Iowa
Rules in Iowa vary depending on whether your loved one is in an Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) prison or a county jail. This guide covers the key Iowa-specific steps: finding the right facility, getting approved to visit, staying in touch, sending mail, and adding money to their account.
Facility Info
First, confirm whether your loved one is in an IDOC prison or a county jail. Then match your next step to the correct office and address. Scott County Jail...
Read guideVisitation
Complete the visitor application on paper. Iowa DOC does not accept electronic visitor applications, you must print and sign the form.. Mail your...
Read guideWhat to bring and rules you must follow for in-person visits
At Iowa county jails, expect a background check and courthouse-style screening before you reach the visiting area. Scott County requires visitors to pass a...
Read guidePhone & Messaging
In the Iowa DOC system, your loved one cannot receive incoming phone calls. They must add your phone number to their approved calling list before they can...
Read guideMail & Photos
For Iowa DOC prisons, all incoming non-legal mail is routed through a central mail processor (Pigeonly) to help prevent contraband. Send non-legal letters...
Read guideSending Money
IDOC prisons use centralized offender banking. All incoming money for spending and commissary accounts goes through Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. Mail...
Read guideIntake, facility assignment, and what newly admitted offenders may keep
In Iowa DOC, intake happens at different locations based on gender. Male offenders are processed through the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC)...
Read guideFind an Inmate
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Common Questions
Q
Can I send non-legal mail directly to the prison facility?
No. Iowa DOC requires all incoming non-legal mail to be sent to the central Pigeonly processing address (PO Box 96777, Las Vegas, NV 89193). Non-legal mail sent directly to an IDOC facility will be returned to the sender.
Q
Will originals of mailed photos or letters be returned to me?
No. Pigeonly scans non-legal mail into a digital color copy for delivery to the facility, and the originals are not returned. Iowa DOC policy says originals are temporarily stored and then securely destroyed.
Q
How do I apply to be an approved visitor?
You have to print and sign the visitor application, then mail it to Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, Attn: Central Records, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. Iowa DOC does not accept electronic applications, and every adult must submit their own application.
Q
What if my visitation application is denied?
You can appeal in writing to the Central Visiting Authority at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. Send the appeal to 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.