How to Send Money to Someone at PNM: Money Order Rules and Visitor‑List Requirements
Sending money to someone at PNM comes down to two rules: use a money order, and be on the approved visitor list. Get both right, and the deposit goes through. Miss one, and it gets delayed or rejected.
At PNM and other New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) facilities, outside funds have to arrive as a money order sent through U.S. mail. Cash, personal checks, and other payment methods will be refused or held up.
A few exceptions exist. I've listed them below so you can check whether your situation qualifies.
Prepare Money Order
- ✓ Inmate’s full name
- ✓ Inmate’s five (5) digit Corrections number
Important: The person buying/sending the money order must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, or the inmate may not be able to receive the money.
After filling out the money order with the inmate's information, drop it in the U.S. mail. Plan for standard mail delivery times, and hang onto your proof of purchase until you confirm the deposit posted.
Here's where people get tripped up: to receive gift funds, the sender must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. NMCD requires a Visitor Application (form CD-100201.1), and approval isn't permanent - you have to renew every two years. So before sending money, confirm you're on the list and your application is current.
- Ask the inmate to add the sender to their visitor list - the sender must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list for the inmate to receive the money.
- Make sure the visitor application is current - NMCD requires a Visitor Application (CD-100201.1), and it must be renewed every two years.
- Confirm approval before you mail funds - if the sender isn’t approved yet (or the approval lapsed), wait to mail the money order so it doesn’t get held up.
If your money order gets delayed or rejected, start with what you can control: keep the purchase receipt and any mailing documentation. Then reach out to NMCD Family Services at CDFamilySrvcs@state.nm.us, or call (505) 827-8710 or (505) 231-4762 for help with account questions.
Tip: Hold onto your money-order receipt and any tracking details until your loved one confirms the deposit showed up in their account.
NMCD does allow a few exceptions to the money-order-only rule: approved vendor refunds, court settlements, and bond refunds from United States or New Mexico courts or county detention centers. If your funds fall into one of these categories, the process may differ from a standard gift deposit.
One more thing: deposits may be subject to deductions under NMCD trust-account policy - for example, court-ordered obligations. If the credited amount doesn't match what you sent, Family Services can explain why.
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