FDC SeaTac Federal Prison: Visiting Hours, Address and Sending Money

SeaTac at a glance

SeaTac is a Federal Detention Center (FDC): a federal jail that holds people waiting for trial or sentencing, people waiting to be moved to the prison they were assigned to, and people serving a sentence. It holds both men and women. It sits just south of the Seattle-Tacoma airport, about two blocks west of Pacific Highway.

How many people: 634 in the FDC (BOP, October 29, 2026).
Medical care level 2: Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
Mental health care level 2: Routine outpatient mental health care, or short crisis care such as suicide watch. The BOP does not post care levels on its website. This list is dated February 13, 2024 and came out through a public records request. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
Who is there: Men and women. On the first day of the 2024 audit, ages ran from 18 to 79. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FDC SeaTac (onsite April 9 to 11, 2024) ↗
Three kinds of inmates: "Pretrial" (waiting for trial or sentencing), "holdover" (waiting to be moved to the prison they were assigned to) and "designated" (serving their sentence here). The handbook says the prison is built for about 900 to 1000 people. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Built for: 924 people. The audit counted 799 on its first day and says the prison was not over capacity in the 12 months before the audit. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FDC SeaTac (onsite April 9 to 11, 2024) ↗
Counts: Weekdays: five official counts at 12:01 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Weekends and federal holidays add a 10:00 a.m. count. The 4:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and weekend 10:00 a.m. counts are standing counts. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Staff shortages: The Justice Department's Inspector General inspected SeaTac in December 2024 and found a health care "crisis": 10 of 20 Health Services positions were empty, and the prison had staffing and contraband problems (see the Safety tab). Click here to read the source: DOJ Inspector General, Inspection of the Federal Detention Center SeaTac, report 25-081 (September 2025) ↗

The BOP's own page for FDC SeaTac.

How far is it from you?

Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →

Plan your drive around this: Processing of visitors starts 30 minutes before visiting hours and is suspended 45 minutes before each official count. The visiting rules say processing ends one and a half hours before visiting ends. The handbook says one hour. Each visit is 2 hours, one visit a day, and the 2 hours start when they reach the visiting room.

Our miles and time are an estimate from your ZIP code's center. Google Maps gives the exact route. Your ZIP code never leaves your phone unless you tap a Google Maps button.

Visiting hours and days

Who	Days	Hours
Social visits (all inmates)	Saturday and Sunday	7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Social visits (all inmates)	Monday and Friday	2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Federal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day	Special visiting for all inmates	7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Special Housing Unit (SHU)	Non-contact, by live video. At most 6 visitors, 1 hour.	Same social visiting hours
Lawyer visits	Monday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.	See days

Processing of visitors starts 30 minutes before visiting hours and is suspended 45 minutes before each official count. The visiting rules say processing ends one and a half hours before visiting ends. The handbook says one hour. Each visit is 2 hours, one visit a day, and the 2 hours start when they reach the visiting room.

The visiting rules say there is <strong>no social visiting on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday</strong>. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗

The BOP's own papers disagree. SeaTac's two papers disagree. The visiting rules (February 21, 2024) allow social visits on Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday. The handbook (May 11, 2023) lists social visits on Saturday and Sunday only and says "no social visiting" Monday to Friday. The handbook also says visitor processing ends one hour before visiting ends (rules: one and a half hours). The newer rules are more likely to be right, but call the prison at 206-870-5700 before you drive.

The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring

Which days they can have visitors: Pretrial, holdover and ICE inmates visit on odd or even calendar days, set by the fifth number of their register number. Odd means odd days, even means even days. The rules' example: register number 01234-086 visits on even days such as May 2; 12461-086 visits on odd days such as May 15. Designated inmates (serving their sentence here) may visit on any social visiting day. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
How many people: No more than 6 visitors at one time, adults and children together. One visit per day, 2 hours. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
Who can be on the list: Pretrial and holdover inmates: immediate family only (mother, father, stepparents, foster parents, brothers, sisters, spouse, children and registered domestic partners). Designated inmates: immediate family plus up to 10 other relatives or friends, who must have known them before prison unless an exception is approved. A visitor can be on only one inmate's list, unless they are the same family. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
ID: Everyone 16 or older needs valid state or government photo ID showing their full name and signature. An expired license is not valid. Every child, of any age, must be on the approved list and must come with an approved adult. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
Screening: Everyone must clear the walk-through metal detector. Avoid metal on clothing, including underwear. A visitor who refuses a search is turned away. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
What you can carry: Only your ID and your wallet, purse and money. Everything else is locked in your car or in a locker in the front lobby. Only medicine needed to save your life (an asthma inhaler or heart pills, for example) may go in, and only the amount needed for the visit. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
For a baby: One pacifier, one diaper, five wipes in a clear zip bag (up to one gallon), one clear bottle or sippy cup with contents, and one infant blanket. No toys of any kind. Breast feeding is allowed in a screened area. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
What not to wear: No halter, tank or tube tops; open-toe or open-heel shoes; sandals; white, brown or orange t-shirts; sleeveless shirts; spandex; plunging or low-cut tops; shorts; jogging or sweat suits; skirts or dresses shorter than 2 inches above the knee; see-through clothing; clothing with offensive words or logos; hats or hoods; khaki; coats, jackets, gloves or scarves; baggy or sagging clothes; torn jeans. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
Touching: A handshake, a hug and one closed-mouth kiss at the start and end of the visit. No hand holding. They may hold children aged 3 and under. Visitors sit across from them. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
What they wear: Prison-issued clothing only. One plain wedding band, prescription glasses and one religious neck chain are allowed. They are pat searched going in and strip searched coming out. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
When it gets crowded: The visiting room holds 125 people (visitors and inmates). When it is full, visits are ended starting with the visitors who have been there longest that day. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
Counts: During an official count, visitors cannot enter or leave the visiting room. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗
Children: A children's room is for children under 16. Parents must watch their children at all times. Children may never be left alone in the building or on the grounds. Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗

