Wanted Persons California DOJ Search delivers real‑time updates that let anyone quickly verify if an individual appears on the official wanted list, see a wanted persons list, and access wanted persons records directly from the Department of Justice portal. By entering a name or case number, users can perform a wanted person lookup by name, check a wanted person’s status, and view a wanted person database that includes photographs, aliases, and last known location. This service answers common questions like how to search for a wanted person, how to find a wanted person by name, and how to verify a wanted person record, while also showing why someone may appear on a wanted list, such as outstanding arrest warrants or serious criminal allegations. The interface pulls the most recent wanted persons updates, ensuring that the wanted persons search reflects active wanted listings, newly added individuals, and recent status changes, so visitors receive accurate, authoritative information instantly.
Wanted Persons California DOJ Search also supports detailed investigations by providing wanted person information such as physical description, date of birth, offense details, and issuing agency. Users can explore a wanted persons lookup, see a wanted list search, and even learn how to report information about a wanted person through a confidential tip line. The platform clarifies how often wanted person records are updated, distinguishes between active wanted status and removed listings, and explains the process for checking if someone is wanted across jurisdictional boundaries. By consolidating wanted persons records, wanted suspect data, and public safety tips, this resource empowers citizens and law‑enforcement partners to act responsibly and stay informed.
How to Search Wanted Persons
You can search the official wanted persons list through the California Department of Justice public portal. The search tool lets you look up a wanted person by name, case number, or other details. The portal pulls real-time data from a central wanted persons database, providing a direct path to the jail mugshots database for further documentation. You can see the latest wanted person records, photos, and offense details in one place. The system shows active wanted listings, recently added persons, and updates for people who have been located or removed from the list.
You do not need an account or login to use the search tool. The service is free for the public. Results load quickly and show identifying details that help you confirm a match. You can use the search from a phone, tablet, or computer at any time. The portal updates throughout the day as agencies add or change records. The data comes from courts, police departments, sheriff offices, and state offices across California.
Official Search Portal: https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
Steps to Search
- Open the official search portal at the web address shown above using a current web browser.
- Click on the wanted persons search link from the main menu on the home page.
- Type the last name of the person you want to look up in the search field. You can add a first name to narrow your results.
- Enter any other details you have, such as a case number, date of birth, or county, if you know them.
- Press the search button at the bottom of the form to run the query against the database.
- Review the list of matching records. Each entry shows a photo, name, date of birth, and offense details.
- Click on a name to open the full record, which shows warrant details, the issuing agency, and last known location.
- Note the date stamp on the record to confirm when the data was last refreshed before you act on it.
Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common way to look up a wanted person. The search field accepts last name, first name, or both. The portal lets you search by an alias if you know one. Results show the full name, age, and a photo when one is on file. You should check all matching results carefully. Some people share similar names, so you need to compare other details like date of birth or physical description.
You can use partial names to widen your search. For example, you can type just the first few letters of a last name. This helps when you are not sure of the full spelling of a name. The portal will show all records that match the letters you typed. From there, you can scan the list to find the right person. Use a single keyword at a time when names are common in your area.
Search by Case or Reference Number
If you have a case number, warrant number, or other reference number, you can search for that exact record. The case number search gives you one direct result without a list. This method works well when you already know the exact case. Courts and police agencies issue these numbers. You may see them on court papers, police reports, or other legal documents given to you or posted on a public notice board.
Type the full number into the case search field. Add all letters, numbers, and dashes as they appear on the source. A small typo can cause the search to return no results. If you do not get a match, double-check the number for errors. You can also try the name search as a backup method. Court clerks can also help you confirm a case number over the phone.
Details Needed for a Search
The portal works with very little detail, but more details give you a better match. The best search starts with a full name. Adding a date of birth or city helps narrow the list. A physical description like height, weight, or tattoos can also help. If you have a case number, use it for the fastest result. The table below shows the common search fields and how each one helps you find a match.
| Search Detail | What It Helps You Find | Required or Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Last Name | Narrows results to a family line | Optional |
| First Name | Pinpoints a single person | Optional |
| Date of Birth | Confirms identity when names match | Optional |
| Case Number | Direct match to one record | Optional |
| City or County | Filters by issuing agency area | Optional |
| Alias or Nickname | Locates records under a different name | Optional |
Wanted Person Details
Each wanted person record on the portal shows a set of standard details. These details help you confirm the right person and understand the case. You can see the full name, photo, and a list of identifying traits. The portal shows the alleged offense, the warrant details, and the agency that issued the warrant. All these details come together to give a clear picture of the person and the reason for the wanted status.
