Inmate Reception Center (IRC)

What Happens After Bail Is Posted at the Inmate Reception Center (IRC)?

By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.

After bail is posted, the jail checks the paperwork and for any holds, then processes the release. LASD lists an IRC release line at (213) 893-5347. We cannot promise a time, because the jail controls it. Ask staff where to pick the person up, and have the full name and booking number ready.

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From bail posted to the door

Bail is postedCash or a bond from a licensed bail agent is given to the jail.
The jail reviews itStaff check the paperwork and the booking record.
Holds are checkedOther agencies may have a claim, which can stop a release.
Processing outProperty and any account money are handled by the jail.
ReleaseThe person is released. Ask the release line where to meet them.

What are the steps once bail is posted at the IRC?

Every release follows a similar path, though each step is run by the jail. Here is the usual order.

Someone posts bail, either cash or a bond from a licensed agent.
The jail checks the bond or payment and the booking record.
Staff look for holds from other agencies.
The person is processed out, and property and any money are dealt with.
The person is released and families are told where to meet.

We do not give times for any of this. Some releases are quick and some are slow, and LASD does not publish a standard. The IRC is a high volume intake and release point, so patience helps.

Who do I call about a release at the IRC?

LASD lists these IRC numbers.

Release, (213) 893-5347
Cashier's office, (213) 473-6049 (hours were not stated on the page)
Inmate property, (213) 893-5352
Booking, (213) 893-5327

Use the release line when a release is already in process. For general questions, LASD inmate information is (213) 473-6100. If the person will come out of a city jail instead, LASD says to ask the Watch Commander there for the time and place to pick the person up.

Why is the IRC release taking so long?

A slow release is the most common worry we hear, and it usually has a plain reason. The jail runs many steps in a row. It also checks for holds. A hold means another court or agency has a claim on the person. If there is a hold, a bond on this case may not free the person. We cannot see holds ahead of time, so we ask the jail for you.

The pre-arraignment rules matter too. LA County courts have magistrates available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, per the court's bail schedule. If the person was arrested for something that needs a magistrate, the process can take longer. Read our guide on pre-arraignment release in Los Angeles.

Where does the person walk out at the IRC?

We could not find an official LASD page that says which door people use or where families should wait, so we will not guess. Ask the release line or the jail staff when you call. If the person is in a different jail than the IRC, the release can happen at that facility or run through the IRC. Ask the jail where to go before you drive.

Plan a ride home ahead of time, since you will not know the exact moment of release.

What should I bring to the IRC release?

Bring a government photo ID in case you also pick up account money. LASD says that money can be picked up at the IRC or Century Regional Detention Facility with valid ID. Bring a phone and a charger, the booking number, and any court papers you were given. Bring water, because waits can be long.

Read what to do about property and account money at the IRC. If your loved one has a court date, write the date, time and department down before leaving.

Start with 1% of the bail amount down on approved credit. The premium is set by our filed rate, and the rest goes on a payment plan. See how 1% down works or apply online. We are a licensed private bail agent, not part of LASD, and approval is required.

1% down is a down payment on approved credit, not the price of the bond. The premium is the rate on file with the California Department of Insurance, 10% of the bail amount, or 8% when a private attorney is retained or you or the defendant is a veteran. The balance goes on a payment plan.

Questions people ask

How long does release take at the IRC?

We cannot say. The jail controls the timing, and holds or processing can add time.

Can I call to check on a release?

Yes. LASD lists the IRC release line at (213) 893-5347.

What is a hold?

A hold means another court or agency has a claim on the person. A bond on one case may not release someone who has a hold.

Is bail the same as a fine?

No. Bail is posted to get someone out until court. Read our guide on whether bail money is returned in California.

More about Inmate Reception Center (IRC)

Sources

Jane Un Bail Bonds is a private bail agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance, License #1843448. We are not part of LAPD, LASD or the courts. Rules change, so check the official source before you go.