If Ector County Detention directs you to Certified Payments: how to enter a bureau code, check payment history, and who to call
Were you told by Ector County Detention (or paperwork from the facility) to use Certified Payments? Here's where to enter the bureau code, how to check your payment history, and who to call if something doesn't add up.
Follow these steps only if Ector County Detention - or official paperwork tied to your situation - specifically directed you to Certified Payments. Didn't get that instruction? Confirm the correct payment method with whoever sent the paperwork or with the facility itself before sending money anywhere.
On the Certified Payments site, look for the "bureau code" field. The site tells you to enter the code printed on your bill or the paperwork you received from the government agency. Grab that exact document - the bill, notice, or agency paperwork - and type the bureau code directly into the field.
Don’t guess the bureau code: If your paperwork shows a bureau code, enter that exact code character-for-character. A wrong or missing code can send your payment to the wrong place or prevent it from matching at all.
Can't find a bureau code on your paperwork? Certified Payments says to contact the government agency that issued the bill or provided the payment information - they're usually the only ones who can give you the correct code. For help navigating the site or general payment questions, call Certified Payments at 1-866-539-2020.
- ✓ Call the government agency that issued the bill/paperwork and ask for the bureau code.
- ✓ If you need help using Certified Payments, call 1-866-539-2020.
- ✓ Have your paperwork in front of you, plus any reference numbers, the amount you’re trying to pay, and the dates involved.
Need to confirm a payment went through or pull up a record? Certified Payments has a "View past payments" option labeled "SEARCH NOW." You can see transaction dates, amounts, and other details. This comes in handy if you're dealing with a "not received yet" situation - you'll have the exact transaction info to share with whoever manages the account on the receiving end.
- Go to Certified Payments - start from the main site.
- Find “View past payments” / “SEARCH NOW” - this is the payment history lookup.
- Enter the details the search asks for - use the same information tied to your payment.
- Write down the transaction details - note the date and amount shown in the record so you can reference it if you need to follow up.
Certified Payments supports multiple payment channels, including online and phone options. The exact methods available depend on what you're paying and the information you were given, so check your options once you're in the payment flow. Questions about processing? Call 1-866-539-2020.
Checklist Before Pay
- ✓ The bill/notice/paperwork you were given (so you can copy the bureau code exactly)
- ✓ Any reference numbers shown on the paperwork
- ✓ The name and identifying details you were instructed to use for the payment
- ✓ Your payment method details (for example, the card you plan to use)
- ✓ If you’re checking history: the dates and amounts you expect to see under “View past payments / SEARCH NOW”
- ✓ A notepad (or notes app) to record confirmation details and who you spoke with
If anything feels unclear, call the sender of the paperwork or Ector County Detention directly. Keep it simple: "I was directed to use Certified Payments. Can you confirm the bureau code I should use and where it's printed on the paperwork?" Already paid? Add: "I checked the 'View past payments / SEARCH NOW' tool and see a payment for [date] in the amount of [$]. Can you confirm whether it posted on your end, and what details you need from me to track it?"
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