Name and Identifying Details
The record lists the full legal name of the wanted person at the top. The portal shows any known aliases, nicknames, or other names the person may use. These extra names help you find the record even if the person goes by a different name in daily life. The record may list a date of birth, place of birth, and last known address. These details help you tell two people apart when they share a name.
- Full legal name as it appears on court papers
- Known aliases or nicknames used in the past
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Last known city or zip code
- Citizenship status, when listed by the agency
Photograph and Physical Description
The portal shows a photo of the wanted person when one is on file. The photo often comes from a recent arrest, an ID card, or a driver license photo. The record lists physical details like height, weight, hair color, and eye color. You may see details about scars, tattoos, or other marks. These traits help the public and officers spot the right person. The photo on the portal may not match the current look of the person, so read the physical description too.
Date of Birth and Age
The date of birth appears on the record, and the portal may show the current age based on that date. The age helps you match the record to the person you are looking for. The date of birth helps you tell people with the same name apart. Some records show only the year of birth if the full date is not on file. Records for older cases may also have less complete date data on the public portal.
Alleged Offense Details
Each record shows the offense or offenses linked to the wanted status. The list gives a short title and a citation to the state law. You may see words like felony, misdemeanor, or warrant. The offense section tells you what the person is accused of doing. The portal does not show full court records here. It shows a summary of the charge and the date the warrant was issued by the court.
Warrant or Case Reference
The record shows a warrant number or case number for the wanted status. This number links the record to a court file or a police file. You can use this number to search the public court system. The warrant section shows the type of warrant. Some warrants are for arrest, and some are for other court actions. The reference number helps you cross-check the record with other public sources.
Wanted Status
The record shows whether the person is currently wanted. The status field says active when the person is still on the list. The status may say located or apprehended when police have taken the person into custody. The status may say removed if the record has been pulled from the public list. You should always check the status before you take any action based on a wanted notice. A record that is not active poses no current public risk.
Wanted Person Search Results
After you run a search, the portal shows a list of records that match your search terms. Each result shows a name, a photo, a date of birth, and a short offense line. You can click any result to see the full record. The results page is the first place to look when you want to confirm a match. Take your time and compare each result to the person you are looking for. Use the date stamp to confirm the data is current.
Identifying the Correct Person
When two people share a name, you need to look past the name to confirm the match. The date of birth is the best way to confirm. The photo is the second best way, but photos can be old. The physical description helps, especially when the photo does not match. You should check all the details on the record before you act on it. Use more than one detail to confirm a match.
Matching Names and Identifying Details
Names can be similar but not the same. A small change in spelling can mean a different person. The portal shows the full name and any aliases. Compare the spelling letter by letter. Look at the date of birth, the city, and the offense. All these details together point to one person. Two records may show similar names but have different dates of birth or aliases.
Reviewing Wanted Status
Always check the wanted status on the record. A record that says located means the person is no longer being sought. A record that says active means the person is still on the list. The status field is the most important field for safety. A located or removed record is no longer a public safety concern. You can still read the record for past data, but the person is not a current risk.
Checking Record Updates
The portal updates records throughout the day. The record may show a date when it was last updated. You should check the date before you act on a record. A record that was updated yesterday is more current than one from a year ago. The portal marks new records so you can spot them. The update date is shown on each record page next to the status field.
Verifying Available Details
You can cross-check a record with other public sources. Court records, county sheriff sites, and police blotters can confirm the same case. The wanted persons portal is one source among many. You should use more than one source to confirm a person’s status. This step protects you from acting on old or wrong data. Use official sources only for verification.
Wanted Person Status
The wanted person status tells you the current state of a case. The status changes as police work the case. Some people stay on the list for years. Others come off the list within days. The status field on the portal is the source for the latest update. You should always read the status before you draw any conclusions about a person. The status type tells you the level of risk and the next step.
Currently Wanted Persons
Currently wanted people are those with an active warrant. The portal lists them on the public site. Agencies actively look for these people. You can see the full record, the photo, and the offense, while public filers can review the arrest warrant records for official guidelines. The list updates as new people are added or removed. You can filter the list to show only active records. The active list is the main list on the portal.
Recently Added Listings
New records appear on the portal as soon as a warrant is added to the public list. The portal may mark new records with a new tag. This tag helps you spot fresh records. You can filter results to show only the new listings if you want to see who was added this week. New listings often come with a new photo or fresh arrest data on the public portal.
Located or Captured Persons
When police find a wanted person, the status changes. The portal may show the person as located or apprehended. The record stays on the site for a short time so the public can see the outcome. After that, the record moves to an archive or gets removed from the public list. You can still see past outcomes on the archive. The status change is shown on the record page right away.