How to get on the visiting list

Your loved one asks their unit counselor for the Visiting Information form (BP-A629.52). It is also online at bop.gov.
They mail it to you. You fill it in and sign it. Send it back by mail to their counselor with a copy of your photo ID and proof of how you are related. The handbook says forms sent by email are not processed.
The counselor runs a background check. A visitor with a criminal record is reviewed by the Unit Manager and the Associate Warden, which can take several days.
The counselor tells them within about 7 days. They must tell you. SeaTac does not send you a notice. Do not drive until you know you are approved.
A person who is turned down gets a written "Notice of Denial for Proposed Visitor Applicant." The counselor cannot say why when the reason is a background check.
They can ask to change the list once a month.

Fill out the visiting form for SeaTac →

Click here to read the source: SET 5267.09c, Visiting Regulations (February 21, 2024) ↗

Driving directions (from the BOP)

By car: FDC SeaTac is at 2425 South 200th Street, SeaTac, Washington 98198, on the corner of 200th Street and 26th Avenue South. It is about 1 block west of Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 99) and 2 miles south of SeaTac International Airport. The exit from Highway 5 is 200th Street, Exit 151.
Taxi: Orange Cab 206-522-8800. Yellow Cab 253-872-5600. Shuttle Express 425-981-7000. (From the 2024 visiting rules.)

Street address for your GPS: 2425 South 200th Street, Seattle, Wa 98198. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.

FDC SeaTac

Rules dated February 21, 2024 (2 years old)

Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)

2 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.

Skirts and dresses	Skirts/dresses no more than 2 inches above the knee.
Shorts	No shorts.
Colors to avoid	No khaki-colored clothing. No orange t-shirts. No white or brown t-shirts.
Leggings, spandex	No spandex garments. No form-fitting clothing.
Bras and metal	Avoid excessive metal on clothing, including underwear.
Camouflage, military	Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home.
Shoes	No open-toe or open-heel shoes. No sandals.
Children	Rules apply to all visitors regardless of age.

All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

Skirts/dresses no more than 2 inches above the knee.Skirts or dresses shorter than 2 inches above the knee
No shorts.low cut tops, shorts, jogging or sweat suits,
No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.white, brown or orange t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, spandex garments
No plunging necklines or low-cut tops.Shirts/blouses with plunging necklines
No halter or tube tops.Halter, tank, or tube tops
No transparent or see-through clothing.Suggestive/revealing or transparent-see through clothing
No form-fitting clothing.sleeveless shirts, spandex garments or form fitting
No spandex garments.sleeveless shirts, spandex garments or form fitting
No torn jeans or jeans with tattered holes.jeans torn or w/tattered holes.
No jogging or sweat suits.Jogging or sweat suits

Colors and uniforms

No khaki-colored clothing.Khaki colored clothing
No orange t-shirts.White, brown, or orange t-shirts
No white or brown t-shirts.White, brown, or orange t-shirts

Bras, underwear and metal

Avoid excessive metal on clothing, including underwear.refrain from wearing excessive metal items on their clothing

Shoes

No open-toe or open-heel shoes.Open toe or open heel shoes
No sandals.open toe or heel shoes; sandals;

Hats, hoods and coats

No hats or caps.Hats, caps or shirts with hoods
No hoods or shirts with hoods.Hats, caps or shirts with hoods
No coats, jackets, gloves, scarves or other outdoor apparel.Coats, jackets, gloves or scarves (any type of outdoor apparel)

Children

Rules apply to all visitors regardless of age.All visitors, regardless _of age, will have to abide by these rules.

