or prevent delivery.
Booking Number
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
- Use the exact legal name
- Add the complete booking number
- Include a clear return address
- Do not spray perfume or cologne
- Do not send wet or oily paper
- Do not use sticky or treated paper
- Review the prohibited-item list
- Confirm current custody before mailing
Why the Entire Package Can Be Returned
If one part of a package is prohibited, Cook County may return the entire package. Mail covered or saturated with a foreign substance can be removed as contraband rather than returned.
Request Review of Rejected Mail
A sender may object in writing within ten days after receiving the Notice of Returned Mail.
Cook County Department of Corrections
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Set Up Phone Calls and Messages
Cook County uses GTL/ConnectNetwork for phone services and ViaPath/GettingOut for text messaging.
ConnectNetwork
Create and fund an eligible account through the official provider route linked by the Sheriff.
Friends and family call center
Available 24 hours a day.
ViaPath/GettingOut
The Sheriff currently lists a $0.06 fee for messages sent to the person in custody. Replies from the person are free.
Messages may be reviewed
Do not use ordinary jail messaging for attorney-client, confidential or privileged communications.
Current Listed Call Rates
| Call type | Listed rate |
|---|---|
| Local | $0.05 per minute |
| Intrastate | $0.05 per minute |
| Interstate | $0.05 per minute |
| Mexico and Canada | $0.08 per minute |
| Other international | $0.13 per minute |
Request a Booking Photo or Sheriff Record
Use a recent-booking route for a current photo question and FOIA for an appropriate older or broader Sheriff-held record.
Recent Booking Photo
Check the locator after the normal processing period. The Sheriff’s communications page provides the current route for requesting a booking photo when the locator does not answer the question.
Submit a Focused FOIA Request
The official FOIA form asks for the case or report number, record type and enough specific detail to identify the requested material.
- Full legal name
- Approximate arrest or booking date
- Booking or report number
- Specific record type
- Relevant agency or division
- Preferred electronic or mailed response
- Commercial-purpose disclosure when applicable
- Contact information for clarification
FOIA Officer
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington, Room 704
Chicago, IL 60602
Choose the Correct Records Holder
| Record needed | Correct starting point |
|---|---|
| Cook County Jail or Sheriff custody record | Cook County Sheriff’s Office |
| Chicago Police arrest or incident record | Chicago Police Department |
| Cook County court file | Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Statewide criminal-history report | Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification |
Check the Cook County Criminal Case
The booking ID identifies a jail record. The court case number identifies the legal proceeding.
Cook County custody identifier
Use for jail mail, deposits, visitation and custody questions.
Court proceeding identifier
Use for hearings, docket events, filings and court records.
Open the Clerk’s official case page
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court rather than a paid private court-record site.
Use the name or case number
Match aliases, date of birth, arrest year and charge when several records appear.
Check recent events again later
The Clerk states that newly filed information can take several days to appear online.
Request an official record when required
The online electronic docket is a general status resource, not the official certified record.
Fraud warning: verify QR codes, payment demands, court dates and case numbers through the official Clerk website before responding.
Track Discharge Without Guessing a Pickup Time
The Sheriff provides a discharge tracker showing progress through the release process.
Discharge may involve court paperwork, records checks, property return, electronic-monitor setup or another-agency holds. A release order does not always mean the person is immediately ready for pickup.
- Confirm the correct booking ID
- Check discharge progress
- Ask about another-agency holds
- Confirm electronic-monitor requirements
- Wait for final release confirmation
- Use a safe public pickup location
- Bring suitable clothing when necessary
- Do not block jail entrances or traffic
Check IDOC, Federal Custody or Another Jail
Use another locator only after the Cook County result and known case timeline support a transfer.
Continue with the court case
Release from jail does not dismiss or close the case.
Use IDOC search
Use after sentencing or a confirmed transfer into Illinois corrections custody.
Use the BOP locator
Use when the arrest or sentence is federal.
Confirm the receiving agency
Ask Cook County which facility received the person before searching randomly.
Mental Health, Medical and PREA Help
Use the appropriate official route when the issue is safety or wellbeing rather than ordinary custody information.
Cook County corrections help line
Follow the prompt for medical or mental-health information.
Sexual abuse or harassment concern
Use the official PREA page and provide the victim’s name, booking number, alleged offender and incident details when known.
Immediate emergency: call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
Final Verification Checklist
Complete these checks before visiting, paying, mailing, publishing or making an important decision.
- I used the official Illinois locator.
- I entered the booking ID without a hyphen.
- I confirmed the complete legal name.
- I checked the current division and tier.
- I allowed time for booking processing.