Removed Wanted Listings
Some records get removed from the public list. Removal can happen for several reasons. The person may have been found, the case may have been dropped, or a court may have ordered the record sealed. Once removed, the record no longer shows on the public search. You may see a note that the record is no longer public. Some data is still kept for agency use.
Status Updates
Status updates happen on a set schedule. The portal pulls data from agency systems at set times each day. You should check the date stamp on each record. The date tells you when the record was last changed. A fresh date means the status is current. You can also sign up for alerts from some agencies to get status changes by email.
| Status Type | What It Means | Is the Person Still Sought? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Warrant is open and in force | Yes |
| Located | Person is in custody or has been found | No |
| Apprehended | Police have taken the person into custody | No |
| Removed | Record is no longer on the public list | No |
| New | Record was added in the last update cycle | Yes |
Why a Person May Appear on a Wanted List
People appear on a wanted list for specific legal reasons. A court or agency issues a warrant. The warrant tells police to find the person. The portal lists the warrant and the reason behind it. Knowing the reason helps you understand the case. The list covers many types of cases, from missed court dates to serious felony charges. Each case is unique, but the legal process is the same across the state.
Outstanding Arrest Warrants
An outstanding arrest warrant is the most common reason a person is on the list. A judge signs the warrant. The warrant tells police to arrest the person and bring them to court. The warrant stays active until the person is found or a judge cancels it. The portal shows the warrant number, the court, and the date. You can use the warrant number to look up the case in court records.
Failure to Appear in Court
A person may be on the list for missing a court date. Courts issue a warrant when someone does not show up. The warrant can be for a traffic case, a misdemeanor, or a felony. The portal shows the original case and the missed date. The person can clear the warrant by going to court. Some courts let you clear a failure-to-appear warrant by mail or online.
Probation or Parole Violations
A person on probation or parole can be put back on the wanted list for breaking the rules. A probation officer or parole officer can ask a judge to issue a warrant. The warrant is for the violation, not a new crime in most cases. The portal shows the original case and the violation. The violation can be as small as a missed meeting or as large as a new charge.
Serious Criminal Allegations
Some people on the list face serious felony charges. The charges can include violent crimes, theft, drug sales, or sex offenses. The portal lists the charge and the law. The portal shows the agency that asked for the warrant. The list helps the public and officers stay alert to people who may pose a risk. The portal also gives tips for safe contact with such persons.
Other Reasons for Wanted Status
Some people are on the list for other reasons. They may be wanted as a witness, for a civil case, or for a federal charge. The portal shows the case type and the issuing agency. You can read the offense section to learn the specific reason. Each record gives a clear line about why the person is wanted. Federal records may show a different process than state records.
Wanted Person Records
Wanted person records are the public files that show a person’s wanted status. The records come from courts, police, and state agencies. The portal lists these records in a standard format. You can view, save, or print the records for your own use. The records update as the case moves forward. Each record gives a snapshot of the case at one point in time.
Warrant Details
The record shows the warrant type, the warrant number, and the date it was signed. The warrant type can be arrest, bench, or other. The warrant section shows the name of the judge who signed it. You can use the warrant number to look up the case in the court system. The warrant details help you confirm the case is real and current. A current warrant is the legal basis for the public listing.
Case Details
The case section shows the court case linked to the warrant. You may see a docket number, a hearing date, or a court name. The case section tells you where the case is in the court process. Some records show past hearings and the next court date. The case details help you understand the next step in the legal process. Court clerks can also help you read a docket number.
Alleged Offense Details
The record lists the alleged offense or offenses. The list shows the law cited, the charge level, and a short description. You may see words like felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. The offense section gives you the basic facts of the case. The portal does not give a full court record here. It gives a public summary. You can read the full record through a court records request.
Issuing Agency
The record shows the agency that asked for the warrant. The agency can be a local police department, a county sheriff’s office, a state agency, or a federal agency. The agency name and contact details appear on the record. You can call the agency to share a tip about a wanted person. The issuing agency is the one that owns the case. They are the best contact for case questions.
- Local police department for city cases
- County sheriff’s office for county cases
- California Highway Patrol for state highway cases
- State DOJ for special cases
- Federal agencies for federal cases
Last Known Details
The record may show the last known address, city, or zip code for the person. The portal does not show the full address in all cases. It may show only the city to protect privacy. The last known data helps officers focus their search. The data can be old, so treat it with care. The last known address may be from a past arrest or a court filing.