Everything else

No offensive wording, signs or logos.Clothing w/offensive wording or signs/logos
No baggy or sagging clothing.Bagging or sagging clothing
No suggestive, provocative or revealing clothing.Any clothing that is suggestive, provocative or reveling is not suitable for the visiting room

If they say no

Questionable clothing referred to IDO or Operations Lieutenant.Clothing that is questionable will be brought to the attention of the

Inmate mailing address

Use their committed name exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it. The name and number below are examples (JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES, 12345-678).

JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Reg. No. 12345-678
FDC SeaTac
P.O. Box 13900
Seattle, Wa 98198

Put their name, register number and unit on the envelope. The handbook says incoming mail must show their unit, and outgoing mail without all of it is not mailed. The address is P.O. Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (2425 South 200th Street, Seattle, Wa 98198).

Opened and copied: Letters are opened and checked for money and contraband, and photocopied before they go to the unit. Everything must be on plain white paper and white envelopes. Staff may keep the original and give them a copy. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
What is not allowed: Musical cards or cards with glitter, glue, crayon, markers, fold-outs or raised inserts; homemade cards; card stock or construction paper; stains or oily marks; perfume or cologne; stickers; Polaroid photos; nude photos. No more than 10 photos a day. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Books and magazines: Hardcover books, newspapers, paperbacks and magazines only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. They may keep no more than 5 publications at one time. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Packages: No packages without written approval first, on form BP-331, which is good for 60 days. SeaTac ordinarily approves only release clothing or legal materials. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Money: Never put money, checks or money orders in a letter. SeaTac sends them back. Money goes to the BOP lockbox (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Their letters to you: Outgoing letters are not sealed by them and staff may read them. Legal mail is sealed in front of the unit officer between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Stamps: They may keep no more than 1 book of stamps, or the equivalent of 20 stamps. You may not mail them stamps. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

Books and magazines: at a administrative security prison, books and magazines must come straight from a publisher, book club or bookstore (Amazon, for example), never from home.

How to send money to an inmate here

Use their committed name exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it. The name and number below are examples (JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES, 12345-678).

Money never goes to SeaTac. It goes to the BOP, and the BOP puts it on their account. There are 3 ways. Each one below shows you the actual form and exactly what to write in each box, already filled in with their name and number.

First, they must sign the power-of-attorney form (BP-A0407) when they arrive. Until they do, MoneyGram and Western Union money cannot post. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

1. Postal money order Our pick

"Postal" means the U.S. Post Office. A postal money order is one you buy at the counter of a U.S. Post Office, from the United States Postal Service. Money orders sold at Walmart, a grocery store, a bank, Western Union, MoneyGram or a check-cashing store are not postal money orders.

Why it matters: a postal money order has no hold. Once the BOP's lockbox in Des Moines gets it, it goes on their account. Every other money order and every personal or company check is put on a 15-day hold first, and the 15 days only start when the lockbox receives the envelope. Add the days it spends in the mail, and it can be close to three weeks before they can spend it.Click here to read the source: BOP, Sending money by U.S. mail ↗ Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗ Foreign money orders and checks are held 45 days. The postal money order is also the cheapest way.

The Post Office's own steps

Decide the amount. Up to $1,000 in one money order.
Go to any Post Office.
Bring cash or a debit card. The Post Office does not take credit cards for money orders.
Fill it out at the counter with the clerk. Use the boxes below.
Pay the amount plus the fee: $2.65 for up to $500, $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.
Keep your receipt. You need it to track the money order or replace it if it is lost.Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders ↗

A U.S. Postal Service money order, the red and blue design, with the 5 boxes you fill in marked and numbered — The Postal Service's own sample of the new red-and-blue money order, with our example filled in. The clerk prints the amount, date and serial number. Tap to enlarge. Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders (sample images) ↗

Pay toJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONEStheir committed name, exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it
Address (under Pay to)Federal Bureau of Prisons, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
FromMARIA SMITH-JONESyour name
Address (under From)123 Main Street, Trenton, NJ 08608your address
MemoReg. No. 12345678their 8-digit register number, no dash

The older green U.S. Postal Service money order — The older green design is still in use until the Post Office runs out of it. The boxes are the same. Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders (sample images) ↗

Unconfirmed: the BOP does not say in writing what goes on the "Pay to" line. Their name is what families use. The name and number on the envelope are what the BOP requires.

Maria Smith-Jones
123 Main Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

STAMP

Federal Bureau of Prisons
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
12345678
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

The envelope. Nothing else inside: no letters, no photos.

Lost it? Tracking and replacing a money order

Keep the receipt. You need the serial number, post office number and amount to track it at tools.usps.com/money-orders.htm.
Lost or stolen: take the receipt to any post office and ask for a Money Order Inquiry. It costs $23 and can take up to 60 days.

