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Pay bail and post bond

Bail is the dollar amount you can pay to secure someone’s release from jail. The bail amount is set by the court. After bail is paid the individual must return for court dates. Individuals who cannot afford to pay bail may decide to use a bail bond agency.


Learn how to pay bail and post bond to secure someone's release from jail.

Phone-scam-alert

Beware of scams targeting people in jail and family members

We have been alerted to a scam where people contact family members claiming they can have someone released from jail or placed on Electronic Home Detention in exchange for payment. Do not provide money, pre-paid cards, or personal information if you receive a call or message of this kind. You can reach King County jail customer service directly at 206-296-1234.

How to pay bail for adults

Bail can be paid between 7 am and 10 pm, seven days a week. Bail payments can be made at the reception window of both King County adult detention facilities:

Ways to pay bail

There are three ways to pay bail: 

  • Cash
  • Cashier's check (no personal checks)
  • Money order

Cashier's checks and money orders

These forms of payment require verification prior to processing, which may delay a person’s release from jail. If you are paying with a cashier’s check or money order, please follow the instructions below: 

  1. Make sure the cashier’s check or money order is made out to: “King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention”
  2. Make sure the cashier’s check or money order includes all of the following information:
    • Name of person in jail
    • Booking number (B/A), found using the Subject Lookup Tool
    • Sender’s name and address

Refunding bail

Both King County jails accept bail on behalf of the courts. The courts, not the jail, are responsible for refunding cash or check payments after a case is resolved. Please contact the court directly to update your address or to discuss other issues related to refunding bail.

Pay bail for youth

Youth held on juvenile detention charges are not eligible for bail. 

Youth who are charged as adults are eligible for bail. You can post bail for youth at: 

  • The court where the charge is held
  • Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent
  • King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle

It is faster to post bail at the court where the person is held.

MRJC and KCCF are the adult jails in King County. Find more information about and directions to the adult jails

Map to KCCF

Map to MRJC

Bail bond agencies

Bail bond agencies are privately run. They are separate from the King County jails. They offer many payment options including:

  • Cash
  • Wire transfer
  • Credit card
  • Personal check
  • Payment plan
  • Signature bail upon approval.

Licensed bail bond agencies may post bail or bond from anywhere in the United States. See a list of local and regional bond agencies below:

Authorized bail bond companies in King County

Bail bond company list - December 2025

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