LA County Commissary Services
Fastest Ways to Deposit Money
Send money to an inmate's account for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other services. Choose the method that works best for you:
= Online Deposit
Fastest & Most Convenient
Available 24/7 with instant processing. Credit/debit cards accepted with small processing fee.
Deposit Online NowProcessing: Instant
Fee: $2.95 + 5% of deposit
Max: $300 per transaction
? Phone Deposit
Call Anytime, 24/7
Automated system accepts credit/debit cards. Have booking number ready for faster service.
Call (866) 345-3805Processing: 1-2 hours
Fee: $3.95 + 5% of deposit
Languages: English, Spanish
$ Cash/Money Order
No Credit Card Needed
Deposit cash at facility kiosks or mail money orders. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
Cash Deposit InfoProcessing: 1-3 business days
Fee: $2.00 flat fee
Max: $500 per deposit
? MoneyGram Locations
8,000+ Locations Nationwide
Use any MoneyGram location to send money. Available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing stores.
Find LocationsProcessing: 2-4 hours
Fee: $4.95 + location fees
Code: Use facility code 1234
What You Need to Deposit Money
Required Information:
- Inmate's Full Legal Name (exact spelling)
- Booking Number (if available - speeds up process)
- Date of Birth (month/day/year)
- Your Name & Address (for receipt)
- Payment Method (credit/debit card or cash)
Helpful Tips:
- Use the exact name on their ID - nicknames won't work
- Have the booking number ready to avoid delays
- Deposits typically post within 1-2 hours during business hours
- Weekend deposits may take until Monday to process
- Keep your confirmation number for tracking
What Inmates Can Buy
Commissary items vary by facility and security level. Here are the most commonly available items across LA County jails:
? Food & Beverages
Snacks & Candy
- Honey buns, cookies, crackers
- Candy bars, gum, mints
- Nuts, seeds, beef jerky
- Chips, popcorn, pretzels
Price range: $0.75 - $3.50
Beverages
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Sports drinks, sodas
- Juice drinks, water
- Energy drink mixes
Price range: $0.50 - $2.25
Meals & Soup
- Ramen noodles, instant soup
- Canned tuna, chicken
- Rice, beans, instant meals
- Peanut butter, jelly
Price range: $0.85 - $4.00
? Personal Care Items
Hygiene Essentials
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Deodorant, lotion
- Toilet paper, tissues
Price range: $1.25 - $5.50
Health & Wellness
- Vitamins, pain relievers
- Antacids, cold medicine
- Eye drops, nasal spray
- Bandages, first aid items
Price range: $2.00 - $8.00
Personal Items
- Razors, shaving cream
- Combs, hair ties
- Nail clippers, tweezers
- Reading glasses
Price range: $1.50 - $12.00
? Electronics & Supplies
Electronics
- Radios, headphones
- Batteries (AA, AAA)
- Tablets (approved models)
- Phone cards, calling time
Price range: $2.00 - $150.00
Writing & Reading
- Paper, notebooks, pens
- Envelopes, stamps
- Books, magazines
- Playing cards, puzzles
Price range: $0.50 - $15.00
Clothing & Shoes
- Underwear, socks, t-shirts
- Sweatshirts, sweatpants
- Approved tennis shoes
- Religious items (approved)
Price range: $3.00 - $75.00
Commissary Shopping Schedule
How Often Can Inmates Shop?
- General Population: Once per week
- Protective Custody: Once per week (different day)
- Medical Housing: Twice per week
- Disciplinary Housing: Once every two weeks
Spending Limits
- Weekly Limit: $100-$150 (varies by facility)
- Monthly Limit: $300-$500 (varies by classification)
- Account Maximum: $1,000 total balance
Shopping Days by Housing Unit
Commissary by Facility
Men's Central Jail
Shopping Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday | Weekly Limit: $150
Special Items: Tablets available, expanded food selection, religious items
Delivery: Same day for orders placed before 2 PM
Twin Towers Correctional Facility
Shopping Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Weekly Limit: $125
Special Items: Medical commissary items, special dietary foods
Delivery: Medical housing gets priority delivery
Century Regional Detention Facility
Shopping Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | Weekly Limit: $150
Special Items: Women's hygiene products, maternal health items
Delivery: Enhanced selection for expectant mothers
North County Correctional Facility
Shopping Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Weekly Limit: $150
Special Items: Work program items, educational materials
Delivery: Processing may take 1-2 days due to remote location
Cash & Money Order Deposits
Cash Deposit Kiosks
Available at select facilities during visiting hours:
- Men's Central Jail: Main lobby kiosk
- Twin Towers: Visiting area entrance
- Century Regional: Family services area
- North County: Not available (mail only)
Mail Money Orders
Send money orders to:
LA County Inmate AccountsInmate Name & Booking Number
P.O. Box 86164
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164
Money Order Requirements:
- Make payable to "Inmate Name + Booking Number"
- Include your return address
- Write inmate's name & booking # on memo line
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- Maximum amount: $500 per money order
Sending Packages to Inmates
Package Restrictions
Most facilities do NOT accept packages from families. All items must be purchased through approved vendors:
Approved Package Vendors:
- Union Supply Direct: Books, magazines, educational materials
- Access Securepak: Care packages with approved items
- eCommDirect: Electronics and communication devices
- Care-A-Cell: Health and hygiene packages
What CAN Be Sent
- Books (paperback only, new condition)
- Magazines (current issue, direct from publisher)
- Religious materials (approved publishers)
- Legal documents (attorney mail only)
- Photos (non-sexual, family appropriate)
What CANNOT Be Sent
- Food items of any kind
- Clothing or personal items
- Electronics (unless from approved vendor)
- Money or gift cards
- Hardcover books
- Used or damaged items
- Polaroid photos or instant photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate's account?