2. MoneyGram

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours if sent 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, any day. Up to $300 per payment. In a store, you fill out the blue ExpressPayment form. This is the BOP's own filled-in sample:

The MoneyGram blue ExpressPayment form, filled in by the BOP, with the 6 boxes you fill in marked 1 to 6 — The BOP's sample (2012). Fill in only the left "Pay a Bill" side. Tap to enlarge. Click here to read the source: the BOP's MoneyGram sample form ↗

Company NameFederal Bureau of Prisons
City & StateWashington, DC
Receive Code7932always the same
Account Number of the Bill to Pay12345678SMITHJONESone letter or number per box
Amount to Payup to $300
Message to Biller or Beneficiary NameJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES

Top section: your own name, address, phone and signature. Pay cash. Keep the receipt with the reference number.

Unconfirmed: some stores now type it into a screen instead of using the paper form. The boxes are the same.

Doing it online or in the MoneyGram app instead

Go to moneygram.com (Pay Bills) or the MoneyGram app and log in or sign up.
Search the biller 7932 or "Federal Bureau of Prisons."
Enter the amount (up to $300) and the account number 12345678SMITHJONES.
Pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card can charge a cash-advance fee.

3. Western Union

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours. In a store, ask for the Quick Collect form ("To Send Money Form for Bill Payments"). Do not ask for a regular money transfer. This is a real Quick Collect form filled in with the BOP's values:

A Western Union Quick Collect payment form filled in for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, with the 5 boxes you fill in marked 1 to 5 — A 2008 version of the form, posted by a family-help site. The form in your store may look different, but the box names are the same. Tap to enlarge.

Dollar Amountyour amount
Pay toFederal Bureau of Prisons
Code CityFBOP, DC
AttentionJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Account # with Company (in the SENDER section: this is where people get lost)12345678SMITHJONES

Leave Promo Code blank. Put your own name, phone and address in the rest of the Sender section and sign at 3. Pay cash (some stores take debit). You get a 10-digit tracking number (MTCN). Keep it.

Unconfirmed: some stores have the blue Quick Collect form, some a "Pay a Bill" section, and some a phone to an agent.

Doing it online (Send2Corrections), screen by screen

You need a photo ID to set up the account: your name must match your ID exactly.

Go to send2corrections.com or the Send2Corrections app. Log in or register.
"Who are you sending to?" Choose the facility Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP DC).
Receiver first name, middle name (optional), last name: exactly as the BOP has it.
Commissary number: type only the 8 digits, 12345678. No dash, no name. The site adds the last name itself and shows the full account number in a grey box you cannot type in.
Ignore the pop-up that says "BOP number will not work." That text shows for every prison. The register number is what works.
Amount: $1 to $300. Pay by card, or choose "Pay Cash (in-store)" and pay at a Western Union counter within 12 hours, or it cancels.

Hyphenated last name? The site drops the hyphen: Smith-Jones becomes 12345678SMITHJONES.

Money sent to the wrong person is not returned by Western Union. Western Union payments cannot be changed after they are sent.

Commissary list: what they can buy and what it costs

SeaTac's handbook (May 11, 2023) says $90.00 per week and $360.00 per month. National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) raised the monthly limit from $360 to $460, plus $50 more in November and December. The handbook has not caught up. Stamps, over-the-counter medicine and copy cards do not count toward the limit. Food may not be more than two times the weekly limit. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

How shopping works at SeaTac

They shop once a week on the day posted in their unit. Their order sheet goes to the unit officer before 6:00 a.m. on shopping day. (From the handbook.)
All sales are final. Prices can change without notice. (From the commissary list.)
Sodas are limited to 6 cans, soup to 24, and stamps to $11.00 per sale. Each item also has its own limit in brackets on the list. (From the commissary list.)
Items marked with a caret (^) on the list do not count toward the spending limit. (From the commissary list.)
They may keep only the amount of commissary food that can be used in one week. (From the commissary list.)

Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

Search 296 items Or pick a section

(K) kosher, (H) halal. A number like "max 3" is the most they can buy at once. From the official list approved June 2, 2023. Prices change without notice. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Commissary Shopping List (dated 06/02/2023) ↗

