Cook County Jail Inmate Search: Find Current Custody Before You Pay or Visit
Use the Cook County Sheriff’s Individual in Custody Locator first when someone may be held at the Cook County Department of Corrections in Chicago.
This guide separates current jail custody from court records, Illinois pretrial-release decisions, older cash-bond cases, visitation, mail, trust accounts, phone service, Illinois DOC custody and federal custody.
Cook County Source Board
Fast Answer
Start with the Cook County Sheriff’s official Individual in Custody Locator at iic.ccsheriff.org. It is the primary public tool for finding someone held within the Cook County Jail system and identifying a booking number or current housing location.
If the arrest was very recent, a blank result does not prove release. The Sheriff’s current guidance says locator records are typically published about 4–6 hours after the person has been booked and processed.
For charges, hearing information and later case disposition, use the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County separately.
Go directly to the Cook County task you need
- Choose the correct source
- Use the custody locator
- Read housing information
- No-result troubleshooting
- Pretrial release & old bonds
- Court case lookup
- Facility & contacts
- Visitation
- Money & commissary
- Phone calls
- Property pickup
- Illinois VINE
- Illinois DOC
- FOIA & records
- Urgent welfare concerns
- Official action directory
- FAQs
Which Cook County Custody Source Should You Use?
This helper does not search the Sheriff, court, Illinois DOC or VINE databases. It only routes you to the official source that matches the task.
Select a task above
The appropriate official source will appear here.
How to Use the Cook County Individual in Custody Locator
The Sheriff calls its public jail-search tool the Individual in Custody Locator. Use that wording when following official Cook County instructions even if you searched Google for “Cook County jail inmate search,” “Cook County inmate roster” or “Cook County jail lookup.”
- Open the official Cook County Sheriff locator. Use iic.ccsheriff.org rather than a copied booking directory or people-search site.
- Search the person’s legal name carefully. Cook County is a large jurisdiction, so similar names are common.
- Open the likely matching record. Compare the booking number, housing location and other available official details rather than relying on the name or photograph alone.
- Save the booking number. Cook County uses it for mail, trust-account deposits and several other jail services.
- Check the Clerk separately for the criminal case. A jail locator is a custody source, not the final court disposition.
- Verify again before acting. Housing, release status, pretrial conditions and other custody information can change after you first search.
Open Cook County IIC Locator ↗
What Cook County Housing Location Codes Mean
Cook County’s visitation guidance explains that the housing-location field identifies both the jail division and the person’s tier or living unit.
Division
The first characters identify the assigned correctional division, such as DIV2 or DIV08.
Tier / Living Unit
The second portion identifies the tier or living unit, such as 2B or Q1.
Visits & Property
Housing location can affect visitation routing, entrance instructions and the correct property-release process.
Why Someone May Not Appear in the Cook County Jail Search
Still Processing
The Sheriff’s current communications guidance says locator results are typically published around four to six hours after booking and processing.
Not Yet at CCDOC
A person arrested by Chicago Police or another municipal agency may still be in an earlier stage of local processing before transfer to Cook County.
Never Fully Booked
The Sheriff notes that some people released after a court appearance may not complete the type of booking that produces a normal locator photograph or record.
Transferred Custody
The person may have moved to Illinois DOC, federal custody, another county or another authorized placement.
Try This Search Sequence
- Recheck the exact spelling and any middle or hyphenated name.
- Allow reasonable booking-processing time after a very recent arrest.
- Confirm whether the arresting agency was Chicago Police, suburban police, Sheriff Police or another jurisdiction.
- Search the Cook County court case system for a public filing or recent proceeding.
- Check Illinois DOC if a state-prison transfer is possible.
- Check the Federal BOP locator when federal prison custody is genuinely relevant.
- Use Illinois VINE where notifications or custody-status searching is appropriate.
- Call Cook County’s automated custody-information line at 773-674-5245 when online information remains unclear.
Illinois Pretrial Release, Detention and Older Cash-Bond Cases
Illinois eliminated cash bail for new cases beginning September 18, 2023. A modern Cook County pretrial case should therefore not be explained as though every defendant receives a dollar bond that family members simply pay.
Pretrial Release or Detention
Illinois courts now use the Pretrial Fairness Act framework for release conditions and detention decisions.
The judge determines whether the defendant is released subject to conditions or detained when statutory requirements are met.
Cash Bond May Still Exist
Cook County’s current bonding page states that cases filed before September 18, 2023 may still have cash-bond requirements.
