Start With the Right Custody Report
Whatcom County separates current custody, bookings by date and releases by date. Using the wrong report is the most common reason a search appears incomplete.
This guide explains how to match the correct person, verify bail and court status, prepare for visitation and use the correct mail, commissary, phone and records process.
Which Official Search Should You Open?
Current Roster
Use this to check whether someone is currently held by Whatcom County.
Bookings by Date
Use this when you know or can estimate the date the person entered custody.
Releases by Date
Use this when the person no longer appears on the current roster.
Do not treat a booking as a conviction. Charges, bail amounts, housing locations and release reasons can change and do not establish guilt.
Guide Menu
Find the Correct Official Source
The public roster cannot answer every custody, court, visit, payment or records question. Select the task you need to complete.
Whatcom County Source Router
Roster, Booking and Release Records Are Not Interchangeable
| Database | Best use | Summary fields | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current roster | Checking present county custody. | Name, booking date, facility, floor, cell and Name ID. | That an old screenshot still proves custody. |
| Bookings by date | Finding an intake from a known date. | Name, booking date, release date, booking agency and Name ID. | That a past booking means current detention. |
| Releases by date | Checking whether and when county custody ended. | Name, booking date, release date, release reason and Name ID. | That the release reason is the final case outcome. |
The booking and release databases provide records from 1996 forward. Select a date and expand the individual entry for additional information.
Current Custody
Use the live roster when the question is whether the person is held now.
Historical Booking
Use a known or approximate intake date.
Historical Release
Use this after a person disappears from current custody.
Legal Outcome
Use the court file to verify filed charges, hearings, disposition and continuing conditions.
How to Search the Current Jail Roster
Open the Official County Roster
Avoid commercial mugshot pages, copied profiles and search-result snippets.
Find the Legal Name
Use browser Find or Find in Page. Try the legal last name before using a nickname.
Compare More Than the Name
Check the booking date, facility, floor, cell and Name ID.
Expand the Matching Record
Open the entry to review available custody, offense, court and bail information.
Verify Before Taking Action
Call or use the appropriate court when bail, release, safety, medication or transportation depends on current information.
After reviewing these steps, use the official live Whatcom County roster.
How to Read a Roster Entry
| Field | What it helps confirm | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Name and Name ID | The county identity associated with the jail record. | A complete statewide identity or criminal history. |
| Booking date | The intake date connected to that custody event. | Whether a later booking or release occurred. |
| Facility | Main Jail or Interim Work Center assignment. | That the housing location will remain unchanged. |
| Floor and cell | The public housing location shown at that time. | A permanent assignment. |
| Offense or charge | An allegation, warrant, hold or booking reason. | Conviction, dismissal, plea or sentence. |
| Bail | A bail amount may have been entered. | That no other hold blocks release. |
| Release reason | The operational reason recorded by the jail. | The final court outcome or all release conditions. |
Visitation connection: main-jail in-person visiting times depend on the floor and cell group shown on the roster. Recheck housing before leaving home.
What to Do When the Person Is Not Listed
Missing-Person Search Helper
Same-Day Custody Check
Call the Main Jail at 360-778-6500 when bail, medication, personal safety or transportation depends on the answer.
Search Release History
A person who is no longer on the current roster may appear in the official release database.
Bail, First Appearance and Release
First Appearance
The February 2026 handbook says first appearances normally occur within 72 hours after booking. Court scheduling, weekends, holidays and case type can affect the actual timing.
Where Bail Is Paid
| Timing | Payment route | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Court business hours | Pay through the court controlling the case. | Confirm the court, case number, amount and accepted method. |
| When courts are closed | Main Jail or Interim Work Center lobby kiosk. | Cash and credit-card transactions may carry a fee. |
| Online after-hours option | Approved Inmate Canteen bail service. | Verify every charge and hold before paying. |
| Bonding company | Approved company after calling the jail. | Review premium, collateral and co-signer obligations. |
Questions to Ask Before Paying
- Is the person still held by Whatcom County?
- Has the first appearance occurred?
- What is the bail on every case or charge?
- Is any matter held without bail?
- Is there a probation, tribal, county, state or federal hold?
- Which court or facility should receive payment?
- What fees apply?
