What is the best way to send cash money to someone who has no id?

[Bethany Rockafella]

My young nephew just recently moved to a different state. He didn't bother to get his id from here before he left so now he is stuck trying to get one but it's taking some time because he needs to acquire his birth certificate. I would like to send him some cash but every way I figure, he would need id.... i.e. I can't send a money order (no id), I can't send a personal check (no id), I can't wire the money (no id), etc. The only way is send cash through the mail but I hear it is illegal and I really don't want to risk some postal working stealing it. I can't endorse the check to no one in the area because I don't know anyone from there and he doesn't either.

Any suggestions?

[ACTION BASTARD]

1. If he has a bank account then you can send him money via Paypal right into his bank account

Then all he has to do is go to any ATM and the winner is him.

[Rhythm]

2. I think Western Union offers a 'secret question' option...

For people without identification. The sender sets up a question, the receiver answers the question. Double-check on this, though, for specifics.

[wickerwoman]

5. Yeah, on the form it asks if the recipient will have ID or not.

If they don't have ID, you just give a secret question and answer and they can pick up the money.

[siligut]

3. It isn’t illegal to send cash through the mail.

You can even register it and ask for a return receipt. It costs you a bit, but it sounds like you are in a corner.

[grasswire]

4. I've sent and received cash in the mail before.

No problem.

But you CAN send via western union. You arrange a question in advance. "What is the name of your first cat" -- something like that. And you let him know the transaction number, how much you sent, and what the answer to the question is.

Talk to the people at your Western Union location. They'll know what to do. There is a fee for sending $$, just so you know.

[Bethany Rockafella]

6. Thanks everyone for the suggestions

Someone also mentioned purchasing one of those visa cards that I could mail to my nephew. He can use it a certain atm machines.