Search Arrest, Mugshot & Inmate Records by Name
Search by name and state for arrest, booking, mugshot, inmate, jail roster, prison, criminal and court-record search categories.
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Billings Jail Roster: Find Inmates, Recent Bookings & Mugshots
Looking for someone arrested in Billings, Montana? Start with the Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s official inmate-search system. It allows you to search for people currently held at the jail using a name or booking date, or open the full jail roster.
This is the main county detention resource for Billings and the surrounding Yellowstone County area. You can use it to begin checking recent arrests and custody information, then contact detention booking staff for bond amounts, charges, release questions or records that have not yet appeared online.
Detention booking: 406-256-6881, available 24 hours daily for booking, bond and charge inquiries.
How to Search the Billings Jail Roster Online
Yellowstone County operates an official inmate-search tool through its government website. The system supports searches by inmate name or booking date and offers a full jail roster.
Go to Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate Search. Check that the web address ends in yellowstonecountymt.gov before entering information.
The county recommends entering the last name, followed by a comma and the first name. For example, enter Smith, John rather than John Smith. Use the person’s full legal name when possible.
If you know when the person was arrested or booked, use the Booking Date field instead of the name field. Follow the date format shown by the form, such as 10/30/2026.
The county requires a simple math-verification answer before accepting the search. Read the displayed problem carefully and enter its result. The question can change between visits.
Select Search to display matching custody information. If you prefer to browse the jail’s current population, use the View Full Jail Roster option on the same page.
Check the available inmate details. If you need to verify whether someone remains in custody, a pending release, charges or bond information, call detention booking at 406-256-6881.
Billings Jail Recent Bookings and Arrest Records
When someone is arrested in Billings, a custody record may become available after the jail completes its intake process and enters the relevant information into the detention system.
The Yellowstone County inmate search allows visitors to search by a particular booking date, which can be helpful when locating people arrested during a specific day.
How to check bookings for a specific date
- Visit the official Yellowstone County inmate-search page.
- Locate the Booking Date field.
- Enter the date using the format shown on the page.
- Complete the verification question.
- Select Search.
- Review matching inmate information.
- Contact detention booking if the arrest has not yet appeared.
This process searches the county’s published inmate database. It should not be treated as a complete historical report of everyone arrested and released during that day.
What happens during jail booking?
Booking generally involves identifying the person, recording the arrest information, processing property, completing intake and safety checks, and determining an appropriate custody placement.
Yellowstone County uses an objective jail-classification system. The Sheriff’s Office says most inmates are classified within 24 to 48 hours of incarceration, although operational circumstances can affect the process.
What Information Can You Find in a Billings Inmate Record?
A custody record can help identify the person being held and connect the detention entry with its associated arrest or court proceeding. The exact fields visible depend on the county’s current reporting system.
| Information | What it means |
|---|---|
| Inmate name | Identifies the person listed in the detention system. |
| Booking date | Records when the person entered custody for the relevant booking. |
| Booking or jacket number | Identifier used by corrections staff to reference the inmate. |
| Criminal charges | Alleged offenses or legal grounds associated with the detention. |
| Arresting agency | Law enforcement agency connected with the arrest, when reported. |
| Bond information | May identify release-related amounts or conditions if publicly available. |
| Custody status | Helps determine whether the person appears in the current inmate listing. |
| Court information | May identify the responsible court or case-related details. |
How to interpret criminal charges
Charges can be filed as misdemeanors, felonies or other legal matters. Some inmates may also be held for another jurisdiction, a warrant or an alleged probation or supervision violation.
The existence of a charge does not establish guilt. The outcome of the case must be determined through the appropriate court process.
What does a hold mean?
A hold generally means that a law enforcement, court or correctional authority has a legal interest in continued custody. It may affect release even when another charge has a bond amount.
Ask detention booking staff or the appropriate court about the specific legal restriction before assuming that a payment guarantees release.
Billings Jail Mugshots and Booking Photos
People searching for Billings jail mugshots often want to identify someone recently arrested or obtain a photograph associated with a booking. The county’s official inmate-search page is the best starting point for checking what information is publicly available.
How to look for a booking photograph
- Open the Yellowstone County inmate-search tool.
- Search by name or booking date.
- Review any photograph or booking-detail fields made available in the results.
- If no photograph appears, do not assume that one does not exist.
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office records staff about requesting an existing booking photograph.
A mugshot may be maintained in official booking records without being displayed on the public search page. Availability and disclosure can depend on the record, the agency and applicable Montana law.
How to request a mugshot or arrest report
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office has an official records request page. The department lists a $5 fee for ordinary qualifying incident or records requests, with specific exceptions and procedures.
That general report fee should not be assumed to be the price of a booking photograph. Ask records staff whether the photograph is available and what charges or restrictions apply.
Sheriff’s Records: 406-256-2935, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
What If Someone Is Not on the Billings Jail Roster?
An unsuccessful roster search may have several explanations. Start by checking the search spelling, date and whether you are using the Yellowstone County government website.
- Booking is still processing: The person’s information may not yet be available online.
