What the $25 Visitation Background Check Actually Costs (And How to Pay Less)

Applying to visit someone at ASPC Douglas Gila Unit? The $25 background check is real, required for most adult visitors, and non-refundable. It applies whether you're seeking in-person visits, phone privileges as a visitor, or video visits. The one exception: if you only want to receive phone calls from an inmate - without applying for visitation or video - you can skip the fee. Timing matters. Your background check payment and any supporting documents must arrive within 30 days of your application date. Miss that window, and your application is considered incomplete. It won't be processed. Waiting to pay doesn't just cost you $25 - it costs you time.

All visitation-related payments are electronic. You'll need your Application Visitor ID number to submit payment - that's what links your payment to your application. Have it ready before you start, whether you're paying online, by phone, through an app, or at a storefront.

That $25 fee can quietly become more than $25. The payment vendor and method you choose may add a transaction fee. Arizona DOC lets you pay through Keefe, JPay, or GTL - via storefront, phone, mobile app, or online. The base fee stays $25, but what you actually pay depends on the route you take.

• ✓ Keefe (internet) - No fee
• ✓ JPay (internet) - $0.95 fee
• ✓ GTL (internet) - $1.00 fee
• ✓ Keefe (mobile app) - No fee
• ✓ JPay (mobile app) - $0.95 fee
• ✓ GTL (mobile app) - $1.00 fee
• ✓ Keefe (phone/telephonic) - No fee
• ✓ JPay (phone/telephonic) - $0.95 fee
• ✓ GTL (phone/telephonic) - $1.00 fee
• ✓ Keefe (storefront/walk-up) - No fee
• ✓ JPay (storefront/walk-up) - $0.95 fee
• ✓ GTL via CheckFreePay (storefront/walk-up) - $2.50 fee
• ✓ GTL via Western Union (storefront/walk-up) - $4.50 fee

1. Compare vendor fees before you pay - Keefe, JPay, and GTL can all process the $25 background fee, but the transaction fee changes based on vendor and method.
2. Use Keefe when you can - Keefe shows no additional fee for internet, mobile app, and telephonic transactions (and storefront too).
3. If you’re paying at a storefront, choose carefully - GTL storefront fees vary: CheckFreePay is $2.50, while Western Union is $4.50.
4. Have your Application Visitor ID ready and don’t miss the 30-day window - payments must be electronic, and the fee/supporting documents must be received within 30 days or the application won’t be processed.

Questions about visitation? Contact ASPC Douglas Gila Unit at dou.gil.vidvis@azadc.gov.