Apply to find a prisoner’s location
Use this service to find someone in prison if you do not know which prison they are in.
The prisoner must give their permission for their information to be shared.
You can only use this service to find someone in an English or Welsh prison.
To apply, you’ll need:
- the prisoner’s name (or any other name they may have used)
- the prisoner’s date of birth or age - if you know it
- their prisoner number - if you have it
You’ll get a reply to your application within 4 weeks.
If the prisoner has just arrived at prison
It can take up to 72 hours before they can make their first phone call. If they call you, ask them which prison they’re in and their prisoner number.
If you’ve not heard from them after 72 hours, use this service to find their location.
If you’re a solicitor
You cannot use this service. Email the Find a Prisoner team instead.
Find a Prisoner
findaprisoner@justice.gov.uk
You’ll need to the confirm that the prisoner is your client and include:
- the prisoner’s name (or any other name they may have used)
- the prisoner’s date of birth or age - if you know it
- their prisoner number - if you have it