- Release occurred: A person released from custody may no longer appear on a current roster.
- Transfer: The individual may be held in another Montana county jail, state correctional facility or federal institution.
- Different name: The booking may use another legal surname or spelling.
- Record restrictions: Not all custody-related information is available to the general public.
- Search error: A date-format or verification-question mistake can prevent a valid search.
What to do next
- Retry the name using the county’s Last Name, First Name format.
- Search by booking date if the arrest date is known.
- Try the View Full Jail Roster option.
- Call booking at 406-256-6881.
- If a transfer occurred, contact the agency believed to have received custody.
- For state prison placement, use the Montana Department of Corrections’ official offender-search resources.
For state correctional information, start at the Montana Department of Corrections.
Billings Jail Bail, Bond and Inmate Release
Yellowstone County provides specific guidance about posting bonds and paying fines for people held at the detention facility.
The county says fines and bonds are normally handled by the court responsible for the offense during regular business hours. After hours, certain bond or fine payments may be handled at the detention facility.
How to confirm and post a bond
- Locate the inmate using the county roster.
- Call the detention booking office at 406-256-6881.
- Ask whether a bond amount has been set.
- Confirm the court responsible for the case.
- Ask whether any other warrants or holds prevent release.
- Confirm where the payment must be made and which payment methods are accepted.
- Follow the official court or jail instructions and keep your receipt.
For the latest official instructions, visit the Yellowstone County Detention Facility FAQs.
When will an inmate be released?
Release time depends on the court order, payment processing, paperwork, identity verification and any separate custody restrictions. Do not assume immediate release after submitting a payment.
The detention facility says inmates being released leave through its main lobby. Confirm the person’s status before arranging transportation.
Billings Jail Visitation Hours and Video Visits
Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses electronic video visitation. The county states that each inmate is allotted two free video visits per week, while additional visits may be purchased.
Friends and family can participate using an approved smartphone, laptop, computer with camera and microphone, or a video kiosk in the facility lobby.
How to schedule a visit
Visit NCIC or the video-visit scheduling service at videovisit.ncic.com.
Choose Yellowstone County Detention Facility in Billings, Montana, if it is listed in the service.
Find the correct person using the details requested by the service.
Follow the account’s appointment options, availability and payment instructions. Inmates must have access to their housing unit’s visitation equipment.
Use an approved device or visit the lobby kiosk according to the provider’s instructions.
When are visits available?
The Sheriff’s Office does not present a single fixed visiting timetable that applies to every inmate. Instead, visits depend on the inmate’s access to a kiosk or tablet and their assigned housing schedule.
Facility operations and emergencies may cause appointments to be canceled or rescheduled. Use the NCIC system to see available appointments for the specific inmate.
How to Receive Calls from a Billings Jail Inmate
Yellowstone County uses NCIC for inmate communications, including telephone services, video visits and electronic messaging.
After an arrested person completes booking, the facility says they can use the booking telephone system to contact family members.
How to set up telephone services
- Visit NCIC.
- Create or sign in to an account.
- Select the appropriate inmate communication service.
- Confirm the facility and inmate information.
- Review rates, account requirements and available payment options.
- Follow the instructions for receiving calls or messages.
NCIC customer support: 1-800-943-2189.
The county identifies a communications account for phone time, extra video visits and electronic messages. This is separate from the inmate’s general commissary or TRUST account.
Send Money to a Yellowstone County Jail Inmate
Yellowstone County distinguishes between an inmate’s TRUST account and communications account. They serve different purposes, so choosing the correct option matters.
| Account | Typical purpose | Official payment service |
|---|---|---|
| TRUST / commissary | Approved snacks, hygiene items and other commissary purchases | Inmate Canteen |
| Communications | Phone time, extra video visits and electronic messages | NCIC |
Option 1: Online commissary deposits
- Visit Inmate Canteen.
- Select Yellowstone County Detention Facility.
- Locate the correct inmate.
- Choose the available funding or care-package option.
- Review the fees and complete the payment.
Option 2: Lobby kiosk
The Sheriff’s Office states that a blue kiosk is available in the detention facility lobby for eligible inmate-account deposits. Transaction fees apply.
Option 3: Mail a money order
The county also lists a money-order process for TRUST accounts. Address the money order using this format:
Inmate’s Full Name
Inmate’s Jacket Number
ATTENTION MAIL OFFICER
3165 King Ave E
Billings, MT 59101
The county warns that omitting ATTENTION MAIL OFFICER may cause the mailing to be returned. Do not mail cash or personal checks.
The county permits inmates to transfer qualifying TRUST funds into communications accounts, subject to fees, but not the reverse. Check the current policy before depositing money.
Billings Jail Inmate Mailing Address and Mail Rules
Yellowstone County has separate procedures for personal letters, legal mail and money orders. The facility does not accept ordinary personal inmate letters directly at its Billings address.
Personal inmate mail address
Inmate’s Full Name
Inmate’s Jacket Number
Yellowstone Co. Detention Facility
P.O. Box 591
Longview, Texas 75606
Personal letters are processed by a third-party scanning service and delivered electronically to inmates. The original correspondence and its contents are destroyed rather than returned or retained.
