Adding an inmate on Paytel takes about five minutes and requires their full name, inmate number, and facility name
Paytel is a service that lets you send money to incarcerated people so they can make phone calls, buy commissary items, or access other services depending on the facility. To add someone, you log into your Paytel account online or through the mobile app, enter their details exactly as they appear in the prison or jail system, and confirm the information. Once added, you can send money immediately.
The process is straightforward, but getting the inmate's information wrong — even by one letter or digit — will cause the system to reject your entry. This section walks you through each step so you add them correctly the first time.
Key Takeaways
- You need the inmate's full legal name, their inmate or booking number, and the exact name of their facility before you start.
- The inmate's name and number must match the prison or jail records exactly, or the system will not recognize them.
- You can add an inmate through the Paytel website or the Paytel mobile app on iOS or Android.
- After you add an inmate, you can send money to them the same day, though the funds may take one to three business days to appear in their account.
Get the inmate's information from the facility or a recent letter
Before you open Paytel, gather three pieces of information: the inmate's full legal name, their inmate number (sometimes called a booking number or offender number), and the exact name of the facility where they are held. The name of the facility matters because the same person's name might be in multiple jails or prisons, and Paytel needs to know which one.
The fastest way to get this information is to ask the inmate directly if you have contact with them — by phone, letter, or visit. If you do not, call the facility's main number and ask for the inmate lookup line. Give them the person's name and date of birth, and they will read back the inmate number and confirm the facility name. Write down exactly what they tell you, including any hyphens or spaces in the inmate number.
If the inmate has sent you a letter, the inmate number is usually printed on the envelope or inside the letter. Use that number rather than guessing or trying to reconstruct it.
Create or log into your Paytel account
Go to paytel.com on a computer or open the Paytel app on your phone. If you already have a Paytel account, enter your email address and password to log in. If you do not have an account, click "Sign Up" or "Create Account" and follow the prompts to enter your name, email, and a password.
Paytel will ask for a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account — but you do not have to add money right now. You can add the inmate first and fund the account later. However, you will need a valid payment method on file before you can send money.
Add the inmate through the website or app
Once you are logged in, look for a button or link that says "Add Inmate," "Add Offender," or "Add Recipient." On the website, this is usually near the top of the page or in a menu. In the app, it is typically a plus sign or a button labeled "Add."
Click that button. A form will appear asking for the inmate's information. Enter the following exactly as it appears in the facility's records:
- Full legal name (first, middle if applicable, and last name)
- Inmate number or booking number
- Facility name
- Date of birth (some facilities require this)
Do not add nicknames, abbreviations, or variations. If the inmate's name is "Robert" but they go by "Bob," enter "Robert." If the inmate number has a hyphen or space, include it exactly as the facility gave it to you. Paytel matches your entry against the facility's database, and even small differences will cause the system to say the inmate was not found.
Verify the inmate's information and confirm
After you enter the details, Paytel will display what you typed and ask you to confirm. Read through it carefully. Check that the name spelling matches, the inmate number is complete, and the facility name is correct. If anything looks wrong, go back and fix it before you confirm.
Once you click "Confirm" or "Add Inmate," Paytel will search the facility's system. If the information matches, the inmate will be added to your account and you will see a confirmation message. If the information does not match, Paytel will tell you the inmate was not found. In that case, double-check the inmate number and facility name by calling the facility again, then try adding them once more with the corrected information.
Send money to the inmate after they are added
Once the inmate appears in your account, you can send money to them. The process varies slightly depending on whether you are using the website or the app, but both work the same way: select the inmate's name, choose how much money to send, and confirm your payment method.
Paytel charges a fee for each transaction — the amount depends on the facility and the payment method you use. The fee is shown before you confirm, so you will know the total cost. After you send money, Paytel will give you a confirmation number. Keep that number in case you need to track the transaction later.
The money usually reaches the inmate's account within one to three business days. Some facilities process deposits faster than others. The inmate can then use the funds to make phone calls, buy items from commissary, or access other services the facility offers.
Troubleshooting if the inmate is not found
If Paytel says the inmate was not found, the most common reason is that the name or inmate number does not match the facility's records exactly. Call the facility's inmate lookup line again and ask them to spell out the name letter by letter and read the inmate number digit by digit. Write it down word-for-word and try adding the inmate again.
Another possibility is that the inmate is at a different facility than you thought. If you are not sure which facility they are in, call your local county jail or state prison system and ask them to search by the person's name and date of birth. They can tell you where the person is currently held.
In rare cases, a facility may not use Paytel. If the facility is not in Paytel's system, you will not be able to add the inmate through this service. Call the facility and ask what payment methods they accept for inmate accounts. They may use a different service or require you to send money by mail or wire transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an inmate if I do not know their inmate number?
You can try entering just their name and facility, but Paytel may not find them without the inmate number. The safest approach is to call the facility and ask for the inmate number before you attempt to add them. This takes five minutes and prevents you from entering the wrong person by accident.
What if the inmate's name has changed since they were booked?
Use the name that appears in the facility's current records, not a former name. If you are unsure which name is in the system, call the facility and ask. The inmate number will be the same regardless of name changes, so if you have that number correct, Paytel should find them.
How long does it take for money to show up in the inmate's account?
Most facilities process deposits within one to three business days. Some facilities are faster. Paytel will show you an estimated delivery date when you send the money. If the funds do not arrive within that timeframe, contact Paytel customer support with your confirmation number.
Can I add multiple inmates to one Paytel account?
Yes. You can add as many inmates as you need to a single account. Each time you want to send money, select which inmate you are sending it to, and Paytel will process the transaction to that person's account.
What happens if I enter the wrong inmate by mistake?
If you send money to the wrong person, contact Paytel immediately with your confirmation number. Paytel may be able to reverse the transaction or redirect the funds, but the sooner you report the error, the better. Do not wait to see if the inmate contacts you about unexpected money in their account.