Finding an Inmate's Register Number (and why it matters for FCI Williamsburg)
At FCI Williamsburg, the register number is the fastest way to find the right person in BOP tools. You'll need it for sending money and getting visit paperwork sorted.
Start with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator. It's the go-to source for finding a federal inmate's current location and identifying details, covering anyone incarcerated in the federal system from 1982 to the present. If your loved one falls within that range, they should show up - even if you're just trying to confirm they're at FCI Williamsburg.
- ✓ Double-check the spelling of the committed name you’re searching (small differences can change results).
- ✓ Try common variations (for example, with or without a middle name/initial) if your first search comes up empty.
- ✓ Pay attention to custody status in the results so you’re not chasing a record that’s listed as released or not in BOP custody.
Already have a register number? Use it. BOP's Inmate Locator accepts register numbers in this format: #####-###. Entering it exactly like that helps the locator pull the right record and avoids mix-ups with similar names.
Note: Stick to the exact register-number format shown on the BOP page you’re using. The locator expects #####-###, while other BOP-related tasks may ask for the same number written differently.
The register number matters because some services use it to route money correctly. For MoneyGram, the "Account Number" field isn't just the register number as it appears in the locator. You need the eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name - like this: 12345678DOE. Get the format wrong, and the transaction can fail or end up in the wrong place.
The register number also matters for visits. You can only visit after the inmate adds you to their approved visiting list and the BOP clears you. When names are common or paperwork is under review, having the correct register number ensures everyone's talking about the same person.
Heads up: Different BOP tools and vendors ask for different register-number formats. The locator uses #####-###, while some payment steps need an 8-digit version. Always copy the format exactly as shown where you're entering it - mixing formats causes delays or misdirected transactions.
- Search the BOP Inmate Locator first - It covers federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present, so it’s the best starting point for someone connected to FCI Williamsburg.
- Re-check the name you’re entering - Match spelling to the person’s committed name as closely as you can.
- Try a couple of variations - If the first search doesn’t work, test common variants (such as including or excluding a middle name/initial).
- Confirm the custody status shown - If the locator shows the person as released or not in BOP custody, the locator may not show a current facility location.
Reminder: Don’t guess at the register number or the format. Before you submit a payment or any request tied to visits, make sure you’re using the exact register-number format required for that specific BOP page or vendor form.
Find an Inmate at FCI Williamsburg, SC
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