Sending Money to Someone at Washington State Penitentiary: How to Use Western Union and Other Options

Washington DOC accepts a few main deposit methods: electronic transfers (including Western Union) and mailed cashier's checks or money orders. Electronic options are fastest - funds typically post quicker than mailed payments. Not sure which method works best for you? Check the Washington DOC family support resources for current instructions and help troubleshooting any issues.

• ✓ Electronic deposit (including Western Union) - typically the quickest way to get funds posted, but you’ll pay a service fee.
• ✓ Cashier’s check or money order by mail - often cheaper than electronic fees, but processing can be slower.
• ✓ Other DOC-approved electronic options - useful if you need a non–Western Union route; confirm the current setup through Washington DOC family support resources.

When you send money through Western Union for someone in Washington DOC custody, select “Washington Dept Corrections” as the receiver. Western Union uses the City Code: WA DOC and State: WA for these deposits, so having those details in front of you helps you avoid misdirected transfers.

Here's where most people run into trouble: the Account Number field. Washington DOC requires you to enter the incarcerated person's DOC number immediately followed by their last name - no spaces - with the last name spelled exactly as it appears in the DOC database. So if the DOC number is 123456 and the last name in the system is Doe, you'd enter 123456Doe. Spelling matters. If they were booked as "Hanson," use "Hanson" - even if you've always known them as "Hansen."

Western Union fees vary by amount. Washington DOC lists these brackets: $0.01–$30.00 costs $5.95; $30.01–$75.00 costs $6.95; $75.01–$200.00 costs $8.95; and $200.01–$5,000.00 costs $9.95. Sending smaller amounts frequently? Those fees add up. Run the numbers on what you'll actually spend over a month.

Want to skip the transfer fees? Washington DOC accepts cashier's checks and money orders. This is usually the cheapest option, especially if you're sending money regularly. Keep it simple: don't send cash, personal checks, or stamps in the envelope.

1. Look up the DOC number - use the Washington DOC offender search so you’re working from the same record the system uses.
2. Copy the last name exactly - match the spelling shown in the DOC database, even if it’s different from what you expect.
3. Build the Western Union Account Number - type the DOC number immediately followed by the last name (example format: 123456Doe), with no spaces.

Transfer didn't go through? Posted late? Confused about the fee? Contact Western Union customer care first - they handle transfer issues. For general questions about Washington DOC policies or family support, reach the Family Services Team at docFamilyServicesUnit@doc.wa.gov.