How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Even if you only want to receive phone calls, you'll need to submit the Application to Visit an Inmate electronically. This is the starting point for all contact. Don't bother mailing or dropping off paperwork; complete the application online.

If you owe fees for visitation or background checks, you'll need to pay electronically. Confirm which payment methods are currently accepted before submitting anything. This helps you avoid delays.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Submit the Application to Visit an Inmate electronically.
• ✓ Confirm the inmate is not in the intake process at Alhambra or Perryville before you submit the application.

• ✓ Send any applicable background check fees and/or required supporting documents within 30 days of the application date so your application is not considered incomplete.
• ✓ If you only want to accept phone calls from an inmate, apply for phone privileges using the regular application process (phone-only contacts are not required to pay the $25 visitation background check fee).

• ✓ Make required visitation/background-check payments electronically using the listed payment options.

Before applying, check whether the inmate is still in intake at Alhambra or Perryville. Submitting during intake causes problems. Wait until intake is complete to save yourself a preventable setback.

Know which fees and documents apply to your situation, and track your 30-day deadline from the date you submit. If the facility doesn't receive your fees and required documents within 30 days, your application is considered incomplete and won't be processed.

Confirm the current electronic payment options before paying. If you're applying only to accept inmate phone calls, make sure you're following the phone-privileges application process. Phone-only contacts may qualify for the $25 visitation background check fee exemption.