- Would payment make the person release-eligible?
Blood-alcohol requirement: the handbook states that a person posting bail or bond is not released until the person’s blood-alcohol level is 0.00.
Bail Verification Script
“I am calling about [full legal name and Name ID if known]. Has the person completed the first appearance? Please confirm bail on every matter, all additional holds, the correct payment route and whether payment would create release eligibility.”
Property After Release or DOC Transfer
The handbook says a person transferred to Washington DOC completes a form designating who may collect stored property. Property that remains unclaimed may be disposed of 60 days after release.
Review the official February 2026 inmate handbook before posting bail or arranging property pickup.
Check the Legal Case Separately
Washington’s statewide search can point to a case, but the filing court’s record controls. The statewide system says search data updates approximately 24 hours after court staff enter information.
| Question | Better source | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Does a case exist? | Washington Courts case search | The search is not the complete official record. |
| When is a District Court hearing? | District Court hearing schedules | Schedules may change throughout the day. |
| When is a felony hearing? | Superior Court daily calendars | Calendars are subject to change without notice. |
| Was a charge dismissed or amended? | Filed documents and docket entries | Jail wording may differ from later court language. |
| Is a certified document required? | The clerk of the filing court | A search result or roster screen is not certified. |
Use the official Washington Courts case search to locate a case, then verify important information with the filing court.
District Court
The current District Court page says remote appearances are not available for the 1:30 p.m. in-custody calendar.
Whatcom County District Court311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: 360-778-5400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Check the official District Court schedules and remote-hearing information.
Superior Court
The daily-calendar page lists criminal first appearances in the jail courtroom and warns that calendars can change without notice.
Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: 360-778-5560
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Use the official Superior Court daily calendars.
Public Defender and Assigned Counsel
The jail handbook lists the Whatcom County Public Defender at 360-778-5640. Applications for appointed counsel are handled by Assigned Counsel and Court Services.
Assigned Counsel and Court Services311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: 360-778-5564
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed noon–1:00 p.m.
Applications are written and sworn; they are not taken by telephone. Review the official appointed-counsel application process.
Legal-advice limit: jail and court staff can provide procedural information but cannot advise what plea to enter, what argument to make or what outcome to expect.
Use the Housing Location to Choose the Visit Time
In-person visitation is available only at the Main Jail. Recheck the roster because housing changes can move the person to a different visiting group.
| Housing | Day | Check-in windows | Visit starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st floor, 3rd floor and 251 Trustees | Saturday or Sunday | 7:30–7:45, 8:30–8:45 or 9:30–9:45 a.m. | 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. |
| 2nd floor, Cells A–C and 251 Trustees | Saturday | 12:30–12:45, 1:30–1:45 or 2:30–2:45 p.m. | 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. |
| 2nd floor, Cells D–F and 251 Trustees | Sunday | 12:30–12:45, 1:30–1:45 or 2:30–2:45 p.m. | 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. |
Duration and Limits
- Each visit lasts 45 minutes.
- Visits begin only at the top of the hour.
- Each inmate receives one in-person visit per week.
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before the start time.
- Up to two adults and two children may visit at one time.
- Adults must supervise accompanying children.
Identification and Property
- Bring valid state, military, tribal or other government photo identification.
- Limited birth-certificate alternatives may apply when the required parent-child relationship is shown.
- Leave phones, food, drinks, bags and unnecessary property outside the secure area.
- Wear footwear and nontransparent, nonrevealing clothing.
- Do not arrive under the influence.
Court-order restriction: a restrained person cannot receive a visit from the person protected by that order.
Check the live official visitation page before leaving home.
Video Visits and the May 2026 Account Notice
Visitor-account notice: the official page still displays a May 7, 2026 update stating that some visitor accounts were mistakenly cancelled or suspended during security-threshold checks. The county says it is working with the vendor to restore affected accounts.
Before Creating a Second Account
- Check whether the original account is suspended rather than deleted.
- Read the current county notice for updated instructions.
- Contact GettingOut customer service at 866-516-0115.
- Save screenshots of account errors and payment confirmations.
- Do not repeatedly upload identification unless instructed.