- I confirmed visitor approval.
- I verified custody before sending money.
- I used the correct mail format.
- I checked the Clerk’s case separately.
- I did not treat arrest as proof of guilt.
Cook County Jail Inmate Search FAQs
How do I search the Cook County Jail roster?
Use the official Cook County Sheriff Individual in Custody Locator. Search with the person’s full first and last name or enter the booking ID without a hyphen. Confirm the booking number, housing location and custody status before acting.
Can I search Cook County Jail with only a last name?
No. The official name search requires the full first name and full last name. A booking ID can be used instead when it is known.
Should a Cook County booking ID include a hyphen?
No. Enter the booking ID as continuous digits without a hyphen, following the format shown by the official locator.
Why is a newly arrested person not appearing?
Cook County states that locator information is generally posted about four to six hours after booking and processing. A name mismatch, discharge, transfer or different holding agency can also explain a missing result.
How do I find the person’s division and tier?
Check the housing location in the official locator or call 773-674-5245. The first characters identify the division and the second characters identify the tier or living unit.
How do I apply for Cook County Jail visitation?
Locate the person, submit a separate visitor application and wait for the background review. Allow seven business days before asking about status and confirm approval before scheduling a visit.
How can I send money to someone in Cook County Jail?
Use an official trust-account method such as Western Union, MoneyGram, JailATM, a participating currency exchange, a jail kiosk or an eligible mailed money order or cashier’s check. Use the exact name and booking ID.
What address should I use for Cook County inmate mail?
Write the person’s full name and booking number above 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. Include a complete return address and follow current restricted-item rules.
How do I request a Cook County booking photo or jail record?
Check the locator first. Use the Sheriff’s communications guidance for a recent booking-photo question or submit a focused Cook County Sheriff FOIA request for an appropriate Sheriff-held record.
Where do I check the Cook County criminal court case?
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County online case-information system. The online docket provides general case status but is not the official certified court record.
Find the Person and the Correct Next Step
Use the official Cook County Sheriff locator to check whether someone is listed in the Chicago jail system. Search with the full first and last name or a booking ID entered without a hyphen.
This guide helps you find housing, discharge progress, visitation, trust funds, mail, phone services, court dates, booking records and state-custody follow-up.
Cook County Jail Search at a Glance
Important: Cook County does not provide a simple public alphabetical roster. You must search for a specific person.
What Information Do You Need?
Jail custody, police arrest data, court records and state-prison information are held in different systems.
Search for an Individual in Cook County Jail
The official locator offers two search routes: full first and last name, or booking ID.
Open the official Sheriff locator
Avoid copied jail lists, paid search pages and unofficial mugshot galleries when current custody matters.
Use the complete legal name
The name search requires the full first name and full last name. A last-name-only search is not the official form’s listed method.
Use booking ID when available
A booking number can be more precise than a common name. Enter the digits without a hyphen.
Open the correct result
Compare name spelling, booking ID, custody status, housing location and discharge information.
Save the booking ID
You may need the identifier for deposits, mail, visitation, phone help and records requests.
Check court information separately
The Sheriff locator is not a replacement for the Clerk’s court docket or a certified court record.
Recent arrest: locator information is generally posted after booking and processing, which can take approximately four to six hours.
Use the Arrest Hotline Before Jail Booking
A person may still be in police custody and not yet appear in the Cook County Jail locator.
The Cook County Public Defender operates a free Arrest Hotline for people held by law enforcement anywhere in Chicago or Cook County. The arrested person, a family member or a friend can call.
Cook County Public Defender Arrest Hotline
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Legal reminder: a person in police custody has the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
Understand Booking, Housing and Discharge Details
Each locator field answers a limited question. Use the related official source for the next step.
| Detail | What it helps confirm | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Booking ID | The identifier assigned to the Cook County custody record. | Use it for deposits, mail, visitation and records requests. |
| Housing location | The division and tier where the person is currently assigned. | Match it with current visitation instructions. |
| Custody status | Whether the person is currently listed in the jail system. | Recheck before travelling or sending funds. |
| Discharge information | Available release-processing information. | Use the discharge tracker and arrange pickup only after confirmation. |
| Jail record | A custody or intake event. | Use the Clerk’s system for later court activity. |
Identity Checks Before You Rely on a Match
- Exact first and last name
- Middle name or initial
- Suffix such as Jr., Sr. or III
- Booking identification number
- Approximate arrest date
- Housing division and tier
- Custody or discharge status
- Related court case number
Wrong-person warning: do not identify someone from a similar name, photo or social-media post alone.