Record Publication Date
The record shows the date it was first published. It shows the date of the last update. These dates help you see how fresh the data is. A record published yesterday is more current than one from a year ago. The portal updates dates whenever the status changes. The publication date is shown on the record page. You can use it to sort records by date.
Wanted Persons Outside the Local Area
People on the wanted list can live or hide in other parts of the state or country. The portal covers people from many jurisdictions. You can search for people from your city, county, or other regions. The portal works with other states and federal agencies. The data covers both in-state and out-of-area cases. The portal pulls from many sources, so a search covers a wide area.
Persons Located in Other Jurisdictions
Some wanted people are known to live in other counties. The portal lists the last known location for each person. The location can be a city, a county, or another state. Agencies share data across county lines. The portal pulls this shared data into one place. You can see the last known location on the record page. The location is shown as a city or county name.
Out-of-Area Wanted Persons
Out-of-area wanted people come from other states or countries. The portal lists them when a U.S. agency has filed a warrant. The record shows the original case and the issuing agency. You can still see their photo and details. The data is shared through interstate systems. The U.S. Department of Justice runs the main interstate system. The data flows from state to state through this system.
Extradition Details
Extradition is the process of moving a wanted person from one state to another. The record may say whether the agency will seek extradition. Some agencies only seek extradition for serious charges. Others may not seek it at all, which enables citizens to check the case online lookup without visiting the office. The record gives a clear line on the agency’s policy. You can read the extradition note on the record page. The note tells you if the agency will pick up the person from another state.
Interagency Cooperation
Agencies work together on wanted persons cases. The portal shows the data shared by many agencies. You may see records from local police, county sheriffs, state police, and federal agencies. The shared data helps the public and officers find wanted people faster. The portal is a hub for this shared data. You do not need to check each agency site one by one.
Reporting Details About a Wanted Person
If you have details about a wanted person, you can share them with police. The portal gives several ways to submit a tip. You can call, use a tip line, or fill out an online form. You can choose to give your name or stay anonymous. Your tip can help officers find a wanted person and keep the public safe. Even small details can help solve a case.
How to Submit a Tip
You can submit a tip by calling the agency that issued the warrant. The phone number is on the record. You can call your local police non-emergency line. Some agencies accept tips by email or text. The portal may have a direct tip link for each record. Use the method that works best for you. Always give clear facts and the time and place of what you saw.
Anonymous Tip Options
Most agencies accept anonymous tips. You do not have to give your name. You can share what you know without sharing who you are. Anonymous tip lines are common. Some agencies use a third-party tip service. Your tip is passed to the agency without your name. Anonymous tips can still lead to arrests. Officers can follow up on the facts you give.
Details to Include in a Tip
A good tip has clear facts. Share what you saw, where you saw it, and when it happened. Add a description of the person, their car, or their location. The more facts you give, the better. Avoid rumors or guesses. Stick to what you know first-hand. Clear tips help officers act fast and stay safe.
- Name of the wanted person, if you know it
- Date, time, and place of the sighting
- Description of the person (height, weight, clothing, tattoos)
- Description of any vehicle (make, model, color, plate)
- Direction of travel or current location
- Any other fact that may help officers
When to Contact Police
Call 911 if you see a wanted person in the act of a crime or if you feel you are in danger. Use the non-emergency line for general tips. The non-emergency line is for tips that are not time-critical. The agency will tell you how to share your details. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Do not try to follow the person yourself.
Do Not Approach a Wanted Person
You should never try to stop or hold a wanted person. That work is for trained officers. Stay at a safe distance. Watch where the person goes. Call 911 and give the details to the dispatcher. Let officers handle the arrest. Your safety is more important than the arrest. Officers have the tools and training to do the job.
Wanted Person Records That Are Unavailable
Not all wanted person records are open to the public. Some records are sealed, removed, or restricted. The portal hides these records by law. The reason for hiding them can be safety, privacy, or a court order. You may see a note that a record is not public. This section explains why some records are not shown. The rules for public records come from state law.
Recently Added Persons
Some new records take time to appear on the public list. Agencies may hold a record for a short time while they work the case. The portal may show a record only after the agency releases it. Until then, the record is not public. The hold can last hours or days. The agency sets the hold time for safety.
Removed or Archived Listings
Once a person is found or a case is closed, the record may be archived. Archived records are not on the public search. You may need to contact the agency for past data. Some archives are open to the public through a records request. Archived records can still be useful for background checks. The agency can tell you how to get them.
Sealed or Restricted Details
A court can seal a record. A sealed record is not open to the public. The portal hides sealed records. Only the court or the agency can see the full file. You may see that a record exists, but the details are not shown. Sealing is common in cases involving juveniles, witnesses, or sensitive facts. The court sets the seal and the time.
