Introduction 

The Department of Justice and the United States 

Postal Inspection Service are committed to ensuring 

that victims of federal crime are treated fairly as their 

case moves through the criminal justice system. 

In order to provide victims with information on case 

events, the Department of Justice has developed the 

Victim Notification System (VNS). This brochure 

provides information about VNS. 

Victim Notification System (VNS) 

VNS is a cooperative effort between the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States 

Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States 

Attorneys’ Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons 

(BOP). 

This free, automated system provides important 

information to victims. In many cases, you will 

receive letters generated through VNS containing 

information about the events pertaining to your case 

and/or any defendants in the case. 

This information is available in English or Spanish on 

the Internet and through a toll-free telephone number 

(Call Center). In cases with many victims, you may 

receive only one letter and then be directed to the 

Internet or Call Center for further information. 

VNS Information 

Registration: 

You will receive a Victim Identification Number 

(VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) 

that will allow you to access VNS on the Internet and 

using your telephone. Those numbers are contained 

on all correspondence and you may also write them 

on the attached tear-off card to keep with you. 

If you have chosen to participate in VNS, but have 

not received these numbers, please contact either the 

FBI, the USPIS, or U.S. Attorney’s Office handling 

your case. 

☞	 Your VIN and PIN numbers are 

both required any time you 

contact the Call Center or when 

accessing VNS on the Internet. 

VNS Internet Access: 

•	 You may access information about the case via 

the Internet at: http://www.Notify.USDOJ.Gov. 

You will be required to enter your VIN and 

your PIN. 

•	 The Web site, in some instances, may provide 

additional information that is not available 

through the Call Center. 

(Refer to Common Questions, numbers 4, 5 & 6 

below, for more information regarding the Internet.) 

The VNS Call Center: 

You may call 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365­

4968) for current information. You will be 

required to enter your VIN and your PIN. 

By following the prompts, VNS will provide 

custody information and notice of future court 

events. 

The Call Center will include options to hear: 

Upcoming Events - information on future 

court hearings 

Historical Court Events - information on past 

court hearings 

Information on Each Defendant ­

information regarding criminal charges filed, 

the outcome of the charges, and the sentence 

imposed by the Court; if the defendant is in the 

custody of BOP, the custody location, 

projected date of release from custody and 

other release information. For more detailed 

information, contact the responsible agency 

representative. 

VNS Notification: 

You may also receive information about case events 

by letter, email, or fax. Please note that in some rare 

instances, VNS may contact you by phone which will 

require use of your PIN. See question #3. 

Not all relevant information regarding a case will be 

contained within VNS. Changes, especially with 

court events, can occur on very short notice. If you 

are planning on attending a scheduled event or you 

need additional information, you may always contact 

the respective agency staff for assistance. 

Common Questions 

Below are some common questions about VNS. If at 

any time you have a question about VNS that is not 

answered here, please feel free to contact your local 

FBI, USPIS, or U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

1.	 When can I call the VNS Call 

Center or access VNS on the 

Internet? 

(Eastern Time) 

Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. 

Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. 

Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. 

1-866-DOJ-4YOU - (1-866-365-4968) 

International Callers: 

1-502-213-2767 

http://www.Notify.USDOJ.Gov 

You must keep your contact information current (see 

Common Questions number 8). If an agency is 

unable to contact you due to outdated contact 

information, you will be removed from the 

notification program. 

2.	 What if I forget my PIN? 

Each VNS notification will restate your VIN & PIN. 

If you do not have this correspondence, please contact 

the agency (FBI/USPIS/U.S. Attorney’s Office) 

involved with your case. 

3.	 What if I am not at home or my 

phone is busy when VNS calls? 

While this is unusual, the Call Center will continue 

calling you every 30 minutes. If the call is answered, 

but is not confirmed with your PIN number, VNS will 

continue to call every two (2) hours. 

4.	 How do I access the VNS 

Internet site? 

A. 	Enter http://www.Notify.USDOJ.Gov in 

your Web browser. 

B. 	 If you are a new user, click “First Time 

Users Click Here”. 

(1) Enter your VIN. 

(2) Enter your PIN. 

(3) Complete the remaining information as 

requested on the Web site to include 

creating a new VNS Login ID. 

C.	 Your VNS Login ID must be used in 

conjunction with your VIN during any 

subsequent access of the VNS Web site. 
________________________________________ 

________________________________________ 

________________________________________ 

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5.	 What information is available on 

the VNS Internet Web site? 

The information available will include: 

A.	 Case Activities Detail - information about 

events in your case. 

B.	 Downloads/Links - supplemental 


information about your case.


C. 	 My Information - allows you to view 

and/or update your mailing address, phone 

number, and email address. 

D. 	 Stop Receiving Notifications - allows you 

to stop receiving further notifications. You 

can later re-enroll using your VIN and VNS 

Login ID. 

6.	 How often is information on the 

Internet updated? 

The VNS Web site is updated daily, Monday through 

Friday. 

7.	 Does the Victim Notification 

System ensure my safety? 

No. Do not depend on VNS to ensure your safety. If 

you feel that you are being threatened, immediately 

notify law enforcement. 

8.	 What should I do if my contact 

information changes? 

If your address, email or phone number changes, you 

should update your contact information using one of 

the following methods: (1) VNS on the Internet* 

(http://www.Notify.USDOJ.gov); (2) VNS Call 

Center* (1-866-365-4968) (* You will need your 

VNS VIN & PIN/Web Login ID); (3) the person 

indicated on your initial notification letter, or; (4) the 

Victim-Witness Staff at your local U.S. Attorney’s 

Office. 

9. 	Must I receive notification? 

If you do not wish to receive notification you may 

contact: (1) the VNS Call Center (1-866-365-4968, 

provide your VNS VIN & PIN, Select “Opt Out” 

option); (2) access the VNS Web site and select the 

“Stop Receiving Notifications” link; (3) the person 

indicated on your initial notification letter; or (4) the 

Victim-Witness Staff at your local U.S. Attorney’s 

Office. 

INFORMATION CARD 

Victim Identification Number (VIN)


Personal Identification Number (PIN)


VNS Internet Login Identification


Agency Contact Name and Phone Number


Overview - VNS Information 

Information ­

Activity 

Internet Call 

Center 

Investigative Status 

(Under Investigation or 

Prosecution Declined) 

✓ ✓ 

Filing of Criminal Charges, 

Outcome of the Charges and 

Sentencing data 

✓ ✓ 

Future & Past Court 

Hearings 

✓ ✓ 

BOP Custody Status & 

location, projected release 

date 

✓ ✓ 

Other available information ✓ 

Links to other Internet Web 

resources 

✓ 

Update address, email, 

telephone number 

✓ ✓ 

Opt out from access to VNS, 

including the Internet & Call 

Center 

✓ ✓ 

DOJ - USA-260 

USPIS - PSN7610-07-000-1290 

June 2007 

U.S. Department of Justice 

The Department of


Justice Victim


Notification 


System


A Service Provided by: 

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation, 

• The United States Attorneys’ Offices, 

• The Federal Bureau of Prisons, and 

• The Office for Victims of Crime 

In Cooperation with: 

• The United States Postal Inspection Service 

1-866-DOJ-4YOU - (1-866-365-4968) 

International Callers: 1-502-213-2767 

http://www.Notify.USDOJ.Gov