How to Read the Housing Location
The first characters identify the jail division. The second set identifies the tier or living unit.
| Example | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| DIV2 | The person is assigned to Division 2 or the current equivalent shown by the jail. | Division information helps staff identify the correct housing route. |
| DIV08 | The first characters point to Division 8-related housing. | Confirm whether the person is in RTU, Cermak or another listed unit. |
| 2B | The second part represents a tier or living unit. | The tier may be needed for visitation scheduling. |
| Q1 | A unit-level housing code. | Use the current code rather than an old saved schedule. |
Schedule warning: the Sheriff’s visitation page states that older divisional schedules are not currently followed because modified procedures remain in effect. Confirm the current visit process instead of relying on an archived schedule.
Why the Person May Not Appear
A blank result does not automatically mean no arrest occurred.
“I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name] is currently in Cook County custody. The approximate arrest date is [date]. The person is not appearing in the locator. Which official system or department should I check next?”
Cook County Jail Contact Guide
Use the number that matches your question instead of calling several unrelated offices.
Main jail complex
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
| Need | Contact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 773-674-1945 | Bonding, discharge, property, court-location and general corrections help. |
| Automated Help | 773-674-5245 | Custody, housing, visitation, trust, medical, mailroom and records prompts. |
| Visitor Information | 773-674-8225 | Visitor approval and application-status questions. |
| Individual in Custody Services | 773-674-1979 | Family liaison and service-related questions. |
| Trust/Finance | 773-674-6864 | Deposits, balances, refunds and forwarded funds. |
| Electronic Monitoring | 877-326-9198 | Electronic-monitoring questions. |
Pretrial Release vs Older Cash-Bond Cases
Illinois stopped requiring money for pretrial release in newly filed cases after September 18, 2023. Older cases may still carry cash-bond requirements.
Court-ordered release or detention
A judge may order release, conditions, monitoring or continued detention without traditional cash bail.
Cash bond may still apply
Cases filed before September 18, 2023 can still require a bond payment.
Current Cook County Bonding Location
For cases where cash bond still applies, Division 5 accepts eligible payments at 2700 S. California Ave. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day of the year.
| Payment detail | Official instruction |
|---|---|
| Cash | U.S. currency is accepted. |
| Bank or cashier check | Checks must be payable to the Clerk and may require bank verification. |
| Credit or debit card | Must be completed in person with the physical card and valid photo ID. |
| Card service fee | A non-refundable 2.13% service fee is listed. |
| Not accepted | Personal checks and money orders are not accepted for bond. |
Release Processing After Payment
After an eligible bond is posted, the Sheriff states that discharge can take approximately two to three hours. GPS installation or delayed court paperwork can add time.
- Confirm that cash bond still applies
- Check for another-agency holds
- Confirm court paperwork has arrived
- Ask whether GPS is required
- Bring valid photo identification
- Verify the accepted payment method
- Keep all receipts and documents
- Arrange safe transportation after release
Payment scam warning: do not use gift cards, cryptocurrency or an unsolicited payment link.
First Appearance and Court-Date Help
The Cook County Public Defender states that a person held by police overnight will have a First Appearance within 48 hours.
Prepare Useful Information for the Attorney
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Known booking or police-report number
- Work or school schedule
- Recent utility bill or address proof
- Reliable phone number
- Information about medication or urgent needs
- Attorney contact details
- Transportation plan if released
Sign Up for Court Reminders
The Cook County Court Reminder System can send telephone or text reminders for eligible felony and misdemeanor court dates.
Apply for Cook County Jail Visitation
Every adult visitor must complete an application and pass a background review before visiting.
Locate the correct person
Confirm the booking ID and current housing assignment before applying.
Submit one application per person
A separate application is required for each individual in custody you want to visit.
Complete every field accurately
Invalid, inaccurate or unverifiable details can result in denial.
Wait for the background review
Allow seven business days before calling or emailing to ask about application status.
Confirm approval before scheduling
Use the Visitor Information Center or the official scheduling portal.
Minor Visitor Rules
- Visitors age 17 or younger do not submit their own application
- A minor must be accompanied by an approved parent or guardian
- The adult and minor must visit the same person
- High-school-age minors may need a school or state photo ID
- One approved adult may accompany up to three children
- The scheduling page may allow up to two approved adults with minors
Reasons an Adult Application May Be Denied
In-Person and Microsoft Teams Visits
In-person visits use the Sheriff scheduling portal. Family video visits use Microsoft Teams. The detained person must add the visitor to the visitation list before staff arrange the day and time.
Disability Accommodation Help
Visitors requesting a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Compliance Officer. Advance notice may be required depending on the request.