Onsite Video Kiosks
Free onsite video kiosks are located in the visitation lobbies at both facilities. A GettingOut account requires a clear face photograph and an image of the front of valid identification.
Official-hour difference: the current visitation page gives a general onsite window of 8:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; its Interim Work Center section says 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; and the February 2026 handbook lists kiosk blocks ending at 10:00 p.m. Arriving before 9:30 p.m. and confirming the same day is the safest approach.
Remote Video Windows in the February 2026 Handbook
- 6:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- 2:00–5:00 p.m.
- 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Formal counts and facility operations can interrupt availability.
Interim Work Center Limitation
The Interim Work Center does not offer in-person visits. Work crews may be unavailable from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and kitchen workers may be unavailable during meal periods.
After reviewing the county instructions, use the officially designated GettingOut service.
Choose the Correct Money or Communication Account
| Need | Service | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| General inmate funds | Inmate Canteen or facility kiosk | Adds funds to the inmate trust or commissary account for allowed uses. |
| Care package | Summit through Inmate Canteen | Purchases approved food or supply packages. |
| Calls to your number | ICSolutions prepaid account | Funds telephone calls to a specific telephone number. |
| Messages and photographs | GettingOut | Provides vendor-managed electronic communication. |
| Bail | Court, kiosk or approved online route | Pays court-ordered bail rather than ordinary commissary spending. |
Inmate Canteen Details
- Facility code listed in the February 2026 handbook: 10748.
- Vendor support listed in the handbook: 706-298-4974.
- Kiosks are located in both facility lobbies.
- Transaction and service fees may apply.
- Confirm the correct inmate before submitting payment.
Use the officially designated Inmate Canteen service after verifying current custody.
Telephone Funding
An inmate may use available trust-account money for allowed purposes, including calls. A friend or family member may alternatively create an ICSolutions prepaid account tied to a specific telephone number.
Use the official ICSolutions service or call 888-506-8407.
Call Availability and Privacy
- Housing-unit telephones are generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Personal calls are collect, monitored and recorded.
- Public Defender calls are free.
- Attorney calls are not monitored or recorded.
- Out-of-area attorneys should contact the jail about the do-not-record list.
Do not discuss alleged facts, witnesses, passwords, banking details or defense strategy on ordinary calls, messages or video visits.
Balance at Release
The handbook says the remaining trust-account balance is returned by debit card or check at release. Legal entities, courts and government institutions may garnish the account when authorized.
How to Address Inmate Mail Correctly
[Full Name as Listed in Jail Records]Whatcom County Jail – Suite B2
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Address detail: the February 2026 handbook includes “Suite B2.” The county’s separate one-page envelope illustration omits the suite. The newer handbook format is used above; verify with the jail before sending irreplaceable or time-sensitive material.
Personal Mail Rules
- Use a white envelope.
- Include a complete handwritten or printed return address.
- Use the inmate’s full name exactly as listed in jail records.
- Do not use return-address stickers.
- Do not send greeting cards, glitter, glue, perfume, lipstick or unknown substances.
- Do not send food, tobacco, coupons, gambling items or commissary supplies.
- Do not send Polaroid photographs with backings.
- Do not send explicit, inflammatory or gang-related material.
Delivery and Cell Limits
Incoming mail is generally distributed within 24 hours after receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. There is no stated limit on mail received, but an inmate may keep only 20 pieces in the cell; excess mail is moved to stored property.
Money Orders and Checks
The official mail guide accepts U.S. Postal Service money orders in U.S. funds. The handbook also discusses authorized postal money orders. Personal checks, cashier’s checks, foreign currency and unauthorized money orders may be rejected or stored rather than deposited.
Debt deduction: accepted money may be deposited to the inmate trust account after authorized amounts owed are deducted.
Books and Magazines
- Books and magazines must be new.
- They must be prepaid.
- Magazines must come directly from the publisher.
- Books must come from a publisher or approved direct bookseller.
- Cash-on-delivery shipments are returned.
- Used or unaccepted items may be placed in stored property.
Legal Mail
Qualifying incoming legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband in the inmate’s presence. Outgoing legal correspondence to a verified attorney or court must be clearly marked “LEGAL MAIL” on the front and back.
Review the official inmate-mail guide before mailing.
