Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Search
How to Find an Inmate in Pennsylvania (PA DOC)
- A Simple, Human-Written Guide for Families
- Last Updated: January 26, 2026 |
- Verified by: DepartmentOfCorrections.org Team
If you are new to the Pennsylvania prison system, you are probably feeling overwhelmed. The rules here are different than almost any other state.
For example, if you mail a letter directly to the prison, it will be destroyed. If you try to visit without a “Keystone Login,” you will be turned away.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We have stripped away the confusing government talk to tell you exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Use the Real Search Tool
Ignore the “Background Check” ads on Google. You do not need to pay to find a prisoner. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides a free, public database.
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Official Tool: PA Inmate & Parolee Locator
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Direct Link: Click Here to Search the Official Database
How to Search Successfully
The search tool is a little “sensitive.” If you type too much info, it often breaks.
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Last Name: Enter this.
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First Name: Tip: Try entering only the first letter.
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Why? If his name is “Michael” but the prison booked him as “Mike,” searching “Michael” will give you zero results. Searching “M” finds both.
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Date of Birth: Leave this blank unless you are searching for a very common name like “Smith.”
Warning: If they were arrested yesterday, stop. They are likely in a County Jail, not a State Prison. This search tool only lists people who have already been sentenced (usually 3+ months after arrest).
Step 2: Understand the “Location” Code
Once you find their name, look at the “Current Location” column. It tells you where they actually are.
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SCI [Name]: (e.g., SCI Phoenix, SCI Albion) – This is a State Prison. You can write and visit.
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CCC / CCF: This is a Halfway House (Community Corrections Center). They are transitioning out.
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Quehanna Boot Camp: A strict, military-style program. Rules here are very different.
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Parole: They are not in prison. They are home under supervision.
Step 3: Sending Mail (The “Florida Rule”)
Read this carefully. This is the #1 mistake new families make.
You cannot mail personal letters directly to a Pennsylvania prison. Pennsylvania uses a service called “Smart Communications” to scan mail for drugs. You must mail your letters to a processing center in Florida.
The Only Address You Should Use:
Smart Communications / PA DOC [Inmate Name] / [Inmate Number] [Name of the Prison, e.g., SCI Phoenix] PO Box 33028 St. Petersburg, FL 33733
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What happens: The facility in Florida scans your letter and emails a digital copy to the inmate’s tablet in Pennsylvania.
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Photos: You can send photos (4×6 inches max), but they will also be scanned.
Step 4: Scheduling a Visit
You cannot just show up. You must schedule every visit online at least 3 days in advance.
The “Keystone Login”
To schedule a visit, you need a government ID account called a “Keystone Login.”
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Register Here: PA DOC Inmate Visitation System
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The Rule: You must be on the inmate’s Approved Visitor List before the system will let you book a slot. If you aren’t on the list, the inmate has to mail you a paper form to fill out first.
Quick Visitation Rules:
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Booking Window: You can book up to 60 days in advance.
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Frequency: Inmates usually get 4 in-person visits per month.
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Dress Code: No orange, no khaki, no hoodies, and no smartwatches.
Troubleshooting
“I can’t find them on the list!” If the official search says “No Results,” check these three things:
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Are they in Federal Prison? If the FBI arrested them, check the Federal BOP Locator instead.
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Are they in County Jail? If they are waiting for trial, Google “Philadelphia Inmate Search” (or whatever county they were arrested in).
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Spelling: Try searching by Last Name Only.
