Confirm they are at New Hanover and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at New Hanover Correctional Center, use the NC Offender Public Information search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is the official, free lookup tool run by the NC Department of Adult Correction. Once you confirm the person is at New Hanover, write down their OPUS number. You need it to send money, mail letters, and complete the visitor application.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view and enter the person’s first and last name. The tool searches all NC DAC custody statewide, including New Hanover Correctional Center in Wilmington.
New Hanover holds 402 male residents. It is a minimum custody reentry facility, so many residents spend weekdays off-site at work release jobs and community employer assignments. The OPI search will still show them at New Hanover as their listed facility.
The result shows the person’s name, current facility, OPUS number, custody level, and projected release information. The OPUS number is the unique identifier NC DAC assigns to each person in custody. Save it. You need it for every money deposit, every piece of mail, and the visitor application the resident mails you.
A few things can cause someone not to appear in the OPI search:
If the search still does not return a result, call New Hanover Correctional Center at (910) 251-2666.
With the OPUS number confirmed, you can take the next steps:
New Hanover CC has one of the largest work release programs in North Carolina. More than 140 residents leave the facility each day to work at employers around Wilmington, including ILM Wilmington Airport, the Battleship North Carolina, and NCDOT road squads. The OPI search will list their facility as New Hanover Correctional Center, but they may not be physically on-site during business hours. Before making a trip to the facility, use the OPI search to confirm the person is still at New Hanover, then call (910) 251-2666 to confirm they will be on grounds during your planned visit.
If a person transfers from New Hanover to another facility, the OPI record will update to show the new location. Check the OPI search again if you have not received a call or letter in an unexpected amount of time. Transfers can also affect money deposits and mail routing, so confirm the current facility before sending.
6 of 12 questions
The NC Offender Public Information (OPI) 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. No account is required.
Inmate SearchOPUS stands for Offender Population Unified System. It 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 the resident mails you.
Inmate SearchThey may have transferred to New Hanover recently and the record has not updated yet. Try again the next day. They may also have been released, moved to another facility, or their name may be spelled differently in the system. If the search still fails, call (910) 251-2666.
Inmate SearchNo. The OPI search shows the resident's listed facility, not their real-time location. New Hanover CC sends more than 140 residents out daily on work release. Their listed facility is still New Hanover even when they are off-site.
Inmate SearchYes. Search by first and last name. The OPUS number appears in the search result. Write it down because you need it for every deposit, piece of mail, and the visitor application.
Inmate SearchRun the OPI search to confirm they are still listed at New Hanover Correctional Center. Then call (910) 251-2666 to confirm they will be on facility grounds when you plan to visit, since many residents are off-site on work assignments during the day.
Inmate SearchThe result shows the person's name, current facility, OPUS number, custody level, and projected release information. It does not show detailed case information, court dates, or charges.
Inmate SearchThe NC DAC record may take a day or two to appear after a transfer from the county detention center. Try again the next day. If it still does not appear, call (910) 251-2666.
Inmate SearchUse the full name rather than a partial name to narrow results. If multiple records appear, check the listed facility to find the one at New Hanover Correctional Center.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search is free and does not require an account or login.
Inmate SearchWrite it down and use it to send money through ConnectNetwork, address mail through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application the resident mails you.
Inmate SearchIf a person no longer appears in the OPI search, they may have been released or transferred to a facility outside NC DAC. Call (910) 251-2666 to confirm their current status.
Inmate SearchUse the OPUS number to deposit funds through ConnectNetwork.
View ArticleGet on the approved list before making the trip. Call (910) 251-2666 for scheduling.
View ArticleSet up ViaPath so the person can call you when they are back from work.
View ArticleThe TextBehind mailing address and what to include on every envelope.
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 8, 2026.