Alternative Corrections Require Approval and Screening
Whatcom County lists four primary alternatives:
Electronic Home Detention
Qualified participants serve an approved period under electronic monitoring.
Work Release
Approved participants leave for authorized work and return to the Work Center.
In-Custody Work Crew
Eligible incarcerated participants complete supervised work assignments.
Out-of-Custody Work Crew
Eligible participants report for supervised work without remaining housed overnight.
Handbook Eligibility Basics
- Every court involved must approve participation.
- Court authorization does not guarantee acceptance.
- The person must be fully sentenced on every charge.
- Active warrants or holds prevent participation.
- Classification and program screening still apply.
2030 Division Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
Telephone: 360-778-6450
Public hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Review the official Alternative Corrections page before reporting.
Medical, Mental-Health and Dental Services
Emergency Care
The handbook directs inmates to use the cell or housing-unit call button for an accident, sudden illness, injury or other medical emergency.
Routine Care
Nonemergency medical, mental-health and dental requests are submitted on a paper health request known as a pink kite. Nursing staff review the request or route it to the appropriate provider.
Medication Distribution
The handbook lists medication distribution three times daily—morning, midday and evening. The inmate must report when medication pass is announced and verify the medication and dosage before taking it.
Cost of Services
The February 2026 handbook says inmates are not charged directly for medical, mental-health or dental services. An insurance provider may be billed when coverage exists.
Opioid-Use Disorder Treatment
Jail Medical provides medication for opioid-use disorder and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. An inmate seeking treatment should submit a medical kite.
Urgent Welfare Call Script
“I have an urgent concern involving [full legal name and Name ID if known]. The concern is [brief factual description], it began around [time], and the immediate risk is [specific risk]. Which corrections or medical staff member should receive this information now?”
Call the Main Jail at 360-778-6500 for urgent facility routing. Do not send detailed private medical information through an ordinary inmate message.
Grievances, Appeals and PREA Reports
Internal Grievance Steps
| Concern | First level | Second level |
|---|---|---|
| Housing, discipline or deputy conduct | Floor deputy | Duty Sergeant |
| Medical, dental or mental health | Medical staff | Medical Charge Nurse |
| Food, diet, commissary or indigent supplies | Food Service staff | Food Service Manager |
Deadlines
- The issue should initially be raised within five days.
- Lower-level resolution must be attempted before the formal grievance.
- After the second-level response, the inmate has up to five days to submit the grievance.
- The grievance is sent to the Administrative Lieutenant.
- Medical grievances are answered within 10 business days.
- An appeal to the Chief Corrections Deputy must be submitted within five days after the decision.
PREA and Sexual-Safety Reports
The Sheriff’s Office states that inmates, family members or anyone else may report sexual harassment, misconduct, assault or rape verbally or in writing.
Jail PREA reportingTelephone: 360-778-6543
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Telephone: 360-715-6543
Immediate danger: contact the jail or emergency services directly. Do not wait for a public-record response or social-media reply.
ADA Communication Help
The handbook says auxiliary aids and services are available without charge for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The WCSO ADA Coordinator is listed at 360-778-6600.
How to Request Jail or Medical Records
Public Booking Information
The county identifies these items as available through its public booking information:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Description of charges
- Offense date
- Bail or bond information
- Arresting agency
Other Inmate Records
Most other inmate records are confidential and may generally be released directly to the inmate, with written permission from the inmate or under a court order signed by a judge.
Medical Records
| Request | Requirement | Listed charge |
|---|---|---|
| Continuation of care | Signed provider or facility release form | No charge |
| Personal medical copy | Signed personal-record release form | $0.15 per page |
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: 360-738-2466
Use the official jail-records page for current forms, email addresses and submission options.
Privacy limit: do not send identification, medical information or legal documents to a commercial inmate-search website.
When the County Roster Is Not the Final Answer
Washington VINE
Use VINE for supported custody-status information and automated notifications.
Washington DOC
Use state search after sentencing or transfer into Washington correctional custody.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Use the federal locator when the person may be serving a federal sentence.
Another Jurisdiction
Confirm the arresting agency, warrant court and transport destination before searching another county or tribal facility.
Notification limitation: automated alerts are informational and should not be the only part of a personal-safety plan.