Do not infer an old bond requirement from a new 2026 arrest.
If an Older Case Still Has Cash Bond
| Item | Current Cook County instruction | Important context |
|---|---|---|
| Division 5 bonding | 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago. | The bonding facility is managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. |
| Current Division 5 hours | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., 365 days a year. | Applies when a qualifying cash-bond obligation still exists. |
| Accepted methods | Cash, certified check or credit card under current county instructions. | Money orders are not accepted for bond. |
| Suburban courthouse option | Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview and Markham during listed weekday hours. | Verify the case and current courthouse availability before travelling. |
| After payment | County currently advises approximately 2–3 hours for discharge processing. | GPS placement or another hold can increase the time. |
View Current Cook County Bonding Rules ↗
Cook County Criminal Court Case Lookup
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County when you need public court-case information instead of current jail housing.
Online Case Information
The Clerk provides online access to public case information for active and historical Cook County cases.
Online Data Is Not a Certified Record
The Clerk warns that online information is not the official court record and does not warrant that every field is complete or current.
Recent Filings May Lag
If a very recent filing or hearing does not appear online, the Clerk recommends trying later or using a courthouse Public Access Terminal.
Cook County Department of Corrections Address and Contacts
Cook County Department of Corrections 2700 South California Avenue Chicago, IL 60608 Customer Service: 773-674-1945 Automated Custody Information: 773-674-5245Customer Service
773-674-1945
Current hours: seven days a week, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Used for general questions including discharge, property, court-hearing locations and trust funds.
Visitor Information Center
773-674-8225
Use for visitor-application status and visitation questions.
Trust / Finance Office
773-674-6864
Current published hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Use for questions about funds already sent or account handling.
Cook County Jail Visitation
Cook County currently requires prospective adult visitors to complete a visitor application and pass a background check. The locator itself is integrated with the visitation process.
- Locate the person first. Confirm the current Cook County housing location through the official locator.
- Submit the official visitor application. Complete it through the Cook County Sheriff process, not on this website.
- Wait for the background-check process. The current locator instructs applicants to allow seven business days before asking about application status.
- Coordinate with the person in custody. Current Sheriff’s guidance says the detained person needs to add the visitor’s name to the visitation list.
- Schedule the visit through the current Sheriff process. In-person scheduling is available through the Sheriff’s visitation system.
- Recheck housing immediately before travel. Division and tier information can affect visit routing and facility entrance.
Online Scheduling
Cook County currently provides a dedicated in-person visitation scheduling system after the visitor and custody requirements are satisfied.
Microsoft Teams Visits
Current family video visits are conducted through Microsoft Teams. The visitor needs an active Teams account connected to an email address.
Age 17 and Younger
The current locator says minors 17 or younger do not submit their own visitor application but must be accompanied by an approved parent or guardian. High-school-age minors must present a current state or school photo ID.
View Current Sheriff Visitation Information ↗
How to Send Mail to Someone in Cook County Jail
Individual in Custody Name Booking Number 2700 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608Cook County requires the person’s name and booking number on incoming correspondence. If you do not know the booking number, obtain it from the official locator or the Sheriff’s automated system.
Check Restricted Items
If any part of a mailed package is prohibited, Cook County says the entire package can be returned to the sender.
- No cash or ordinary prohibited property.
- No postage stamps.
- No Polaroid photographs with double backing.
- No adhesive tape or stickers.
- No food, medicine or clothing.
- No more than three paperback books or magazines per mailing.
Do Not Spray or Saturate Mail
Mail covered, sprayed or saturated with perfume, cologne, oil, grease or another foreign substance can be removed from circulation as contraband.
The Sheriff provides a written review route for returned items, generally within 10 days of receiving the returned-mail notice.
View Official Cook County Mail Rules ↗
Cook County Jail Money, Trust Accounts and Commissary
Each person held at CCDOC has a trust account that can be used for commissary and other permitted expenses.
Three Current Deposit Vendors
Cook County currently identifies:
- Western Union
- MoneyGram
- JailATM
Online and telephone deposits may take one to two business days to post.
Exact Name + Booking Number
The deposit process requires the exact spelling of the name and the Cook County booking identification number shown in the official locator.
Current Weekly Purchase Limit
Cook County currently says a person in custody may purchase up to $100 per week of permitted clothing, supplies, toiletries, phone cards and food items through commissary.
