How to Send Money to Dakota County Jail, MN (MN)
If you're trying to put money on someone's account at Dakota County Jail, there are two main options: a lobby kiosk and online credit card deposits. There's a small discrepancy between official sources on which payment types are accepted, so it's worth confirming details before you send anything.
Dakota County's jail information lists a kiosk in the Law Enforcement Center lobby (1580 Highway 55, Hastings) for depositing money to an inmate's account. According to the jail's website, the kiosk accepts cash or credit cards and credits the account automatically. However, the Dakota County inmate handbook says commissary deposits are cash only. Those two sources don't quite match, so if you're planning to use a card for commissary funds, confirm what's actually accepted before making the trip.
There's also an online option. Dakota County states you can make credit card deposits through Inmate Canteen. This can be the simplest route if you can't visit the lobby in person. Just make sure you're selecting the right facility and the correct deposit type for your person.
Note: Dakota County's jail page says the kiosk accepts cash or credit cards, but the inmate handbook says commissary deposits are cash only. Verify which payment types are currently accepted, and whether the rule depends on the type of account you're funding (commissary vs. another inmate account).
One helpful detail: Dakota County's jail information says the lobby is open 24 hours per day, which gives you flexibility for in-person deposits. That said, hours and access can change. Confirm before heading out, especially late at night or on holidays.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Use the Law Enforcement Center lobby kiosk (1580 Highway 55, Hastings) to deposit money to an inmate’s account.
- ✓ If you’re depositing commissary funds, plan for the possibility that deposits are cash only, based on the inmate handbook.
- ✓ If you prefer to pay by card from home, use the Inmate Canteen online option for credit card deposits into an inmate’s account.
Planning to deposit in person outside normal business hours? Dakota County's jail information says the lobby is open 24 hours per day. Still, confirm access and kiosk availability before you go so you don't end up making a second trip.
Start by clearing up the payment-method conflict. Ask whether the Law Enforcement Center lobby kiosk can be used for commissary deposits and whether it currently accepts both cash and credit cards, or if staff are enforcing the "cash only" rule from the inmate handbook for commissary funding.
If you plan to deposit online, confirm that the Inmate Canteen option is active for Dakota County Jail. Ask what the deposit actually funds: commissary spending, a general account, or a specific type of account. Also check whether there are limits on how much you can add at one time.
- Confirm lobby access hours: Dakota County’s jail information states the lobby is open 24 hours per day. Verify that’s still true for public entry.
- Check kiosk operating details: If you’re using the lobby kiosk, confirm it’s available whenever the lobby is open and what payment types it accepts.
- Ask about timing: Find out whether deposits made late at night or after hours are credited immediately or processed later.
Tip: For the most current rules, check the official Dakota County Jail information page and the inmate handbook, or call the jail directly to confirm accepted payment methods before sending money.
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