Confirm they are at Lincoln Correctional Center and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Lincoln Correctional Center, use the NC Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is the state’s free, official lookup tool for everyone in NC DAC custody. Once you confirm the person is at Lincoln, write down their OPUS number. You will need it to visit, send money, and mail letters.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view and enter the person’s first and last name. The tool lists everyone currently in NC DAC custody, including people held at Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincolnton.
Lincoln Correctional Center is a minimum custody reentry facility holding 202 male residents. If someone was recently moved to this facility from another NC prison, their current location updates in the OPI search, though it can take a day to reflect a transfer.
The result shows the person’s name, the facility they are currently held at, and their OPUS number. This number is what you need for deposits, the visitor application, and every piece of mail. Save it somewhere you can find it again.
The search may also show sentence information, projected release dates, and other record details. Note that release dates can change based on good time credits, parole decisions, or modifications.
| Field | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Name | Full legal name as it appears in NC DAC records |
| Facility | Where the person is currently held |
| OPUS Number | Unique NC DAC ID you need for deposits, mail, and visits |
| Projected Release Date | Estimated release, subject to change |
| Offense / Conviction | Charge(s) leading to current sentence |
There are a few reasons someone might not show up in the search:
If you still cannot find the person, call Lincoln Correctional Center directly at (704) 735-0485.
Keep in mind that Lincoln is a minimum custody reentry prison. Some residents may be participating in work release or community assignments off-site during weekday business hours. If you find the person in the search but cannot reach them by phone, it may be because they are at a work assignment. Expect contact in the evenings. Call the facility at (704) 735-0485 to confirm their schedule.
Once you have the OPUS number:
6 of 12 questions
The NC Offender Public Information search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is run by the NC Department of Adult Correction and is free to use.
Inmate SearchOPUS is the unique number NC DAC assigns to each person in custody. You need it to send money through ConnectNetwork, address mail through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application. Find it in the NC OPI search results.
Inmate SearchThey may have been recently transferred and the record has not updated yet. Try again after 24 to 48 hours. You can also try a different name spelling or call Lincoln Correctional Center at (704) 735-0485 to confirm their location.
Inmate SearchTransfers can take a day or two to show up in the NC OPI search. If you know they were transferred to Lincoln, call (704) 735-0485 to confirm they arrived and get their OPUS number if you do not already have it.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search only covers NC DAC state prisoners. Lincoln Correctional Center is a state facility, so anyone held there appears in the NC OPI search. Federal prisoners are in a separate BOP system.
Inmate SearchThe NC OPI search is primarily a name-based search. If you already have the OPUS number, you may be able to use it to narrow results. Search by last name first if you are unsure of the exact spelling.
Inmate SearchThe person may have been transferred since you last checked. NC DAC moves residents between facilities based on classification, program needs, or capacity. The facility listed in the search is where they are currently held.
Inmate SearchThe NC OPI search is generally available online at any time, though the state may take it offline for maintenance. If you cannot access it, try again after a few hours or call Lincoln Correctional Center at (704) 735-0485.
Inmate SearchWrite down their OPUS number. Then use the send money guide to deposit funds through ConnectNetwork, the visitation guide to start the application process, the phone calls guide to set up ViaPath, and the mail guide to send a letter through TextBehind.
Inmate SearchYes. The NC Offender Public Information search is free to anyone with internet access. No account or login is needed.
Inmate SearchCompare the facility listed in each result against Lincoln Correctional Center. You can also cross-check the projected release date or offense details if you know them. Call (704) 735-0485 if you are unsure which record is the right one.
Inmate SearchThis can happen right after a new intake or transfer. Records typically update within 24 to 48 hours. If it has been longer, call the facility at (704) 735-0485 to confirm they are there and ask when the record will be updated.
Inmate SearchFund their account through ConnectNetwork online or by phone.
View ArticleStart the visitor application. Call (704) 735-0485 for help.
View ArticleSet up a ViaPath account so the resident can call you.
View ArticleThe TextBehind address and what to include on every piece of mail.
View ArticleSearch for your loved one and start sending photos, letters, and messages today.
Search for Your Loved OneFree Inmate Search
All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 7, 2026.