Money Sent Through the U.S. Mail
| Method | Current limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Money order | Up to $100 each. | Make payable to the person in custody using the exact name and booking number. |
| Cashier’s check | Up to $1,000 each. | Use the exact name and booking identification number. |
| Cash by mail | Not accepted. | Do not place currency in an envelope to the jail. |
| Processing | Up to five business days after receipt. | Online deposits may post faster but still require correct identifying information. |
View Official Trust Account Instructions ↗
Cook County Jail Phone Calls
The Sheriff’s current phone-account page identifies GTL and directs friends and family to the GettingOut service/app for account setup.
GTL / GettingOut
Set up an appropriate prepaid account through the provider route linked by the Cook County Sheriff.
Friends & family support: 1-877-650-4249
Current Sheriff-Listed Rates
- Local: $0.05/minute
- Illinois intrastate: $0.05/minute
- Interstate: $0.05/minute
- Mexico / Canada: $0.08/minute
- Other international: $0.13/minute
View Official Cook County Phone Instructions ↗
Cook County Jail Property Pickup
Property pickup depends on the person’s current housing division, which is another reason to recheck the locator first.
Several Housing Divisions
For people housed in Divisions 2, 3 Annex, 5, 8 RTU, 8 Cermak or 16, current Sheriff instructions direct the recipient to Division 5.
Division 5: 2700 S. California Ave.
Current hours: daily, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Signed Release First
The recipient must first go to the housing division and obtain a property-release form signed by the person in custody from a Correctional Liaison.
Current liaison public-assistance hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., before taking the signed paperwork to Division 5.
View Current Property Pickup Rules ↗
Illinois VINE Custody and Case Notifications
Illinois VINE is separate from the Cook County locator and the Circuit Court docket. It can provide custody or case-status notifications to people who register.
Illinois VINE
Current Illinois guidance says notifications are available through phone, text, email and the VINE mobile application.
Multiple Systems
Illinois guidance describes VINE as receiving information from county jail booking systems, Illinois DOC and circuit court systems.
Not Emergency Protection
Do not use VINE as the only part of a personal safety plan. If danger is immediate, use 911 or the appropriate emergency channel.
Illinois VINE support: 866-566-8439
View Official Illinois VINE Information ↗
When to Use Illinois DOC Instead of Cook County Jail
Use Cook County Locator
- Recent Cook County arrest
- Cook County pretrial detention
- Current CCDOC housing
- Cook County booking number
- Cook County visitation and jail services
Use Illinois DOC
- Transfer to an Illinois state prison
- Current IDOC custody
- IDOC individual-in-custody search
- State correctional facility assignment
- State supervision information where provided
Open Illinois DOC Individual in Custody Search ↗
Federal Custody
If the case is federal or the person was transferred into federal prison custody, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator rather than assuming the Cook County result will remain current.
For the custody differences, see our Federal Jail Inmate Search guide. If the person may still be in a municipal police lockup before county processing, see the City Jail Inmate Search guide.
Cook County Jail Records, FOIA and Criminal Backgrounds
| You need | Correct source | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Current jail custody | Cook County Sheriff IIC Locator | Current custody source, not a complete criminal history. |
| Court docket | Clerk of the Circuit Court | Online case data is not itself a certified court record. |
| Sheriff public record | Cook County Sheriff FOIA | Availability depends on Illinois FOIA exemptions and the record requested. |
| Arrest report | Arresting agency | Chicago Police and Cook County Sheriff are separate agencies. |
| Complete criminal-history request | Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification | The Sheriff’s FOIA page says FOIA is not the route for a complete criminal background report. |
| State-prison custody | Illinois DOC | Separate from Cook County’s jail locator. |
Open Cook County Sheriff FOIA Instructions ↗
Urgent Medical, Mental-Health or Welfare Concern
Do not use a routine web search as the only route when the concern is urgent.
Use the Sheriff’s Custody Line
Call 773-674-5245. The current automated menu includes an option for information concerning an individual’s medical or mental-health condition.
Cermak Health Is Separate
The Sheriff’s site states that the Sheriff’s Office does not maintain or have access to Cook County Jail medical records; those records are handled through Cermak Health Services under Cook County Health.
Official Cook County Inmate Search Action Directory
Find current Cook County Jail custody, booking information and housing location.
Open Locator ↗Use the Circuit Court Clerk for public case status and docket follow-up.
Check Court Case ↗Current information for older cases that may still carry a cash-bond requirement.
View Bonding Rules ↗Review visitor application, housing and current in-person/video visit instructions.
