How to Put Money on an Inmate's Account at Fairfax ADC (Kiosk, Money Safe, and Online)

Putting money on an inmate’s account at the Fairfax Adult Detention Center (ADC) comes down to three options: the lobby kiosk, the lobby money safe, or an online credit card payment. The kiosk in the ADC lobby takes cash and credit cards, which can be the fastest option if you’re already at the building. The money safe is for money orders and cashier’s checks made out to the inmate’s full name. If you’d rather pay from home, you can make an online credit card payment through smartinmate.com - just plan for a vendor fee on top of the amount you deposit.

Kiosk Money Safe Steps

• ✓ Cash
• ✓ Credit cards

• ✓ Money orders made out to the inmate’s full name
• ✓ Cashier’s checks made out to the inmate’s full name

• ✓ Include the inmate’s number
• ✓ Include your name
• ✓ Include your address

To deposit online for someone at the Fairfax ADC, use smartinmate.com and pay by credit card. This is the go-to option if you can’t get to the lobby kiosk or you need to make a deposit outside of normal errands.

Once you make a deposit, the inmate typically has access to the funds within 72 hours.

Keep in mind there’s a daily housing charge that can reduce what’s actually available to spend. At Fairfax ADC, inmates are charged $2 per day of incarceration to offset the cost of their housing. The ADC’s FAQ also notes that the Code of Virginia allows for a charge of up to $3 per day, even though Fairfax’s stated charge is $2 per day.

Deposit fees add up fast, especially if you’re sending smaller amounts more often. Fairfax Sheriff documents list fee examples of $3.00 per deposit for IVR/automated deposits and $5.00 per deposit for deposits handled by a live representative, and the smartinmate.com online credit card option also charges a vendor fee. If you’re trying to keep costs down, compare the fee before you pay and use the lowest-fee method that still works for your situation.

If you’re the one putting money on the account, it’s normal to want to confirm the balance or ask questions about transactions. At Fairfax ADC, information about an Inmate Finance Account can’t be released to anyone but the inmate - even if you’re the person who made the deposit.

1. Have the inmate request a release of funds form - this is the form used to authorize money to be released.
2. Complete and sign the form - once it’s completed and signed, the inmate can release funds to anyone they choose, including another person, a bonding company, or the magistrate’s office.