Phone & Messaging
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
Need to reach someone connected to this facility? Start by calling the correct Alternative Sentencing Bureau office to confirm current communication or visit procedures.
Send Money at Santa Barbara County Jail
How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Overview
Adding money to an incarcerated person's trust account at Santa Barbara County Jail typically works through an online or mobile vendor portal, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal Service money orders. The exact options accepted can vary by facility or county. Before sending funds, confirm the person's full name, booking or facility ID, and double-check that you've selected the correct facility so the deposit doesn't get misapplied. Money in the trust account goes toward commissary, phone time, hygiene items, and other approved purchases. It may be reduced by court-ordered restitution or other authorized deductions. Processing times and posting schedules vary, and third-party vendors often charge fees. Never mail cash, and follow the vendor's instructions exactly.
Find an Inmate at Santa Barbara County Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Quick Facts
- Confirm the incarcerated person’s full name and booking or facility ID before making a deposit.
- Common deposit methods include online/mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, but accepted options vary by facility.
- Funds in the trust account pay for commissary, phone time, hygiene items and other permitted purchases and may be reduced by restitution or other authorized deductions.
- Do not mail cash; most facilities refuse cash sent by mail and it will be returned.
Common Questions
What ways can I add money to an inmate’s account?
Common options include online or mobile vendor portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal Service money orders. Accepted methods vary by facility or county, so confirm what's available before sending money.
What information do I need to make a deposit to a trust account?
Have the incarcerated person’s full name and booking or facility ID ready, and make sure you are sending funds to the correct facility. Follow the deposit vendor’s instructions exactly to avoid delays or misapplied payments.
How soon will money be available and will I be charged fees?
Posting times depend on the vendor and deposit method. Check the vendor's stated processing timeline to know when funds will be available. Third-party vendors and kiosks often charge fees and may have rules about cash acceptance or bill denominations.
Other Guides for Santa Barbara County Jail
How to Register for Video Visits at Northern Branch Jail (step-by-step)
Planning a video visit at Northern Branch Jail? You'll need to register first. Here's how the Via Path process works and what to have ready so you can get on the schedule.
Visitation
How to Visit Facility
Visiting at Northern Branch Jail is pretty straightforward once you know the few rules that can stop a visit before it starts. Here's how to get set up and what to expect when you arrive.
