CDCR State Prison Inmate Locator

In an effort to reduce contraband and time-consuming searches of packages destined for inmates, family members cannot send inmate packages, also known as quarterly packages, directly to inmates, who are incarcerated in California State Prison.

Since 2003, CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. Prior to the vendor list, if something was found in a package sent by a family member to an inmate that was not allowed, the inmate had to pay to mail it back to their family member or it is donated or discarded.

Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (all vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions). For more information, please contact any of the currently authorized package vendors listed below.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has approved this independent vendor to sell merchandise to inmates and the public. CDCR’s brief review and approval of this vendor was strictly limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. The CDCR is not affiliated with this vendor and does not guarantee that the vendor will fulfill any obligations, perform as expected, nor permanently remain in business, nor does the CDCR guarantee the vendor’s products in any way. Any purchases from this vendor are at the buyer’s sole risk. The CDCR assumes no liability whatsoever for such purchases, nor any aspect thereof. Any issues or disputes regarding the vendor’s products are the sole responsibility of the buyer and/or the vendor, and the CDCR is not obligated to mediate or resolve any such disputes (Department Operations Manual Section 54030.9.1(a)(7)).

Any funds sent to an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution.

3 Ways to Send Money

• Paid service with a fee
• Funds post to an inmate account within 1 – 3 days
• Friends and family can deposit funds to a trust account or restitution only
• Send money through one of our EFT vendors :
  • GTL/ConnectNetwork
  • JPay
  • Access Corrections

• No fee for sending money via money order, personal check, or cashier’s check
• Fill out Money Order Deposit Form (coupon) with sender name and address
• Make check or money order payable to JPay
• Mail to: JPay, 2202 South Figueroa St, Box #3001, Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Do not include any letters or notes with payment, as these will be discarded
• Personal checks will be held for 10 business days
• Maximum of $999.99 per Money Order Deposit Form (coupon)
• Email not required
• Inmate funds only: JPay does not accept Family Visit, TCL, Restitution only, etc.
• Money Order Deposit Form (coupon)
• Visit JPay.com/LegalAgreementsOut for Terms and Conditions. A JPay account is not needed to send money orders, personal checks,

• No fee
• 30 day hold
• Sender’s name and address required on check or money order
• Make check or money order payable to CDCR
• Include Inmate Name and Inmate CDCR # on check

• Funds to Inmate (for discretionary spending). Money that is being sent to the inmate for his or her own personal use is subject to restitution and administrative charges.
• Restitution Payment. To make a payment for a restitution fine or direct order for a parolee, the parolee should contact his/her parole agent for instruction. If the payment is for an inmate, the inmate should contact his/her counselor for information. When making a payment, please give the restitution fine or direct order information. We also need in writing what should be done with any excess money over the fine or direct order amount. It can either be given to the inmate or refunded to the sender. IMPORTANT: When an inmate has a Restitution Fine and Direct Order Collection a portion of any money you send in will be used to pay that fine or collection. Effective January 1, 2007 and thereafter, when an inmate owes any obligation pursuant to a restitution fine imposed by a court, the department shall deduct 50 percent or the balance owing, whichever is less, from the inmate’s wages and trust account deposits regardless of the source of such income. In addition, an administrative fee of 10 percent of the deduction shall be deducted to reimburse the department for its administrative costs, for a maximum deduction of 55 percent. The amount deducted, less the administrative fee, shall be transferred to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for deposit in the Crime Victims’ Restitution Fund in the State Treasury. (CCR § 3097) You may contact the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board at 800-777-9229. Visit the CalVCB website.
• Family Visiting. Before sending money for family visiting, contact the institution’s Family Visiting Office at the institution where the inmate is located for instructions. NOTE: Funds for family visiting may NOT be sent via Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Temporary Community Leave. Before sending money for Temporary Community Leave, the inmate should contact his or her counselor for instructions.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has partnered with, the California Department of Technology (CDT), to enter into a contract with ViaPath Technologies (formerly Global Tel*Link Corporation, or GTL) to enhance communications, technology access, and family connections for the incarcerated population in state prisons.

CDCR knows how important it is for incarcerated people to stay connected with their loved ones. The Department offers ample opportunities for connection through in-person and video visits, letters, electronic messaging, and video and audio calls.

CDCR continues to expand access to new and existing services and innovative rehabilitative opportunities. This six-year contract covers many aspects of communications technology, including providing access to services from tablets and kiosks for the entire incarcerated population.

Beginning January 1, 2023, all telephone audio calls made from an incarcerated person in a California state prison will be free of charge to the incarcerated person and their friends and families.

The enhanced communication project aims to strengthen the bonds between the incarcerated population with their families and communities. Jails and prisons across the US are seeing the benefits of utilizing electronic devices as they provide incarcerated individuals access to rehabilitative program content, important departmental updates, and positive leisure-time activities, such as knowledge-based games and books. These devices also allow these activities to be tracked and monitored for safety and security. 

Tablets are provided at no cost to families or incarcerated people, although certain premium features, such as streaming music services, may incur charges. These paid tablet services are funded through the incarcerated individual’s Trust Fund. Family and friends can make deposits to Trust Fund accounts through ConnectNetwork, ViaPath Technologies’ one-stop resource for assisting family and friends in connecting and communicating with their incarcerated loved ones. Learn more about ConnectNetwork and how to get started. (web.connectnetwork.com/get-started-cdcr).

 Utilize the CDCR's online inmate locator tool to search for individuals within the California prison system. 

 The search results provide information such as the inmate's current location, CDCR number, and parole eligibility. 

 Follow the guidelines provided by the CDCR for sending mail to inmates, including proper addressing and adherence to content restrictions. 

 The CDCR provides information on parole hearings through their online portal. You can also contact the parole board for specific details. 

 The CDCR offers a variety of rehabilitation programs, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can inquire about available programs at their facility. 

 Yes, you can visit an inmate in a California prison regardless of your location. However, consider the distance and plan accordingly. 

 The CDCR provides information on each prison's rules and regulations on their website. You can also contact the specific prison directly for detailed guidelines.