How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Putting money on someone's account at Sonoma County Jail is straightforward once you know the limits. The jail caps trust account balances at $1,000—any deposit that would push the balance over $1,000 gets rejected. The Cashier may accept cash, money orders, certified checks, cashier's checks, and government checks. Money orders and certified/cashier's checks are preferred via U.S. mail. Funds in the trust account cover commissary and related purchases. At MADF, inmates place commissary orders using housing-module kiosks and tablets, with a $100-per-week spending limit. Typical items include hygiene products, stationery, snacks, shower shoes, underwear, reading glasses, and toiletries. Before sending funds, confirm the person's full name and booking or facility ID, and follow the deposit instructions for timely posting.
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Putting money on someone's books is one of the quickest ways to help—but you'll need to follow the jail's limits and payment rules. Here's how the account cap works, what deposit methods the jail accepts, weekly commissary limits, and current ViaPath tablet and video pricing (effective April 1, 2025).
The Cashier may accept cash, money orders, certified checks, cashier’s checks, and government checks. Money orders and certified/cashier’s checks are preferred via U.S. mail. Double-check the incarcerated person’s full name and booking or facility ID and follow the deposit instructions so the funds post correctly.
Yes. Sonoma County Jail limits inmate account balances to $1,000, and deposits that would put the balance over $1,000 won’t be accepted.
At MADF, commissary orders can be placed through kiosks and tablets, and spending is limited to $100 per week. Items commonly include hygiene products, stationery, snacks, and basic personal items like shower shoes, underwear, reading glasses, and toiletries.
Scheduling a personal visit at Sonoma County Jail is straightforward once you know the call window and what to have ready. Here's everything you need to know about the phone-only booking process.
Your first in-person visit goes smoother when you plan around the jail's timing rules. Here's what to know about check-in, how long you'll have, and visitor limits.
Sonoma County is changing how regular mail works at its detention facilities this fall. Starting September 1, 2025, all non-privileged mail must go through Pigeonly — you can no longer send it directly to the jail. After October 1, 2025, any non-privileged mail that still shows up at the facility gets returned to sender.
