Central Detention Facility (DC Jail): visiting, mail, money and current status
Central Detention Facility (DC Jail) is a District of Columbia state prison run by the DC DOC in Washington. Official links, a family guide, and what families report right now.
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Official notices
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Family reports are not official information. They come from visitors and are not checked by the facility or OutSooner. Always confirm with the facility or the DOC before you travel.
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Address and phone
Central Detention Facility (DC Jail)
1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
From the official DC DOC page. Official facility page (opens in new tab)
Find someone here
DC DOC FAQ: finding someone (Records Office) (official) (opens in new tab)
How to search: enter the person's legal last and first name, or their DC DOC ID number if you have it. Nicknames and misspellings usually return nothing; try fewer letters or a different spelling of the name. DC DOC says to call its Records Office at (202) 523-7060 for general information. Victims can register with VINE at 1-877-329-7894. People convicted of DC felonies are moved to the federal Bureau of Prisons.
What the dates mean: any dates shown, such as admission, sentence or projected release dates, come from DC DOC's own records. Projected dates can change (for example with earned credits, discipline or parole decisions) and are not a guarantee. Ask DC DOC or the facility before making plans around a date.
Release and transfer alerts: District of Columbia takes part in VINE (official source (opens in new tab)). Families can sign up free on VINELink (opens in new tab) for release, transfer and court-date alerts. It's built mainly for crime victims.
OutSooner does not store or list anyone's name, date of birth or ID number. The search runs on the official site.
Sentence credits
Credit rules come from District of Columbia law and are the same at every DC DOC prison. Read District of Columbia's good-time and earned-time rules.
First 72 hours after release in District of Columbia: checklist
FAQ
How do I find someone at Central Detention Facility (DC Jail)?
Use the official DC DOC FAQ: finding someone (Records Office). The record shows the person's current facility.
What is the address of Central Detention Facility (DC Jail)?
1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Source: the DC DOC facility page.
How do I send mail to someone at Central Detention Facility (DC Jail)?
Follow DC DOC's mail rules on its official page.
How do I send money to someone at Central Detention Facility (DC Jail)?
Send money through Western Union (online fees from $3.95; phone and walk-in from $5.95). For phone or walk-in, use Pay To: DCDOC, Code City: DCGOV, State: DC, plus the DCDC number and last name. You can also mail a money order (never cash), use OffenderConnect online, or use the kiosk in the CTF lobby or the Video Visitation Center.
How do I get notified when someone is released in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia takes part in VINE. Sign up free on VINELink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com) for release, transfer and court-date alerts by phone, email or text.
Family guide: money, calls, visits and mail
From official DC DOC pages. Vendors are named only as the state's approved provider. OutSooner has no affiliate or sponsor links. Our promise and how we check facts.
Sending money
- Send money through Western Union (online fees from $3.95; phone and walk-in from $5.95). For phone or walk-in, use Pay To: DCDOC, Code City: DCGOV, State: DC, plus the DCDC number and last name.
- You can also mail a money order (never cash), use OffenderConnect online, or use the kiosk in the CTF lobby or the Video Visitation Center.
Source: DC DOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Phone calls and video visits
- People get a personal call at intake, then use housing-unit phones. Families can add money to a prepaid phone account through OffenderConnect or the visiting-center kiosk.
- DC DOC's pages don't name a phone vendor clearly, so we don't name one here.
Source: DC DOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
In-person visiting
- Most DC Jail visits are video visits at the Video Visitation Center next to the jail or at some DC public libraries. Each person gets two free 45-minute visits a week, Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Arrive 15 minutes early; late visits are cancelled. One adult plus up to two minors per session. Face-to-face visits are an incentive for eligible people only.
Source: DC DOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Becoming an approved visitor
- All visits are by appointment. Book online or call 1-888-906-6394 or (202) 442-6155 (Tue–Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Library video visits must be booked between 24 hours and one week ahead.
- Only the people scheduled may take part. No phones, screenshots or recordings; breaking the rules can suspend visits.
Source: DC DOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
- Address mail with the person's name, DCDC number and the DC Jail address: 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
- All incoming mail is opened and searched. There's no limit on how much mail someone can send or receive.
Source: DC DOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
All District of Columbia prisons · District of Columbia facility status · First 72 hours after release