Incorrect or Incomplete Details
Sometimes a record has wrong or missing data. A name may be misspelled. A date of birth may be off by a year. The portal shows the data on file. If you see a mistake, you can contact the issuing agency. The agency can fix the record. Records are only as good as the data put into them. Agencies work to keep the data clean.
Delayed Status Updates
Status changes can take time to show on the portal. The data refreshes at set times each day. A change made in the morning may not show until the afternoon. A change made late at night may not show until the next day. The date stamp tells you when the record was last changed. You can check back later to see the update.
Wanted Persons and Related Records
The wanted persons list is one of several public records. Other public records include active warrants, arrest records, criminal records, and inmate records. Each record type covers a different part of a person’s case. The portal focuses on wanted persons, but it links to other sources. You can use the portal along with other public tools to build a full picture. Each record type serves a different purpose.
Wanted Persons vs. Active Warrants
Wanted persons are people the police are looking for. Active warrants are the legal papers that tell police to find them. A wanted person record is tied to a warrant. The wanted person list is the public face of the warrant. The warrant itself is held in the court system. You can search both to confirm a case. The two records work together to give a full view.
Wanted Persons vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records show past arrests. They list the person, the date, and the charge. Wanted persons are people who have not been arrested yet. An arrest record can become a wanted person record if the person is not in custody. The two records are linked but serve different purposes. You can check both to see a full case history.
Wanted Persons vs. Criminal Records
Criminal records show a person’s full court history. They list past convictions, sentences, and case outcomes. Wanted persons are people with open warrants. The criminal record covers the past, and the wanted list covers the present. You can use both to learn about a person. The two records together give a full life view of the case.
Wanted Persons vs. Inmate Records
Inmate records show people who are in jail or prison. The records list the facility, the booking date, and the release date. Wanted persons are people who are not in custody. A person can move from the wanted list to an inmate record after an arrest. The two records show different stages of a case. The inmate locator is a separate tool from the wanted list.
| Record Type | What It Shows | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Wanted Persons | Open warrants and active searches | Megan’s Law CA portal |
| Active Warrants | Court-issued warrants for arrest | County court systems |
| Arrest Records | Past arrests and bookings | Local police or sheriff sites |
| Criminal Records | Full court history and convictions | State DOJ records request |
| Inmate Records | People in jail or prison | CDCR inmate locator |
Contact Information
You can reach the California Department of Justice for questions about the wanted persons search portal. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can call the office or send mail to the address below. The official search portal is online at the web address below. Use these details to get help or share tips about the wanted persons list.
Location: California Department of Justice, Megan’s Law Sex Offender Registry, P.O. Box 903387, Sacramento, CA 94203
Contact Number: (916) 227-4974
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Official Website Search Portal: https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers about searching, viewing, and reporting Wanted Persons through California’s official portal.
How can I search Wanted Persons in California?
You can search the Wanted Persons list on the California Department of Justice portal. Visit the website, select the wanted persons search option, and enter a name, case number, or other details. The system pulls real‑time data from the state’s central database, showing active listings, photos, and offense information. Results update automatically, so you see the most recent status. If you need help, call the office at (916) 227‑4974 during business hours.
What info appears on a wanted person record?
A wanted person record displays the individual’s full name, photograph, and physical description such as height and weight. It also lists aliases, date of birth, and any distinguishing features. The record includes the alleged offense, case number, warrant status, issuing agency, and last known location or address. Updates show whether the person is still active, captured, or removed from the list. All details come from the latest law‑enforcement reports.
How do I check if someone is currently wanted?
To verify current status, use the online search portal and enter the person’s name or identifying details. The results will indicate if an active warrant exists, the date it was issued, and the agency responsible. Active listings are highlighted, while archived or removed entries note the date of removal. If the portal shows no match, the individual is not listed as wanted in California’s public database.
Where can I report a sighting of a wanted individual?
Report a sighting by calling the California Department of Justice at (916) 227‑4974. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the online tip form on the agency’s website. Provide the name, description, last known location, and any relevant details. Law‑enforcement officials will assess the information and follow up. Do not approach the individual; let authorities handle the situation.
How often are California wanted persons updates posted?
Updates to the wanted persons list occur daily as new warrants are issued or existing cases are resolved. The online portal refreshes automatically, reflecting newly added individuals, status changes, and removals. Law‑enforcement agencies submit updates to the central database each time a warrant is issued or an arrest is made, ensuring the public sees the most current information.