Send Money to a Cook County Jail Trust Account
Use the exact name and booking ID shown by the locator. Online and telephone deposits generally take one to two business days to post.
City code
CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: Illinois
Receive code
1750
Use the exact custody name and booking number.
No agency code
Create an account and select the correct Cook County record.
Account help
Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mailed Payment Rules
| Payment item | Limit | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| USPS money order | $100 per money order | Make payable to the individual using the exact name and booking ID. |
| Cashier’s check | $1,000 per check | Amounts above the limit will be returned. |
| Cash by mail | Not accepted | Never place cash in the envelope. |
| Posting time | Up to five business days | Time begins after receipt and processing. |
Individual Full Name, Booking Identification Number
2700 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Lobby Kiosk Locations
The Sheriff lists kiosks at several jail-compound entrances and division lobbies. Confirm the current entrance before travelling because a housing division is not always the best public-access point.
Commissary and Excess-Fund Holds
An individual can generally purchase up to $100 in commissary items per week. Deposits considered excessive or a security concern may be held until additional funds are needed, discharge occurs or the person transfers.
Collect or Forward Remaining Trust Funds
Former individuals in custody and people on electronic monitoring can contact the Trust/Finance Office about remaining funds.
Collect Funds in Person
Former individuals in custody can visit the Division 5 lobby front desk with valid government-issued photo identification.
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Listed hours: 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Forward Funds to Another Facility
The Trust/Finance Office can mail funds only to the current address on file. A receiving correctional or mental-health facility may need to contact Cook County directly.
Send Mail Without Having It Returned
Include the person’s full name and booking number. A missing booking ID can delay or prevent delivery.
Booking Number
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
- Use the exact legal name
- Add the complete booking number
- Include a clear return address
- Do not spray perfume or cologne
- Do not send wet or oily paper
- Do not use sticky or treated paper
- Review the prohibited-item list
- Confirm current custody before mailing
Why the Entire Package Can Be Returned
If one part of a package is prohibited, Cook County may return the entire package. Mail covered or saturated with a foreign substance can be removed as contraband rather than returned.
Request Review of Rejected Mail
A sender may object in writing within ten days after receiving the Notice of Returned Mail.
Cook County Department of Corrections
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Set Up Phone Calls and Messages
Cook County uses GTL/ConnectNetwork for phone services and ViaPath/GettingOut for text messaging.
ConnectNetwork
Create and fund an eligible account through the official provider route linked by the Sheriff.
Friends and family call center
Available 24 hours a day.
ViaPath/GettingOut
The Sheriff currently lists a $0.06 fee for messages sent to the person in custody. Replies from the person are free.
Messages may be reviewed
Do not use ordinary jail messaging for attorney-client, confidential or privileged communications.
Current Listed Call Rates
| Call type | Listed rate |
|---|---|
| Local | $0.05 per minute |
| Intrastate | $0.05 per minute |
| Interstate | $0.05 per minute |
| Mexico and Canada | $0.08 per minute |
| Other international | $0.13 per minute |
Request a Booking Photo or Sheriff Record
Use a recent-booking route for a current photo question and FOIA for an appropriate older or broader Sheriff-held record.
Recent Booking Photo
Check the locator after the normal processing period. The Sheriff’s communications page provides the current route for requesting a booking photo when the locator does not answer the question.
Submit a Focused FOIA Request
The official FOIA form asks for the case or report number, record type and enough specific detail to identify the requested material.
- Full legal name
- Approximate arrest or booking date
- Booking or report number
- Specific record type
- Relevant agency or division
- Preferred electronic or mailed response
- Commercial-purpose disclosure when applicable
- Contact information for clarification
FOIA Officer
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington, Room 704
Chicago, IL 60602
Choose the Correct Records Holder
| Record needed | Correct starting point |
|---|---|
| Cook County Jail or Sheriff custody record | Cook County Sheriff’s Office |
| Chicago Police arrest or incident record | Chicago Police Department |
| Cook County court file | Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Statewide criminal-history report | Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification |
Check the Cook County Criminal Case
The booking ID identifies a jail record. The court case number identifies the legal proceeding.
Cook County custody identifier
Use for jail mail, deposits, visitation and custody questions.
Court proceeding identifier
Use for hearings, docket events, filings and court records.
Open the Clerk’s official case page
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court rather than a paid private court-record site.
Use the name or case number
Match aliases, date of birth, arrest year and charge when several records appear.
Check recent events again later
The Clerk states that newly filed information can take several days to appear online.
Request an official record when required
The online electronic docket is a general status resource, not the official certified record.