All items, in the order printed on the list

FOREVER BOOK max 1$12.00
COFFEE, COLUMBIAN (K) max 1$4.50
TAMPON max 2$5.55
GLOBAL FOREVER max 9$1.40
FOOD EXPRESS COLUMBIAN 8O max 2$8.20
ANTIPERSPIRANT, POWER STI max 1$1.70
STAMP $10.00 max 999$10.00
FRENCH VAN CREAMER PARAMO max 2$2.20
LADY SPEED STICK A/P max 1$2.75
STAMP $5.00 max 6$5.00
FRENCH VANILLA CREAMER max 2$6.10
SPEED STICK max 2$2.90
STAMP FOREVER max 20$0.60
HAZELNUT CREAMER max 2$6.10
PANTENE 2 AND 1 SHAMPOO max 1$8.05
COPIER CARD max 5$7.50
TASTER'S CHOICE COFFEE max 2$13.00
SUAVE COCONUT CONDITIONER max 1$2.60
PHOTO TICKET$1.00
GRANDMAS CH BR (K) max 5$0.65
AFTA AFTERSHAVE max 1$2.75
ATG Sport Go$88.40
GRANDMAS PB (K) max 5$0.65
M5 MAGNUM RAZOR W/TRIMMER max 1$7.65
SCORE 7C$123.50
VANILLA WAFER COOKIES max 2$2.15
RAZOR, DIPOSABLE max 1$2.10
ANNIVERSARY max 2$0.90
PROTEIN BAR BIRTHDAY CAKE max 10$1.80
RAZOR, DISPOSABLE, WOMEN max 1$2.05
CARD, BLANK, ALL OCCASION max 5$0.65
PROTEIN BAR CARAMEL max 7$1.80
SHAVE CREAM max 1$2.45
CARD, HOLIDAY, ENGLISH max 5$0.90
PROTEIN BAR PB&J max 10$1.80
7" COMB max 1$0.90
CARD. HOLIDAY, SPANISH$0.75
PROTEIN BAR, PB CHOC CRUN max 7$1.80
AFRO PICK max 1$0.55
WATCH BATTERY CR2016 max 1$2.60
PROTEIN COOKIES&CREAM max 7$1.80
BODY PUFF max 1$1.25
WATCH, TIMEX, LADY max 1$31.45
ROASTED SALTED PEANUTS 12 max 2$3.15
CLAW CLIP max 1$4.55
COTTON BALLS max 1$2.55
BUTTERFINGER max 10$1.45
CLIPPER, FINGERNAIL max 1$0.80
EYE SHADOW, 24K NUDES max 1$14.90
CANDY M & M max 5$1.60
DURAG max 1$2.75
EYE SHADOW, BLUSH NUDES max 1$14.90
CANDY SKITTLES max 5$1.60
FOAM ROLLERS, LARGE max 2$2.55
EYELINER, 801 EBONY BLACK max 1$8.60
KING SIZE SALTED NUT ROLL max 5$2.50
FOAM ROLLERS, MEDIUM max 2$2.55
FOUNDATION, LIGHT max 1$12.40
MINI CHOCOLATE BARS BAG max 2$7.90
PONYTAIL HOLDERS max 1$1.25
FOUNDATION, M TO DEEP max 1$7.95
REESES (K) max 5$1.50
Q-TIPS max 1$2.80
FOUNDATION, MEDIUM max 1$12.40
SNICKERS (K) max 5$1.30
RUBBER BANDS max 1$1.00
LIP GLOSS, CLEAR max 1$3.85
STARBURST ORIGINAL max 5$1.45
SHOWER CAP max 1$2.00
MASCARA, GREAT LASH max 1$9.55
TWIX (K) max 5$1.30
TWEEZERS max 1$1.10
READING EYEWEAR STRGTH___ max 1$7.75
BROWN RICE (K) max 5$1.65
CAP FOR TOOTHBRUSH max 1$0.20
NIKE REVOLUTION 6 RUNNING max 1$81.90
CHEESE RICE (K) max 5$2.30
COLGATE TOOTHPASTE RE 6 O max 1$3.60
AVIA WMNS RUNNING max 1$38.95
WHITE RICE (K) max 5$1.65
COLGATE TOTAL CLEAN MINT max 1$4.35
NIKE COURT VISION WHITE max 1$88.40
CHIPOTLE BLACK BEANS max 5$2.80
DENTURE BATH max 1$1.25
SHOWER SHOE 2X/15,16 max 1$4.45
CHORIZO W/BEANS (K) max 5$2.80
DENTURE CLEANER TABS max 1$3.25
SHOWER SHOES max 1$12.95
REFRIED BEANS (K) max 5$2.55
EFFERGRIP DENTURE ADHSV max 1$4.55
EARBUDS, KOSS CL3N max 1$5.00
PRETZEL, CINNAMON max 4$1.55
MOUTHWASH max 2$2.00
HEADPHONES, KOSS LARGE max 1$34.50
PRETZEL, LIGHTLY SALTED max 4$1.55
ORALINE FLEX TOOTHBRUSH max 1$0.35
ARMBAND, MP3 HOLDER max 1$7.75
WHITE CORN TORTILLAS (K) max 3$1.25
PLACKERS DENTAL FLOSSERS max 1$3.30
RADIO, CLEAR TUNES max 1$24.05
BLUEBERRY FLAX GRANOLA max 2$4.25
