Phone calls from Minnesota state prisons are free. They have been since July 1, 2023, when Minnesota became the fourth state in the country to provide no-cost phone calls for incarcerated people. Governor Walz signed the Judiciary and Public Safety Budget bill allocating $3.1 million per year to cover the cost.
One update since then: effective May 14, 2025, all completed calls are subject to a 15-minute wait period before another call can be made. This applies at all Minnesota DOC facilities except MCF-Red Wing. Calls remain free.
Minnesota's county jails are separate from the DOC. County jails set their own phone contracts, and callers may still be required to have a funded account to receive county jail calls even though state prison calls are free.
Minnesota DOC uses "incarcerated persons" and "incarcerated individual" in official materials.
MINNESOTA DOC STATE PRISONS - FREE CALLS
Since July 1, 2023, all calls from incarcerated persons at the Minnesota Department of Corrections are free. You do not pay per minute, per call, or in fees of any kind.
Phone vendor: ViaPath Technologies (GTL/ConnectNetwork)
You do not need a ConnectNetwork AdvancePay account or any funds to receive MN DOC no-cost calls. You simply need to accept the call when it comes through by pressing "0" when prompted.
The process:
1. The incarcerated person initiates the call from the facility phone.
2. You receive the call. Press "0" to accept.
3. That's it. No account required. No charge.
Wait period (effective May 14, 2025):
After each completed call, there is a mandatory 15-minute wait before the incarcerated person can place another call. This applies at all MN DOC facilities except MCF-Red Wing. This rule was added to prevent any one person from monopolizing shared phones. Calls remain free.
Emergency contact:
If there is a death, serious illness, or injury in an incarcerated person's family, call the facility directly and leave a message. Staff will verify the information and deliver it to the incarcerated individual. Do not rely on the phone system for emergencies.
Previous AdvancePay accounts:
If you had a ConnectNetwork AdvancePay account from before July 2023 and still have funds remaining, contact ViaPath at 1-877-650-4249 to request a refund. Closing your account will NOT prevent you from receiving free MN DOC calls.
MINNESOTA DOC FACILITIES
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault (MCF-Faribault)
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes (MCF-Lino Lakes)
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Moose Lake (MCF-Moose Lake)
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights (MCF-Oak Park Heights) - highest security
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Red Wing (MCF-Red Wing) - adult and juvenile; exempt from 15-minute wait rule
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City (MCF-Rush City)
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee (MCF-Shakopee) - women's facility
Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud (MCF-St. Cloud)
Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater (MCF-Stillwater) - phased closure announced; verify current status
Community Integration Program facilities (CIP at Shakopee/Togo/Willow River)
And others - full facility list at mn.gov/doc/facilities/index.jsp
Note: MCF-Stillwater is undergoing a phased closure. Verify current housing location for anyone at that facility before attempting contact.
Individual locator: mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/search-individuals-fugitives/index.jsp
MN DOC contact:
1450 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
651-361-7200
MINNESOTA COUNTY JAILS - SEPARATE SYSTEM
Minnesota's county jails are not covered by the state's free calling law. Each county operates its own jail and contracts phone services independently. If you receive calls from someone in a county jail, you may still need a funded ViaPath ConnectNetwork AdvancePay account to receive those calls - even if you no longer need one for MN DOC state prison calls.
The MN DOC publishes an annual Local Jail Communications Report (required by Minn. Stat. §241.253) covering all county and regional jails in the state. The 2024 report covered 78 county and regional facilities. This report is available at mn.gov/doc.
Common vendor: ViaPath/ConnectNetwork serves many Minnesota county jails. Setup at connectnetwork.com or call 1-877-650-4249.
Other vendors: Some Minnesota county jails use Securus Technologies or other providers. Always check the county jail's official website to confirm the current vendor before setting up an account.
How to verify your county jail's vendor: Go to the county sheriff's official website and look for pages labeled "Inmate Telephone," "Phone Calls," or "Jail Services." Call the jail directly if the information is not posted online.
Frequently asked questions
Are phone calls from Minnesota state prisons free?
Yes. Since July 1, 2023, all calls from MN DOC facilities are free. No charges apply.
Do I need a ConnectNetwork account?
No. You do not need any account or funds to receive free MN DOC calls. Press "0" to accept.
What is the 15-minute wait rule?
Since May 14, 2025, after completing a call, the incarcerated person must wait 15 minutes before placing another call. This applies at all MN DOC facilities except MCF-Red Wing. Calls remain free.
Do county jails offer free calls too?
No. The free calling law covers MN DOC state prisons only. County jails contract independently, and charges may apply. You may need a funded ViaPath account for county jail calls.
What if I have money in my old AdvancePay account?
Contact ViaPath at 1-877-650-4249 to request a refund. Closing the account will not stop you from receiving free calls.
What if there is a family emergency?
Call the specific facility where the person is housed. Staff will verify and relay the message to the incarcerated individual.
Where can I find information about Minnesota county jail phone rates?
The Minnesota DOC publishes an annual Local Jail Communications Report covering all county and regional jails. Check mn.gov/doc under Legislative Reports. ====================================================================