Find an Inmate at SANTA CLARA COUNTY JAIL
Search for an inmate at SANTA CLARA COUNTY JAIL and get help with contacting an inmate, visitation, and sending money.
Search by Inmate Name
Enter first and last name to look up an inmate at SANTA CLARA COUNTY JAIL.
Overview
The Santa Clara County Jail inmate lookup offers three search options: a Booking Number (CEN), a Person File Number (PFN), or the person's full name paired with either their Date of Birth or Booking Date. Searching by name? You'll need to include one of those dates for results to appear. A CEN is a 7- or 8-digit number, while a PFN follows a three-letters-then-three-digits format. Plan around the weekly maintenance window—the system goes offline every Monday from 12:30 AM to 2:00 AM. Different locator systems cover different populations and update on different schedules, so confirm time-sensitive details with official sources.
After You Search
Quick Facts
- To obtain booking information you must provide a Booking Number (CEN), a Person File Number (PFN), or the inmate's name plus Date of Birth or Booking Date.
- A Booking Number (CEN) is a 7- or 8-digit number.
- A Person File Number (PFN) consists of three letters followed by three digits.
- The inmate information system is unavailable for regular maintenance every Monday between 12:30 AM and 2:00 AM.
- The facility page lists an administrative phone number and a visiting phone number for custody and visitation inquiries.
Common Questions
What identifiers can I use to search for an inmate at Santa Clara County Jail?
You can search by Booking Number (CEN), Person File Number (PFN), or the inmate’s full name together with either a Date of Birth or a Booking Date.
What format should a Booking Number (CEN) or PFN be in?
A Booking Number (CEN) is a 7- or 8-digit number. A PFN is formatted as three letters followed by three digits.
When is the Santa Clara County inmate search system down for maintenance?
The system is offline for regular maintenance every Monday between 12:30 AM and 2:00 AM.
What phone numbers can I call for custody or visiting questions at Santa Clara County Jail?
The Santa Clara County Jail contact page lists an administrative phone number and a separate visiting phone number. Use that page to find the exact numbers for the type of question you have.
How can I submit public comments to the Santa Clara County Board about the jail?
You can submit written public comments at the Board meeting or email them to BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org.
Related Guides
What to do if Santa Clara County Sheriff or County inmate pages block you (how to report the Cloudflare message)
Hit a Cloudflare block screen while trying to use Santa Clara County Sheriff pages — like the jail visit appointment page — or the county's eServices inmate search? You're not alone. The good news: that block page tells you exactly what to send so the site owner can review it.
How to speak at a Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting about jail issues (in person, by phone, or in writing)
Want to raise jail-related concerns to Santa Clara County decision-makers? Public comment at the Board of Supervisors is one of the most direct ways to do it. You can submit comments in writing, sign up to speak in Chambers, or call in by phone—each option has rules that are easy to miss.