Important personal-mail requirements
- A maximum of five pages may be submitted.
- Write only on the front of each page.
- Use paper no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches.
- No more than one photograph is allowed per letter.
- Do not send legal or medical correspondence to the personal-mail scanning address.
- Books, magazines and packages are not accepted through the ordinary personal-letter channel.
Read the official Yellowstone County inmate mail rules (PDF) before mailing anything.
Legal mail and other special correspondence
Attorney correspondence, legal documents and permitted medical mail require separate handling. Use the legal-mail instructions in the official policy rather than the personal-letter scanning address.
Yellowstone County Detention Facility Address, Phone and Directions
The Yellowstone County Detention Facility is located in Billings, Montana. The Sheriff’s Office maintains separate contact numbers for detention booking, administration and other departments.
Billings, MT 59101
24 hours daily
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Billings, MT 59101
Map and driving directions
Open directions in Google Maps.
For inmate charges, bond amounts and custody inquiries, use the detention booking number rather than the Sheriff’s general administrative number.
Billings Court Records and Montana State Inmate Search
A jail roster is designed to identify custody information. For case dispositions, scheduled hearings, sentencing information or a possible state-prison transfer, you may need another official resource.
| Information needed | Official starting point |
|---|---|
| Current Billings jail inmates | Yellowstone County Inmate Search |
| Booking and bond questions | Detention Contacts |
| Visitation, commissary and facility procedures | Detention Facility FAQs |
| State correctional custody | Montana Department of Corrections |
| Court information | Montana Judicial Branch |
| Incident and other Sheriff’s records | Sheriff’s Records Request |
How to find an inmate’s court date
- Search the official inmate roster and identify the person.
- Find the associated charges and court, if displayed.
- Check the appropriate court’s official case resources.
- Contact the court clerk when the hearing date is unclear.
- Verify the location and time before attending.
The detention facility’s FAQ identifies separate arrangements for City Court, Justice Court and District Court proceedings. Members of the public should follow the applicable court’s instructions rather than assuming they can enter a detention-facility courtroom.
Billings Jail Roster: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find someone in jail in Billings, Montana?
Visit the Yellowstone County Detention Facility inmate-search page and search by the person’s name or booking date. The county also provides a View Full Jail Roster option. For confirmation, call detention booking at 406-256-6881.
2. Is the Billings jail roster free to search?
Yes. Yellowstone County provides access to its official inmate-search form without requiring a paid third-party inmate-search subscription. Separate records requests and inmate services may involve fees.
3. Can I search recent Billings jail bookings by date?
Yes. The official inmate-search form includes a Booking Date field. Enter the date, complete the verification question and submit the search. The results reflect the county’s published inmate database rather than a guaranteed complete historical booking archive.
4. Can I find Billings jail mugshots online?
Start with the county inmate search and review any booking photographs made available in the results. If a particular image is unavailable, contact the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office records department about requesting an existing booking photograph.
5. What is the Billings jail phone number?
Call 406-256-6881 for Yellowstone County Detention Facility booking, charges and bond questions. The administrative office is available at 406-256-6900 during its published weekday hours.
6. Where is the Yellowstone County Detention Facility located?
The jail is at 3165 King Avenue East, Billings, Montana 59101. This is separate from the Sheriff’s administrative office at 2323 2nd Avenue North.
7. How do I find an inmate’s bail amount in Billings?
Call detention booking at 406-256-6881 to verify the current amount and applicable holds. During normal business hours, bonds are generally handled through the court responsible for the offense. After-hours payments may be handled at the detention facility.
8. How do I schedule a visit at Billings jail?
Yellowstone County uses NCIC video visitation. Create an account through ncic.com or videovisit.ncic.com, select the facility and inmate, and review available appointments. The county states that each inmate receives two free video visits per week.
9. How do I send money or mail to a Billings inmate?
TRUST account deposits can be made through Inmate Canteen, the lobby kiosk or an eligible money order. Communications deposits use NCIC. Ordinary letters must be sent to the designated third-party scanning address in Longview, Texas, rather than directly to the jail.
10. What if someone is not listed on the Billings jail roster?
They may still be undergoing booking, may have been released or transferred, or may be listed under another legal name. Check the search information and contact the detention booking office for current custody confirmation.
Official Billings Jail and Yellowstone County Resources
Use these primary sources to verify custody information and facility policies.
Before You Rely on a Billings Inmate Record
For a current custody search, begin with Yellowstone County’s official inmate roster. Search by name or booking date, then use the detention booking number to confirm details that may have changed. For court decisions, look to the responsible court. For a booking photograph or historical record, contact the Sheriff’s Office about records access.
This approach helps avoid confusion between an arrest, an active jail booking, a release and a criminal conviction.
Independent public-information guide: This article is not operated by or affiliated with Yellowstone County, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office or the detention facility. Jail policies, charges, booking status and release information can change. An arrest does not establish guilt. Verify important information using the linked official sources.