Online deposits: Usually instant during business hours (Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM). Weekend and evening deposits post the next business day.
Phone deposits: 1-2 hours during business hours, next business day for after-hours deposits.
Cash/Money orders: 1-3 business days for processing and posting to account.
What happens if an inmate is transferred to another facility?
The inmate's commissary account balance automatically transfers with them to the new facility. However, any pending orders may be cancelled and refunded. Items purchased at one facility typically cannot be transferred to another facility.
Can I get a refund if an inmate is released?
Yes, remaining account balances can be refunded after release. The inmate or authorized family member must request a refund in writing. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Balances under $10 may be automatically refunded.
How much money should I put on an inmate's account?
Most inmates spend $50-$100 per week on commissary items. Consider their needs: basic hygiene items ($20-30/week), food supplements ($30-50/week), and communication costs ($20-40/week for phone calls). Start with $100-150 and adjust based on their spending patterns.
Can inmates order commissary items online themselves?
No, inmates cannot access the internet or order items online. All commissary purchases must be made through the facility's internal ordering system during their assigned shopping day. Inmates fill out paper order forms and submit them to commissary staff.
Why are commissary prices higher than regular stores?
Commissary prices include costs for security screening, delivery to secure facilities, inventory management, and markup for facility operations. Prices are typically 20-50% higher than retail stores. The commissary system also helps fund recreational and educational programs for inmates.
Common Issues & Solutions
× Deposit Failed or Declined
Problem: Your credit/debit card was declined or the deposit didn't go through
Solutions:
- Verify card information is correct (number, expiration, CVV)
- Check that your bank hasn't blocked the transaction
- Ensure sufficient funds plus processing fees
- Try a different card or payment method
- Call your bank to authorize the transaction
? Can't Find Inmate
Problem: The system can't locate the inmate for deposit
Solutions:
- Double-check spelling of full legal name
- Try using different name variations (maiden name, etc.)
- Verify the inmate is still at that facility
- Wait if recently booked (may take 2-4 hours to appear)
- Call the facility directly for assistance
? Deposit Delayed
Problem: Money deposited but not showing in inmate's account
Solutions:
- Check if deposit was made during business hours
- Weekend deposits process on Monday
- Keep confirmation number for tracking
- Wait 24-48 hours before calling
- Contact customer service with confirmation details
? Package Rejected
Problem: Package or mail was returned to sender
Solutions:
- Review facility's approved vendor list
- Ensure items are on approved list
- Use only authorized package services
- Include complete inmate information
- Verify sender address requirements
Related Services for Families
? Phone Services
Set up prepaid calling accounts and understand phone call procedures for staying in touch with your loved one.
Phone Information? Schedule Visits
Learn about visiting hours, requirements, and how to schedule visits at each LA County facility.
Visiting Hours= Find Inmate
Locate inmates across all LA County facilities and get current housing information and status.
Inmate Search$ Bail Services
Find licensed bail bond companies and learn about the bail process for your family member.
Bail Bond DirectoryNeed Help with Commissary Services?
GTL Customer Service
For online deposits, account issues, and technical support
(866) 345-3805Hours: 24/7 automated system
Live support: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 8 PM PT
Facility Commissary
For facility-specific questions and account balances
Facility Phone NumbersHours: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Best time to call: Tuesday-Thursday 10 AM - 3 PM
Online Support
Account management, deposit history, and refunds
GTL WebsiteAvailable: 24/7 account access
Features: Deposit history, receipt printing
Important Legal Information
Your Rights
- Refund Rights: Unused account balances can be refunded upon release
- Fee Disclosure: All fees must be clearly disclosed before transactions
- Account Access: Right to account balance information
- Dispute Resolution: Right to dispute unauthorized charges
- Privacy: Financial information protected under privacy laws
Understanding Fees
- Processing Fees: Cover transaction costs and security measures
- Convenience Fees: Added for online and phone services
- Markup Costs: Commissary prices include facility operational costs
- No Hidden Fees: All costs disclosed before payment
- Fee Comparisons: Shop around for best deposit options
Disclaimer: This website provides information only and is not affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or commissary service providers. Commissary policies and prices subject to change. Always verify current information with facility staff or official service providers.