Sending Money to an Inmate at Wake County: Methods, Timing, and What to Verify

Wake County directs families to Access Corrections for online deposits. If you want the simplest route - no mailing anything, no trying to reach a window during business hours - that's where to start. The county states all inmate deposits can be made online through Access Corrections.

You can also send funds through the mail for deposit into an inmate’s trust fund. Wake County says they accept money orders, certified checks, and payroll checks (and similar official instruments) sent by mail for this purpose.

• ✓ Make the money order or check payable in the inmate’s full name.
• ✓ Don’t send a personal check - Wake County says personal checks won’t be accepted.

If you mail a money order, certified check, or payroll check, plan for a delay. Wake County states these deposits are held in escrow for 14 days before the inmate can access the funds, which gives time for the payment to clear.

Here's where things get confusing. The Wake County deposits page includes a notice: "NO IN-PERSON DEPOSITS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME." If you were planning to drive over and pay at a window, take that warning seriously. Don't assume you'll be able to complete a deposit in person.

Confusingly, the same page lists two places where "transactions can be made in person" - complete with hours. The John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center at 330 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Wake County Detention Center at 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh accepts transactions at the 1st Floor Visitation Glass Window: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Since this directly contradicts the "no in-person deposits" notice, verify current practice before making the trip.

1. Check the Wake County deposits page for the latest wording - it includes both a “NO IN-PERSON DEPOSITS” notice and a list of in-person transaction windows, so look for any updates.
2. Call ahead before you drive - confirm whether in-person deposits are being accepted right now and, if they are, which location and hours you should use (John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center vs. the Detention Center visitation glass window).
3. Use online or mail if you can’t confirm in-person service - Access Corrections is the county’s stated online option, and mail deposits are allowed (with the 14-day escrow timing for money orders/checks).

Practical Tips

• ✓ Try Access Corrections first for an online deposit.
• ✓ If you’re mailing funds, use a money order, certified check, or payroll check (not a personal check).
• ✓ Make the money order or check payable in the inmate’s full name.

Still want to try an in-person deposit? Call first. Wake County's page warns that no in-person deposits are being accepted while also listing in-person transaction locations (John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center and the Detention Center's 1st Floor Visitation Glass Window). A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.

Pick your method based on urgency. Mailed money orders, certified checks, and payroll checks sit in escrow for 14 days - fine for planned deposits, not great for emergencies. Cash deposits are available immediately, according to Wake County. Just remember: the in-person guidance is contradictory right now, so confirm what's actually allowed before counting on that option.