California State Prison, Los Angeles County – commonly called LAC or Lancaster – is a state-run men’s prison operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
It is located about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and houses inmates of multiple custody levels. LAC also serves as a reception center for some men sentenced in Los Angeles and surrounding counties.
The address for LAC is:
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
44750 60th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 729-2000
Driving directions: Google Maps
LAC includes several yards with different security levels, from minimum- to maximum-security housing. It is not a county jail and does not house people awaiting bail hearings.
Most men held here have been convicted in state court and are serving their sentences.
How bail works for LAC
Bail cannot be posted at LAC. If a defendant is eligible for bail, it must be arranged and posted before sentencing and transfer to state prison. Once a person has been transported from the county jail to LAC, bail is no longer an option.
If you are trying to secure a release on bail, you must do so at the county level. This usually happens at the Los Angeles Inmate Reception Center (IRC) or in the courthouse handling the case — before the defendant is moved to state custody.
How to look up an inmate’s information
Family and friends can locate an inmate using the CDCR online inmate locator by entering the inmate’s full name or CDCR number. You can also call LAC’s main line at (661) 729-2000 to confirm housing and mailing details.
If you do not have the CDCR number, you can contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713 with the inmate’s full name and date of birth to get help locating them.
How to contact someone being held at LAC
Inmates at LAC can make outgoing calls but cannot receive incoming calls. All calls are either collect or made using prepaid phone accounts funded by friends and family. Calls are monitored and limited in duration.
You can send letters to inmates at the following address:
Inmate’s Full Name, CDCR #
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
44750 60th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
Always include the inmate’s CDCR number on the envelope and on any money orders or correspondence. All mail is screened before it is delivered.
Many inmates at LAC have access to CDCR’s electronic messaging system through an approved vendor. Friends and family must create an account with the vendor and be on the inmate’s approved contact list. Messages are monitored and may carry a small fee.
Funds for commissary and phone use can be provided by making electronic deposits through CDCR-approved vendors such as JPay, Access Corrections, or GTL/Viapath ConnectNetwork. You can also mail a money order payable to CDCR with the inmate’s full name and CDCR number clearly written.
Visiting inmates at LAC
All visitors must be approved by CDCR before their first visit. Once approved, you can schedule visits through the CDCR Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA). Visiting days are generally offered on weekends and certain holidays. Weekend slots often fill quickly, so book early.
Visitors must bring valid photo identification and comply with CDCR’s dress code and security rules. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult and may need a certified birth certificate and notarized consent if they are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How to get help for someone who has been arrested
By the time someone reaches LAC, they are typically serving a state sentence. However, there may still be opportunities for post-conviction motions, appeals, sentence reductions, or program-based credits that can shorten the time in custody. An experienced defense attorney can explain these options and advocate for the inmate’s rights.
Robert M. Helfend is a SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 rated trial attorney who has practiced in the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years. Call today – 800-834-6434.
Published September 26, 2025.