How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Commissary funds for Iowa State Penitentiary go through Iowa DOC's centralized banking system at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility—not the penitentiary itself. To mail funds, send cashier's checks or money orders only to: IDOC Offender Fiduciary Account, 1550 L Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Include the inmate's name and ID so the deposit doesn't get delayed or returned. Prefer online or phone deposits? You've got options. Access Corrections takes deposits at www.accesscorrections.com (fees start at $3.49) or by phone at 1-866-345-1884. JPay accepts Visa/MasterCard at www.JPay.com, with fees typically $3.95–$10.95; call 1-800-574-5729 for phone deposits. Western Union Send2Corrections is another route—use the inmate's commissary number and facility name, or call 1-800-634-3422 (option 2).
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Sending money to someone at Iowa State Penitentiary is straightforward once you understand how Iowa's system works. The key thing to know: most commissary deposits go through a centralized banking location, while restitution and similar obligations are handled separately.
Getting money onto someone's commissary account at Iowa State Penitentiary comes down to two things: how fast you need it there and how much you're willing to pay in fees.
Mailing a money order or cashier's check to fund an Iowa State Penitentiary inmate's commissary? It won't go directly to the prison. Iowa DOC processes these deposits centrally through Fort Dodge—so getting the address and details right is the difference between a successful deposit and having it sent back to you.
Mail cashier’s checks or money orders to the IDOC Offender Fiduciary Account, 1550 L Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Include the inmate’s full name and inmate/commissary ID to avoid delays or returned deposits.
Yes. You can deposit money online or by phone through Access Corrections, JPay, or Western Union Send2Corrections. Access Corrections takes online deposits at www.accesscorrections.com (fees start at $3.49) and phone deposits at 1-866-345-1884; JPay accepts Visa/MasterCard at www.JPay.com and phone deposits at 1-800-574-5729. Western Union Send2Corrections requires the inmate’s commissary number and the facility name; phone deposits are available at 1-800-634-3422 (option 2).
Restitution, court filing fees, and child support matters are handled by Iowa State Penitentiary for its inmates. For questions, contact the penitentiary by mail at PO Box 316, Fort Madison, IA 52627-0316.
Trying to stay in touch with someone at Iowa State Penitentiary? You'll typically choose between O-mail (through CorrLinks) and regular mail processed through Iowa DOC's central mail service. The key difference: your loved one either gets an electronic message or a printed copy of your scanned letter.
Sending regular mail to someone at Iowa State Penitentiary? It doesn't go straight to the prison anymore. Iowa DOC routes all non-legal mail through a central processing site—and the facility code 1110 on your envelope is what gets it to ISP.
Phone calls from Iowa State Penitentiary are outbound only. Your number has to be approved before the person inside can call you. Here's how the system works and what you'll pay.
