How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
At the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM), sending money follows New Mexico Corrections Department policy: funds from outside sources must normally be sent through U.S. mail as a money order. The sender must also be on the inmate's approved visitor list. If the person you're supporting earns inmate wages, authorized deductions may be taken for victim restitution, confinement costs, discharge money, and child support—but total deductions can't exceed 50% of net compensation. PNM makes canteen item lists with prices available and posts a canteen schedule so inmates can participate in commissary purchases. Check PNM's deposit instructions for exact formatting, addressing, and any exceptions.
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Sending money to someone at PNM follows strict rules: funds must arrive by mail, and the details on your money order need to be exact. Here's how to get it right the first time.
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.
PNM follows NMCD policy: outside funds are normally sent by U.S. mail as a money order. Before you send anything, check PNM’s deposit instructions for required formatting, addressing, and any exceptions.
Yes. The sender must be on the inmate's approved visitor list for the inmate to receive mailed funds. If you're not on the list, confirm the facility's sender-eligibility process before mailing a money order.
Authorized deductions from an inmate’s net compensation (such as victim restitution, confinement costs, discharge money, and child support) can be taken, but the total can’t exceed 50%. Contact the facility for how specific deduction categories are applied.
Security screening at PNM can feel intense your first time. Once you know what to expect, though, it's predictable. Here's what screening involves, what an ION scan result actually means, and what happens if contraband is detected.
PNM offers two types of in-person visits: contact visits with limited physical touch, and non-contact "barrier" visits where no touching is allowed. The catch? Barrier visits are the default. To qualify for contact, you need to be immediate family—and you'll have to prove it.
Getting approved to visit at the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM) starts with the right paperwork and a complete application. Here's how to apply—and stay approved—without unnecessary delays.