View Visit Information ↗Check address, booking-number requirements and restricted items before mailing.
View Mail Rules ↗Review Western Union, MoneyGram, JailATM, mail and kiosk deposit options.
View Money Options ↗Use the current Sheriff-linked GTL / GettingOut phone-service instructions.
View Phone Instructions ↗Housing division determines whether you go directly to Division 5 or need a signed release first.
View Property Rules ↗Register for available custody and case-status notifications through the Illinois VINE system.
View VINE Information ↗Use after transfer into Illinois state correctional custody rather than county jail custody.
Open IDOC Search ↗Request qualifying Sheriff records that are not already available through public online systems.
Open FOIA Guide ↗Use for Federal Bureau of Prisons custody rather than Cook County or Illinois DOC.
Open BOP Locator ↗Common Cook County Jail Search Mistakes
- Searching a duplicate third-party jail page before checking the Cook County Sheriff locator.
- Assuming a blank result within a few hours of arrest proves release.
- Identifying a person from a common name or booking photo alone.
- Treating the housing division as permanent.
- Calling commissary money a bond payment.
- Writing about every 2026 Cook County case as though Illinois still uses ordinary cash bail.
- Using an old cash-bond page without checking the case filing date.
- Treating a jail charge as final court disposition.
- Sending mail without the booking number.
- Sending money without matching the exact locator name and booking number.
- Using an old static visitation schedule instead of the current visitor process.
- Assuming Cook County custody and Illinois DOC custody are the same system.
- Treating “released” from one agency as proof that no other hold, supervision or transfer exists.
Cook County Jail Inmate Search FAQs
What is the official Cook County Jail inmate search?
The official public jail-search tool is the Cook County Sheriff’s Individual in Custody Locator at iic.ccsheriff.org. Use it for current Cook County Department of Corrections custody and housing information.
How long after an arrest does someone appear in the Cook County locator?
The Sheriff’s current communications guidance says locator results are typically published about four to six hours after the person has been booked and processed. A blank early result therefore does not automatically mean release.
What phone number can I call for Cook County custody information?
The Cook County Sheriff’s automated individual-in-custody information line is 773-674-5245. General Department of Corrections customer service is 773-674-1945.
Does Cook County still use cash bail?
Illinois eliminated cash bail for new cases on September 18, 2023. Cook County’s current bonding page states that cases filed before that date may still have cash-bond requirements. Current cases operate under Illinois’ pretrial release and detention framework.
Where can I check a Cook County criminal court case?
Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s online case-information service. The Clerk warns that online data is not the official certified court record and that very recent events may not immediately appear.
How do I visit someone in Cook County Jail?
Adult visitors must submit the Cook County visitor application and pass the required background check. Current Sheriff guidance also requires coordination with the person in custody and uses separate scheduling for in-person visits and Microsoft Teams for family video visits.
What address do I use for Cook County Jail mail?
Use the person’s name and booking number followed by 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. Check the current Sheriff mail page for prohibited items before sending correspondence or publications.
How can I put money on someone’s Cook County Jail account?
The Sheriff’s current trust-account instructions list Western Union, MoneyGram and JailATM, along with approved mailed money orders, cashier’s checks and jail lobby kiosks. Use the exact name and booking number shown by the official locator.
What phone service does Cook County Jail use?
The current Cook County Sheriff phone page identifies GTL and directs friends and family to GettingOut for account setup. The page currently lists domestic local, intrastate and interstate calls at five cents per minute.
When should I use Illinois DOC instead of Cook County Jail search?
Use Illinois DOC after a person has moved into Illinois state correctional custody or when the custody question concerns an IDOC facility. Recent Cook County arrests and local pretrial detention should be checked through the Cook County Sheriff locator first.
Official Sources Reviewed for This Guide
- Cook County Sheriff — Individual in Custody Locator
- Cook County Department of Corrections
- Cook County Corrections Phone Numbers
- Cook County Sheriff — Bonding
- Cook County Sheriff — Visitation
- Cook County Sheriff — Individual in Custody Mail
- Cook County Sheriff — Trust Accounts
- Cook County Sheriff — Phone Accounts
- Cook County Sheriff — Property Pickup
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — Online Case Information
- Illinois Courts — End of Cash Bail
- Illinois DOC — Individual in Custody Search
- Illinois DOC — VINE / Victim Services
- Cook County Sheriff — FOIA Requests
- Federal Bureau of Prisons — Inmate Locator