Phone-Only Approval at Cerbat: Avoid the $25 Background Fee (How It Works)
If you only want to receive phone calls from someone housed at ASPC-Cerbat, you can get approved without paying the $25 background check fee. You still use the standard "Application to Visit an Inmate" process, but you select phone-only privileges instead of in-person or video visitation.
Note: Arizona DOC lists the $25 fee as standard for adult applicants seeking in-person or video visits. Phone-only is the explicit exception: if you are only accepting calls, the $25 background fee does not apply. Policies can change, so check the current wording on the official application instructions before submitting.
You still submit the regular Application to Visit an Inmate electronically. No $25 fee required for phone-only. That said, it helps to understand how the payment system works in case you later want visiting privileges: when a background check fee applies, payments are electronic and you will need your Application Visitor ID number to submit payment.
Watch the 30-day window tied to your application date. If a background check fee or supporting documents are required, those must be received within 30 days or your application is considered incomplete and will not be processed. If you do end up paying later, remember that payment is handled electronically and requires your Application Visitor ID.
- ✓ Convenience fees (charged by the payment vendor) can vary.
- ✓ The fee can also change based on how you pay, for example online, mobile app, phone, or a storefront transaction.
- ✓ These convenience fees are separate from the $25 background check fee itself.
Note: Do not submit a visitation or phone privileges application while the inmate is in the intake process at Alhambra or Perryville.
Phone-only makes the most sense when your goal is simple: receive calls, skip in-person or video visits. It is also the budget-friendly option since you avoid the $25 background check fee. If you think you might want to visit later, you can still start with phone-only now. Just be ready to follow the full visitation steps (and pay the fee) if you change your mind.
Decide you want in-person or video visits later? Plan on the standard one-time, non-refundable $25 background check fee for adult visitors. Payment is electronic, and you will need your Application Visitor ID number when you submit it. Watch the timing: if fees and any required documents are not received within 30 days from the application date, your application is considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Note: When you pay the $25 fee, the payment vendor may charge a separate convenience fee. The amount varies by vendor and transaction method.
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