ACNE TREATMENT CREAM 1 OZ max 1$1.80
SWEAT SHORT 2X max 1$14.30
CEREAL, CINN. TOST. max 2$3.85
ALLERGY TAB - CHLORPHENIR max 1$1.50
SWEAT SHORTS 3X max 1$14.30
CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA max 2$4.25
ANTACID LIQUID 12OZ max 1$3.85
SWEAT SHORTS 4XL max 1$14.30
FRUIT AND CREAM OATMEAL max 2$3.90
ARTIFICIAL TEARS 5OZ max 1$2.35
SWEAT SHORTS LG max 1$11.05
OATMEAL, MAP/BRN SUGAR (K max 1$3.65
ASPIRIN max 1$1.60
SWEAT SHORTS MD max 1$11.05
OATMEAL, REGULAR (K) max 1$3.60
CHERRY COUGH DROPS max 2$3.75
SWEAT SHORTS S max 1$11.05
BLUEBERRY DANISH max 4$1.50
CONTACT SOLUTION max 1$8.30
SWEAT SHORTS XL max 1$11.05
PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES max 5$2.60
COUGH SYRUP, S/F max 1$2.85
SWT SHIRT 2X max 1$15.60
POP UPS VARIETY 12PK max 1$4.80
EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL max 1$2.00
SWT SHIRT 3X max 1$15.60
CHICKEN OF THE SEA LIGHT max 5$2.35
FAMOTIDINE 10MG max 1$4.95
SWT SHIRT L max 1$11.45
OLIVE SALAD max 2$3.20
FIBER TABLETS 625MG max 1$6.00
SWT SHIRT M max 1$11.55
CREAM CHEESE max 10$0.45
FOOT POWDER max 1$4.35
SWT SHIRT S max 1$11.55
GOLDEN HARVEST HONEY (K) max 2$4.55
HALLS HONEY DROPS (S/F) max 1$3.65
SWT SHIRT XL max 1$11.55
HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH max 10$0.60
HEAD & SHOULDERS max 1$8.85
SWT PANTS 2X max 1$15.60
JALEPENOS$1.85
HEMORRHOIDAL OINTMENT max 1$3.75
SWT PANTS 3X max 1$15.60
JELLY, GRAPE max 1$5.80
HYDROCORTISONE max 1$1.45
SWT PANTS L max 1$11.15
JELLY, STRAWBERRY max 1$6.35
IBUPROFEN max 1$2.55
SWT PANTS M max 1$11.15
KETCHUP 12/PK (K) max 10$0.80
IBUPROFEN 200MG (2 TABLET max 25$0.15
SWT PANTS S max 1$11.15
LEMON JUICE max 2$1.15
IBUPROFEN 200MG 50CT max 1$2.10
SWT PANTS XL max 1$11.15
LEMON PEPPER SEASONING max 1$3.50
LORATADINE 10MG max 1$2.95
SOCKS, CREW max 1$12.50
MUSTARD 12/PK (K) max 15$0.80
MICONAZOLE ANTIFUNGAL CRE max 1$2.85
SOCKS, NO SHOW max 1$10.95
PEANUT BUTTER 2 OZ max 10$0.75
MIDOL COMPLETE max 1$2.85
WATCH CAP max 1$3.25
PEANUT BUTTER CREAMY 18 O max 1$3.25
MIDOL, CAPLETS max 1$10.05
DIET MOUNTAIN DEW max 6$0.55
PEPPER MIX, HOT max 2$3.20
MILK OF MAGNESIA max 1$3.40
MANGO PEPSI max 6$0.55
PEPPER MIX, MILD max 2$3.20
MULTI VIT NO IRON max 1$2.85
PEPSI REG max 6$0.55
SAUCE BBQ 18 OZ max 1$2.25
MUSCLE RUB max 1$2.40
CHEETOS CRUNCHY JALEPENO max 6$0.65
SAUCE GARLIC CHILI 14 OZ max 1$3.25
NAPROXEN 220MG 50CT max 1$3.90
CHEETOS, FLAMIN' HOT max 11$2.30
SWEET AND HOT SAUCE max 1$4.50
NON ASPIRIN 325MG max 1$2.45
JALEPENO QUESO CHIPS max 1$2.70
GOYA CORIANDER SEASONING max 2$1.90
OMEPRAZOLE 20MG max 1$7.95
JULIOS CORN CHIPS max 1$2.70
MINCED ONION max 1$2.15
PEPTO 8OZ max 1$3.50
RAMEN CAJUN SHRIMP max 8$0.50
MRS. DASH SEASONING max 1$4.10
RICOLA LEMON/MINT (S/F) max 1$3.15
RAMEN CHILI max 8$0.50
SALT AND PEPPER (K) max 1$2.10
SALINE NASAL SPRAY max 1$1.70
RAMEN LIME SHRIMP max 8$0.65
PROVOLONE CHEESE max 6$1.90
SELSUN BLUE (GENERIC) max 2$5.00
RAMEN SOY max 8$0.50
AFRICAN PRIDE RELAXER max 1$9.45
