Jail F.A.Q.s:

Q: Do you offer jail tours?

A: Unfortunately due to staffing limitations, we do not offer jail tours at this time.

Q: How do I pick up an inmate's property?

A: Property releases are processed on all incoming inmates, whether they have been processed through the Vault or not.  If the inmate has no housing location, the clerk will obtain the inmate's signature if the inmate has a housing location the property release form will be taken to the housing location at the proper jail facility by the property release requestor to obtain the inmate's signature.  Once signed, it will be returned to the control center in the front lobby of Lew Sterrett.

Once the inmate has been processed through the Vault, the property release must be for ALL PROPERTY!  Individual items may not be released.  Clothing and other property cannot be released on the same form.  Separate forms are to be used if the visitor wishes to pick up both.

The requestor must have one of the following forms of identification:

*Valid picture state drivers license,  paper license renewal must be accompanied by other picture identification.

*Texas Department of Public Safety Picture Identification Card.

*Identification card issued by the Dallas County Jail.

*Official government passport.

*Alien registration card or any other valid picture identification card from the United States Government.

When the signed property release is returned to the control center in the front lobby of Lew Sterrett the property will be retrieved and given to the requestor.  The requestor will sign the property release form indicating that they did receive the property.

Q: Can I bring an inmate's prescription eyeglasses to him/her?

A: Yes, just bring the glasses to building control of the appropriate jail facility. Prescription glasses and reading glasses are ok.

Q: Can I bring any reading materials to an inmate?

A: No, all reading material is distributed through the Inmate Programs Section.  This includes all books, magazines and religious materials.

Q: Can an Inmate be allowed to leave the jail to attend an immediate family members funereal?

A: Unfortunately, due to staffing limitations we are unable to escort inmates at this time.

Q: I'm a lawyer needing to get my private investigator in the jail to interview an inmate.

A: You must provide your investigator with a letter authorizing them to interview the inmate in question.  The "original letter" must be on your official letterhead with the date of the  interview. Faxed copies will not be accepted. The investigator must have a new updated letter each time along with a government issued I.D. as well as a current Investigator license.

Q:  Can I marry a person incarcerated in your jail?

A:  Yes, a marriage license can be obtained from a county clerk's office. The cost is $41.00 in cash.

If an applicant is unable to appear personally, any adult or the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. The proper paper work must be completed prior to applying. Proper paper work including the absent applicant's identification and age is required. If one party is incarcerated, this office must send out and receive information directly from the incarcerated person. No marriage ceremonies are performed at the jail.

If the absent applicant is under 18 years of age, proof of parental consent, or judicial permission, or proof of the dissolution of a previous marriage must be provided.

A valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, certified copy of a birth certificate, or military identification is required.

Where to Apply for a Marriage License?

You can apply for a marriage license in downtown Dallas at the Records Building, 1st Floor, 509 Main Street, Suite 120 (8:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday) 214-653-7559 or 214-653-7131.

You can apply in East Dallas at the East Dallas Government Center, 3443 St. Francis Ave. (call for office hours) 214-321-3182.

You can also apply at the North Dallas Government Center, 10056 Marsh Lane, Suite 137, Dallas (call for office hours) 214-904-3032.

Justice of the Peace, 7201 S. Polk, Dallas, (972) 228-0280 (Call for office hours);

Justice of the Peace, 1411 W. Beltline Road, Richardson, (972) 231-1439 (Call for office hours)

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