Sending Money to an Inmate at CNMCF: Money Order Rules and Visitor List Requirements

CNMCF only accepts money orders - no cash, no personal checks. Don't assume other payment types are close enough. Get a money order and mail it through the U.S. Postal Service. That's the only way the facility will process funds from outside sources.

On the money order, clearly write the inmate's full name and their five-digit Corrections number. Staff use this information to credit the right account. Missing or incorrect details can delay posting or cause the deposit to fail entirely.

Before you send anything, confirm you're eligible. CNMCF requires anyone sending money to be on the inmate's approved visitation list. If you're not on the list, the inmate may not receive your funds. Here's a detail that trips people up: your name and address must match what's on the visitor application. Moved recently? Using a different mailing address? Get that updated first, or the money order could get flagged and returned.

What-will-be-refused

• ✓ Cash or currency sent through the mail
• ✓ Personal checks
• ✓ Gifts sent anonymously
• ✓ Gift funds from someone who is not on the inmate’s visitor list
• ✓ Gift funds from someone permanently or indefinitely suspended from visiting

Send cash, currency, or a personal check? It won't be posted. CNMCF returns disallowed items to the sender.

1. Confirm the inmate’s five-digit Corrections number - write the inmate’s name and that five-digit number on the money order so it can be credited correctly.
2. Make sure your sender details match the visitor paperwork - if the funds are a gift, your name needs to be on the inmate’s visitor list, and your address should match what’s on your visitor application.
3. Mail it through the U.S. Postal Service - CNMCF requires outside funds to be sent via U.S. mail.
4. Keep your receipt - hold onto the money order stub or receipt in case you need to track the payment or resolve a posting issue later.