SENSODYNE TOOTHPASTE max 1$13.00
ROAST CHICKEN RAMEN max 8$0.55
HAIRSPRAY, ALCHL FREE max 1$2.45
STOOL SOFTENER$3.00
SUNKIST PINEAPPLE DRINK max 4$1.55
LOC TWIST BRAID BUTTER max 1$5.85
TOLNAFTATE ANTIFUNGAL max 1$1.80
SUNKIST STRAWBERRY DRINK max 4$1.55
LUSTER'S PINK HAIR MOISTU max 1$6.70
TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC OINTMEN max 1$2.45
PUMPKIN SPICE TEA (K) max 3$4.75
SULFUR 8 SCALP OINTMENT max 1$4.85
VICKS VAPORUB max 1$2.00
CREAMER REGULAR max 2$1.90
VENTED HAIR BRUSH max 1$0.80
VIT. C max 1$3.50
N-F POWDERED MILK (K) max 2$2.15
BABY POWDER max 1$0.95
VIT. D max 1$2.80
ORANGE DRINK MIX (K) max 4$1.40
FRESH SCENT BABY POWDER max 1$1.25
VIT. E max 1$5.40
SKITTLES TROPICAL DRINK M max 2$6.50
JERGENS LOTION max 1$3.35
VIT. MULTI max 1$4.60
SUGAR ASPARTAME BLUE (K) max 2$1.60
MEDICATED SKIN CREAM max 1$1.40
SPOON - YELLOW max 1$0.40
SUGAR SACCHARIN PINK (K) max 2$2.45
OIL OF OLAY max 1$12.30
TABLET RETURN ENVELOPE max 1$1.95
GEISHA SMOKED OYSTERS max 7$3.35
PALMERS COCOA LOTION max 1$5.60
THERMO MUG max 1$3.20
MACKEREL FILLET (K) max 7$1.85
ST IVES APRICOT SCRUB max 1$6.75
AAA BATERIES$1.15
SARDINES POUCH (K) max 7$1.50
SUAVE COCOA BUTTER LOTION max 1$3.60
WATCH BATTERIES CR2025 max 1$2.60
SMOKED CLAMS max 7$2.60
SUAVE VITAMIN BLEND LOTIO max 1$7.10
COMBINATION LOCK max 1$12.95
TUNA SPICY THAI CHILI max 5$2.85
VASELINE LIP THERAPY max 1$1.65
BLENDING STUMPS max 1$2.60
CHICKEN BREAST max 3$7.80
CEDARWOOD BODY WASH max 2$1.95
ACRYLIC COFFEE YARN max 2$7.00
CARNITAS DE CERDO max 5$5.30
COCOA BUTTER BODY WASH max 1$4.05
CROCHET HOOK, 5.0 max 1$1.10
CHICKEN BITES max 4$3.25
DIAL SPRING WATER 3PK max 1$5.60
CROCHET HOOK, 6.5 max 1$1.10
RASBERRY YOGURT PRETZEL max 2$3.05
DOVE BAR SOAP 2.6 OZ max 2$2.60
LAVENDER YARN max 2$7.00
STRAWBERRY DANISH max 4$1.50
DOVE SOAP max 2$2.15
RACQUETBALL max 1$4.75
ALMONDS NUTS 8OZ max 2$4.20
IRISH SPRING, SINGLE max 2$1.15
DICTIONARY, SP/EN max 1$2.15
CHEESE, CHIPOTLE (H) max 3$1.90
IVORY SOAP max 2$2.80
D K N Y FRAGRANCE max 1$7.00
CHEESE, JAL PEPPERONI max 3$1.90
NEUTROGENA max 1$3.65
RUH AL OOD max 1$17.20
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA (H) max 3$1.90
SOAP DISH max 2$0.70
SUPERIOR EGYPTIAN MUSK max 1$17.20
TRAIL MIX, HEAVENLY max 2$3.60
HEAD & SHOULDER SHAMPOO 1 max 1$2.15
DISH SOAP, PALMOLIVE max 1$2.25
TRAIL MIX, NUT N YOG (K) max 5$0.85
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER V05 max 1$2.75
PINOCHLE CARDS max 2$2.65
TRAIL MIX, PB & J max 2$3.45
SHAMPOO, ELEMENTZ DAILY max 1$1.95
POCKET PUZZLE PAD max 2$1.45
TRAIL MIX, SWT/SPCY (K) max 5$3.90
SUAVE COCONUT SHAMPOO max 1$2.60
STANDARD PLAYING CARDS max 2$3.25
SALTINES CRACKERS (K) max 3$2.35
SUMMERS EVE DOUCHE 4.5 OZ max 1$2.75
BIC PENS 2PK max 1$1.20
ENVELOPE LEGAL SIZE max 5$0.25
NOTEBOOK, RULED 10X8 max 2$2.05
PAD, LEGAL YELLOW max 2$1.95
RETURN ENVELOPE - MP3 PLY max 1$0.95
DR. SCHOLLS INSOLES max 2$4.20
LED BOOKLIGHT max 1$12.95
SWINTEC CORRECTION TAPE max 3$3.05
TYPEWRITER RIBBON max 2$9.95