Whatcom County Jail Contact Information
| Need | Contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Main Jail | 360-778-6500 | Custody, release, mail, bail and urgent facility routing. |
| Interim Work Center | 360-778-6450 | Work Center custody and alternative-corrections programs. |
| District Court | 360-778-5400 | Misdemeanor cases, hearings and District Court records. |
| Superior Court Clerk | 360-778-5560 | Felony filings, calendars and certified records. |
| Assigned Counsel applications | 360-778-5564 | Written applications for appointed counsel. |
| Public Defender | 360-778-5640 | Existing representation and jail handbook contact. |
| GettingOut support | 866-516-0115 | Video visits, account suspension and identification uploads. |
| ICSolutions support | 888-506-8407 | Prepaid telephone accounts and collect-call problems. |
| Jail PREA line | 360-778-6543 | Sexual harassment, misconduct, assault or abuse reports. |
| ADA Coordinator | 360-778-6600 | Communication access and disability-related assistance. |
311 Grand Avenue, B2
Bellingham, WA 98225
Public hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Use the entrance button after hours. Whatcom County Interim Work Center
2030 Division Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
Public hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Whatcom County Jail Roster FAQs
How do I search the official Whatcom County jail roster?
Open the official current roster, locate the legal name and expand the inmate entry. Compare the booking date, facility, floor, cell and Name ID before treating the result as a match.
What is the difference between the roster, bookings and releases?
The roster lists people currently held by Whatcom County. The bookings database searches intake records by date, while the releases database searches releases by date. Booking and release data is available online from 1996 forward.
Why is a recently arrested person missing from the roster?
Booking may still be processing, the legal-name spelling may differ, the person may already have been released or transferred, or another county, tribal, state or federal agency may have custody.
How can bail be posted for a Whatcom County inmate?
During court business hours, bail is paid through the court. When courts are closed, cash or credit-card bail may be posted at Inmate Canteen kiosks in the Main Jail or Interim Work Center lobbies or through the approved online service. Transaction fees apply.
What are the main-jail in-person visiting rules?
In-person visits are available only at the Main Jail. Visits last 45 minutes, begin at the top of the hour and are limited to one per inmate each week. The correct day and check-in window depend on the inmate’s housing location.
Can I visit a Whatcom County inmate by video?
Yes. Free onsite video kiosks are available at both correctional facilities, and remote visits use GettingOut. An account requires a clear face photograph and an image of the front of valid identification.
Where do I send Whatcom County inmate mail?
Address mail to the inmate’s full name as listed in jail records, Whatcom County Jail – Suite B2, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225. Use a white envelope and review current mail restrictions before sending it.
How do I add commissary or telephone money?
Use Inmate Canteen or a facility kiosk for an inmate trust or commissary account. Use ICSolutions for a prepaid telephone account tied to a specific telephone number. Confirm the correct account before paying.
How do I request Whatcom County jail or medical records?
Submit a jail-records request through the official county process. Most nonpublic inmate records require direct release to the inmate, written inmate permission or a signed court order. Medical records require a signed release-of-information form or court order.
Where do I check the Whatcom County criminal court case?
Use Washington Courts case search and the appropriate Whatcom County District or Superior Court calendar. The statewide search is not the complete official record, so contact the filing court when a hearing, outcome or certified document must be confirmed.
Final Verification Checklist
- The current roster—not only a past booking—was checked.
- The legal name matches the booking date, facility and Name ID.
- The individual entry was expanded.
- A charge, bail amount or photograph was not treated as proof of guilt.
- Every bail amount and outside hold was confirmed.
- The correct court or after-hours payment route was identified.
- Release eligibility was confirmed before arranging pickup.
- The housing location was rechecked before an in-person visit.
- The May 2026 visitor-account notice was reviewed.
- Trust funds, prepaid calls, messages and bail were not confused.
- Mail used the current address and a white envelope.
- The criminal case was checked through the court system.
Independent guide: Jail-Roster.org does not operate the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Main Jail, Interim Work Center, Washington courts, Inmate Canteen, Summit, GettingOut, ICSolutions, Washington VINE, Washington DOC or the Bureau of Prisons. Current official records and instructions control whenever information differs.