Fraud warning: verify QR codes, payment demands, court dates and case numbers through the official Clerk website before responding.
Track Discharge Without Guessing a Pickup Time
The Sheriff provides a discharge tracker showing progress through the release process.
Discharge may involve court paperwork, records checks, property return, electronic-monitor setup or another-agency holds. A release order does not always mean the person is immediately ready for pickup.
- Confirm the correct booking ID
- Check discharge progress
- Ask about another-agency holds
- Confirm electronic-monitor requirements
- Wait for final release confirmation
- Use a safe public pickup location
- Bring suitable clothing when necessary
- Do not block jail entrances or traffic
Check IDOC, Federal Custody or Another Jail
Use another locator only after the Cook County result and known case timeline support a transfer.
Continue with the court case
Release from jail does not dismiss or close the case.
Use IDOC search
Use after sentencing or a confirmed transfer into Illinois corrections custody.
Use the BOP locator
Use when the arrest or sentence is federal.
Confirm the receiving agency
Ask Cook County which facility received the person before searching randomly.
Mental Health, Medical and PREA Help
Use the appropriate official route when the issue is safety or wellbeing rather than ordinary custody information.
Cook County corrections help line
Follow the prompt for medical or mental-health information.
Sexual abuse or harassment concern
Use the official PREA page and provide the victim’s name, booking number, alleged offender and incident details when known.
Immediate emergency: call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
Final Verification Checklist
Complete these checks before visiting, paying, mailing, publishing or making an important decision.
- I used the official Illinois locator.
- I entered the booking ID without a hyphen.
- I confirmed the complete legal name.
- I checked the current division and tier.
- I allowed time for booking processing.
- I confirmed visitor approval.
- I verified custody before sending money.
- I used the correct mail format.
- I checked the Clerk’s case separately.
- I did not treat arrest as proof of guilt.
Cook County Jail Inmate Search FAQs
How do I search the Cook County Jail roster?
Use the official Cook County Sheriff Individual in Custody Locator. Search with the person’s full first and last name or enter the booking ID without a hyphen. Confirm the booking number, housing location and custody status before acting.
Can I search Cook County Jail with only a last name?
No. The official name search requires the full first name and full last name. A booking ID can be used instead when it is known.
Should a Cook County booking ID include a hyphen?
No. Enter the booking ID as continuous digits without a hyphen, following the format shown by the official locator.
Why is a newly arrested person not appearing?
Cook County states that locator information is generally posted about four to six hours after booking and processing. A name mismatch, discharge, transfer or different holding agency can also explain a missing result.
How do I find the person’s division and tier?
Check the housing location in the official locator or call 773-674-5245. The first characters identify the division and the second characters identify the tier or living unit.
How do I apply for Cook County Jail visitation?
Locate the person, submit a separate visitor application and wait for the background review. Allow seven business days before asking about status and confirm approval before scheduling a visit.
How can I send money to someone in Cook County Jail?
Use an official trust-account method such as Western Union, MoneyGram, JailATM, a participating currency exchange, a jail kiosk or an eligible mailed money order or cashier’s check. Use the exact name and booking ID.
What address should I use for Cook County inmate mail?
Write the person’s full name and booking number above 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. Include a complete return address and follow current restricted-item rules.
How do I request a Cook County booking photo or jail record?
Check the locator first. Use the Sheriff’s communications guidance for a recent booking-photo question or submit a focused Cook County Sheriff FOIA request for an appropriate Sheriff-held record.
Where do I check the Cook County criminal court case?
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County online case-information system. The online docket provides general case status but is not the official certified court record.
Mugshot Record Excavator: Official Jail, Court & Booking Verification Tool
Use this tool to build a safer official-record search plan, generate better search queries, decode booking terms, score match confidence, prepare a records request, and avoid wrong-person mistakes. It runs in your browser and does not submit your entries.
Build a practical official-record search plan
This does not search hidden records. It creates a safer step-by-step path to find the right official jail, sheriff, court, state, or federal source.
Match confidence calculator
Use this before assuming a mugshot, arrest listing, or booking entry belongs to the right person.
Booking and jail-record field decoder
Select a term commonly found on jail rosters, inmate searches, booking pages, and court follow-up records.
Generate a records request note
Create a clean, polite request note for a sheriff’s office, jail, court clerk, police department, or public-records office.
Problem solver: missing, old, or confusing results
Choose the issue you’re facing and get a practical next-step checklist.
Generated result
Your plan, links, decoded explanation, request note, or checklist will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Add a state, county/city, name, date, and goal. The tool will create an official-source search path and copyable verification log.
Browser-only privacy note: this tool does not send your entries to this website.