What to Bring When Posting Bail at Lew Sterrett Justice Center
A practical checklist of documents, identification, and payment methods needed when posting bail at Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas County.
Posting bail at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas County requires specific documents, identification, and payment methods. Whether you are posting a cash bond directly with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office or working with a licensed bail bond agent to post a surety bond, preparation is the key to minimizing delays. The bond desk at Lew Sterrett, located at 111 West Commerce Street in Dallas, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts bond postings at any time. However, having the right paperwork and payment ready before you arrive — or before you call a bail bond agent — can shave hours off the release timeline.
For a cash bond posted directly with the court, you will need the defendant’s full legal name, date of birth, and System Person Number (SPN), along with a valid government-issued photo ID for the person posting the bond. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office accepts cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders for cash bonds — personal checks are not accepted, and checks and money orders must be drawn on a DFW-area bank. For a surety bond through a bail bond agent, the cosigner must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of residence and employment, and be prepared to sign an indemnity agreement. The agent will also need the defendant’s booking information, which can be obtained through the Dallas County online inmate lookup (Lew Sterrett only — does not include city jails) or by calling the jail information line at 214-761-9025.
Payment for a surety bond premium is typically accepted in cash, credit card, debit card, or money order, depending on the bail bond company. Some agencies also offer payment plans for families who cannot pay the full premium up front, particularly on higher bond amounts. Gathering all required documents and confirming the defendant’s booking status before heading to Lew Sterrett or meeting with an agent is the single most effective way to speed up the process. For help preparing everything you need to post bail in Dallas County, call Act Quick Bail Bonds at (214) 744-1414.