Why You Can't Send Checks to an Inmate at San Carlos Unit, and What to Verify Next
Thinking about mailing a personal check, money order, or cashier's check to add money to someone's inmate account? Don't. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) does not accept any of these for deposits to inmate accounts at Arizona State Complexes, including the San Carlos Unit. If you send one anyway, it won't be processed as a deposit. You'll waste time and money trying to track it down or get it back.
Note: Some ADCRR payments, like background check fees for visitation applications, must be paid electronically. This signals that approved electronic methods are the direction ADCRR expects for all payments.
Before you send anything, confirm the approved method for depositing money at San Carlos Unit. A good starting point is the San Carlos Unit visitation contact email: pv.car.vidvis@azadc.gov. Ask what deposit methods are currently accepted and whether the method you plan to use applies to inmate fund deposits, visitation fees, or something else entirely.
- Do not mail a check for a deposit - ADCRR does not accept personal checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for inmate account deposits at Arizona State Complexes.
- Email San Carlos Unit to confirm the right method - use pv.car.vidvis@azadc.gov and ask which electronic payment options are approved for what you are trying to pay.
- Match the method to the purpose - some payments (like visitation application background check fees) must be made electronically using the listed payment options, so confirm you are using the correct channel for deposits versus fees.
When mailing anything to an incarcerated person, addressing details matter. If the envelope is missing the inmate number, full name, or correct address, your mail will be returned. Before sealing the envelope, double-check the ADCRR number and copy the address exactly as it appears on official instructions for the facility or processing center you're using.
- ✓ Inmate’s full first and last name
- ✓ Inmate’s ADCRR (ADC) number
- ✓ Correct address exactly as provided on the official instructions
- ✓ Your full return address on the envelope
This guide saves you from one common mistake: sending checks or paper instruments for inmate account deposits. What it doesn't cover is the specific, currently approved deposit vendors for San Carlos Unit. Take one minute to confirm the right option with the unit contact or current ADCRR instructions before sending funds.
Quick tip: Skip the checks, money orders, and cashier's checks. Email pv.car.vidvis@azadc.gov first to confirm the approved electronic option so your payment doesn't get rejected or delayed.
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