Phone calls and email

Minutes: 300 minutes a month. Each call is limited to 15 minutes. More minutes can be asked for through their unit team, at the warden's discretion. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Hours: The phones work from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the latest. All calls are recorded and can be monitored. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Calls: Collect and direct calls, local and long distance, and direct international calls only. They get a nine-digit phone access code on arrival; a replacement costs $5.00. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Email: TRULINCS email sessions last at most 60 minutes, then they are logged out for 15 minutes. They buy TRU-Units from their commissary money at 5 cents ($0.05) each. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Lawyer calls: Phones in each housing unit connect to the Federal Public Defender and CJA lawyers without monitoring. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

They have to add your number and email to their list first. Emails come through CorrLinks: you get an invitation by email once they add you.

Health care at SeaTac

Medical care level 2 and mental health care level 2 (of 4). Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗

Sick call: Sick call is Monday through Friday. They fill out a paper sick call request and hand it to the morning pill line staff or drop it in the "sick call" mailbox in their housing unit. Emergencies are seen right away. Requests handed in late are taken but may delay care. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Pill lines: Twice a day, every day: about 6:00 a.m. and about 6:00 p.m. Insulin has an extra line at 2:00 p.m. Missed medicine is not handed out later. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Co-pay: $2.00 for a visit they ask for, taken from their commissary account. This also applies to pretrial inmates. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Refills: They first try the computer kiosk under "refills." If it is down, they hand empty labeled bottles to the pill line. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Chronic care and screening: A doctor sees people in a chronic care clinic every 12 months or more often. Everyone is screened for tuberculosis every year. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Inspector General finding (December 2024): 10 of 20 Health Services positions were empty, including the Clinical Director. Of 29 serious sick call requests the inspectors sampled, 18 (62 percent) were never answered by a health care provider. 480 blood tests were more than 30 days overdue. About 30 percent of new arrivals (108 of 368 cases checked) did not get a health screening within 24 hours. Click here to read the source: DOJ Inspector General, Inspection of the Federal Detention Center SeaTac, report 25-081 (September 2025) ↗

Write a sick call request →

Programs

RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible): SeaTac does not have RDAP. Drug program staff interview eligible people serving their sentence here for RDAP, which they take at another prison. The BOP's RDAP list (updated 6/4/2026) does not include SeaTac. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Drug treatment: The Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NRDAP). Those who finish get a $30.00 award. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous run with community volunteers. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Other groups: Anger Management, Basic Cognitive Skills, Criminal Thinking, Emotional Self-Regulation and Trauma in Life. These count toward First Step Act credits. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
Education: The handbook lists General Education Development (GED) classes and Adult Continuing Education. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗
First Step Act sites: SeaTac is not named in the BOP's program guide (May 2026) as a site for Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) or the Life Connections Program. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
Work: Pretrial and holdover inmates can be given a work detail. The handbook says most jobs are in the housing unit as orderlies, and a work waiver must be signed first. Click here to read the source: FDC SeaTac Admission and Orientation Handbook (dated May 11, 2023) ↗

Safety record

Criminal cases at SeaTac

February 2026A Washington man was sentenced for dealing a fatal drug dose in federal detention, according to The Seattle Times headline. (The Seattle Times)
September 2025The Justice Department's Inspector General published its inspection of FDC SeaTac. It found a health care "crisis," a staffing shortage across the prison, and problems keeping contraband out. (DOJ Inspector General report)
September 2025The Seattle Times reported on the inspection: "Inspection finds health care 'crisis' at SeaTac federal detention center." (The Seattle Times)

Deaths announced by the BOP

We found no deaths at SeaTac announced by the BOP.

We found no BOP press release announcing a death at FDC SeaTac (checked November 3, 2026). The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this does not mean no one has died there. A February 2026 news report (below) describes a fatal drug dose in the detention center.

Sexual abuse audit (PREA)

The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited SeaTac April 9 to 11, 2024. Result: 4 standards exceeded, 37 met, 0 not met. In the 12 months before the audit, SeaTac recorded 17 sexual-abuse allegations (12 against other inmates, 5 against staff) and 2 sexual-harassment allegations, both against other inmates. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FDC SeaTac (onsite April 9 to 11, 2024) ↗

An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.

News about SeaTac

Troubling Findings At FDC SeaTac: A 2025 OIG Inspection ReportForbes · Sep 10, 2025
SeaTac inmate who smuggled balloons of fentanyl, heroin inside his body sentencedKIRO 7 News Seattle · Apr 1, 2025

Stories from news outlets that name FDC SeaTac, checked every day. Last updated Nov 3, 2026, 2:17 pm ET. We link to the original story; we did not write these.

Intel from the Inside

Intel last checked: November 3, 2026

Reports from people inside, in their own words. It is how the place really runs, not official policy, and it can change. We never publish names.

No Intel reported for SeaTac yet.

Know something about SeaTac that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.