Find Montana Inmate Records

Montana inmate records contain information about the location, prison terms, criminal history, and personal data of inmates held within the state’s facilities. In Montana, the State Department of Corrections oversees state correctional facilities. Persons convicted of offenses against the state, punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, are generally held in state correctional facilities. Similarly, those convicted and sentenced by the courts to prison terms of no more than one year face incarceration in county jails and other municipal detention facilities. County Sheriffs and jail administrators oversee county jails and maintain inmate registers or rosters.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Montana?

Yes, incarceration records are public information in Montana. According to Montana’s Public Records Law access to records generated and maintained by government agencies is offered to members of the public. The Department of Corrections makes incarceration records available on a public website. Similarly, some Montana counties, such as Missoula and Yellowstone, make inmate records available on public websites.

In addition to official records systems, some third-party companies maintain online databases allowing public information access. These platforms are frequently used because they provide broader, multi-jurisdictional search options, which can simplify locating documents when the exact origin is unclear. To use these systems, one typically must provide basic identifying information, including the individual’s name—unless the subject is a juvenile—and the related geographic details. It must be emphasized that these companies are independent and not supported by government agencies. As a result, data may not always be comprehensive or current.

What Information is Contained in a Montana Inmate Record?

Montana inmate records generally contain information about incarcerated persons, including the inmate’s location, criminal history, and personal identification. Some of the information they contain include:

• Department of Corrections ID number
• Names and aliases
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Fingerprints
• Photograph
• Location
• Incarceration date
• Possible release date

Where Do I Look Up an Inmate in Montana?

Interested members of the public may perform Montana inmate searches using official resources nd third-party sites. Requesting parties may use the Correctional Offender Network Search to look up Department of Corrections custody inmates. The website will enable users to look up inmate information using simple search criteria. Similarly, interested parties may look up inmates in county jails using the search tools and jail roster each county provides. Inmate information is available through third-party search tools/websites and public records requests. While third-party websites are typically not affiliated with government agencies, they offer an easy way to look up inmate records.

Interested parties may also look up inmates by submitting public records requests to the Department of Corrections, the County Sheriff, or the Jail administrator in each county.

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Montana?

To conduct an inmate search in Montana, interested parties may use the Correctional Offender Network Search for persons imprisoned in state facilities or otherwise in the Department of Corrections’ custody. Requesting parties can search using the inmate’s name and Department of Corrections ID number. In cases with more than one inmate with the same name, requesting parties may filter search results using booking photographs, ID number, and birth date. Similarly, counties like Yellowstone and Missoula provide simple name search jail rosters. The rosters include inmates’ booking numbers and the charges/nature of the offense.

Interested parties may request physical copies of Department of Corrections inmate records by submitting written requests to:

Montana Department of Corrections
5 S. Last Chance Gulch
P.O. Box 201301 Helena, MT
59620–1301

Requesting parties may also submit records requests by email to corpio@mt.gov. For county and municipal inmate records, requesting parties may contact the County Sheriff or the local jail administrator. Government agencies may charge a fee to produce copies of inmate records. However, public inmate records are free for public inspection.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Montana?

Under the state’s Public Records Laws, government agencies, such as the Department of Corrections, and county jail administrators, make inmate records available online. Although government agencies may charge a fee to produce physical copies of inmate records, members of the public may inspect inmate records for free, and interested parties may conduct inmate searches at no cost. Some third-party websites also offer inmate information at no charge.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Montana

The Correctional Offender Network Search provides information on inmates’ correctional status, whether such persons are in the custody of or supervised by the Department of Corrections. Alternatively, interested parties may find old inmate records by contacting the Department of Corrections helpdesk by email at corpio@mt.gov or by mail at:

Montana Department of Corrections
5 S. Last Chance Gulch
P.O. Box 201301 Helena, MT
59620–1301

Third-party archives also provide old inmate records.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Montana

The Montana Department of Corrections (MTDOC) maintains custody and release information for inmates in state prisons. The agency provides an Offender Search Tool on its website that allows searches by name or DOC ID number. The database includes facility placement, conviction details, parole eligibility, and projected release dates.

For additional inquiries, requests can be sent to the Montana Department of Corrections, 5 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, or by calling (406) 444-3930. County jails operate independently and must be contacted directly for inmates not under state custody. Parole board rulings, disciplinary credits, or judicial decisions may alter release dates.

How Do I Find Inmate Death Records in Montana?

The Department of Corrections provides information about inmates who die in custody on its website. The state’s public records act guarantees access to public records, including inmate death records. In Montana, inmate death records usually contain information about the manner, circumstances, and cause of inmate deaths as determined by a county coroner. Inmate death records also include the inmate’s Department of Corrections ID number, name, and location at the time of death.

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Interested parties may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Inmate Locator to search for inmates incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. Like state-managed resources, the BOP website provides information and allows users to search for federal prison inmates using search criteria such as:

• Names
• FBI number
• BOP Register number
• INS number
• Race
• Age
• Gender

How Long Does it Take For An Inmate’s Information to Be Published in Montana Inmate Locator?

Booking and processing times generally differ from one Montana correctional facility to another. However, most inmate locators are updated daily with new information. Some rosters, such as the Missoula County Daily Inmate Roster, are updated in real-time. This means that inmate information may be published faster on some locators and rosters than others.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

An inmate may not appear in the MTDOC search system if housed in a county jail, under federal jurisdiction, or within a juvenile facility. Recent admissions, transfers, or releases may not yet be updated in the public database. Records sealed by court order or excluded for privacy or security reasons may also not display online.