How to Find Someone in Custody in Maine
There is no single 'Maine inmate search.' State prisons, county jails, and federal facilities each keep their own rosters. The good news: all three layers are checkable online, free, from official sources listed here.
- State custody: Maine Department of Corrections posts custody status through VINELink, the national victim-notification network — search by name, and register for release alerts while you're there.
- County jails: 4 Maine counties post their own jail rosters, linked below — that's where you'll find anyone arrested recently or serving under a year.
- Federal custody: the Bureau of Prisons locator (bop.gov) covers federal defendants and anyone sentenced in US District Court — a separate population people forget to check.
- Stay notified: VINELink sends automatic alerts when someone's custody status changes — transfer, release, or escape — in nearly every state.
Maine publishes no full public locator; VINE handles custody status, and county jails post rosters individually. Content reviewed July 29, 2026 by the SearchSystems editorial team.
Official Maine Custody Lookups
VINELink — Maine Custody Alerts
Official Free
Search custody status and register for automatic notification when someone is moved or released. Free, run for victims but open to anyone. This is the primary online custody check for Maine.
Federal Bureau of Prisons — Inmate Locator
Official Free
Everyone in federal custody since 1982, searchable by name or register number. Covers federal sentences, which no state system lists.
🌐 bop.gov
Inmates
Official Free
Welcome to the official website for the United States District Court for the District of Maine. We have offices in Portland and Bangor · Hours and directions »
Maine Counties With Online Jail Rosters
These counties publish their own booking or in-custody lists — click through for each county records page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maine inmate locator free?
Yes. Every official source on this page is free to search. Sites that charge for 'inmate reports' are reselling public data.
Why can't I find someone arrested yesterday?
Fresh arrests appear in the county jail's booking system first, sometimes hours later. State locators only list people after sentencing and transfer to state custody.
Does a locator listing mean the person was convicted?
No. Jail rosters include people awaiting trial who are presumed innocent. Check the court docket for the case outcome.
How do I send money or arrange a visit?
Each facility sets its own rules — the Maine Department of Corrections site covers state facilities, and each county sheriff posts local jail policies.
Related Maine Records
Custody is one piece: the Maine criminal records page covers official background checks, wants & warrants lists who's being looked for, and Maine court records hold the cases behind every custody entry.