If someone you love is locked up in South Dakota, getting money into their account covers commissary - food, hygiene, phone time, writing supplies - and keeps the connection alive. South Dakota's state prison system uses three separate platforms for three separate purposes, and funds deposited to one cannot be used on another. Understanding which platform does what before you send money saves time and confusion.
Before anything else, there is a requirement: anyone who wants to send money to a South Dakota DOC inmate must be an approved visitor. The SDDOC requires a completed visitation application and background check for anyone who wishes to deposit funds - not just for those who plan to visit in person.
South Dakota splits adult custody between the South Dakota Department of Corrections (SDDOC) for state sentences and county jails operated by county sheriffs. SDDOC operates eight adult correctional facilities. South Dakota has 66 counties, each with its own jail.
Step one: complete the visitation application
Anyone wishing to deposit funds must complete a visitation application. A background check is required for applicants 18 and older. Once approved, visitors must submit a renewal application each year. Without approved visitor status, deposits will not be processed.
Apply online at doc.sd.gov/adult-corrections/visitors, or download a printable application from the same page and email it to VisitList@state.sd.us or mail it to the specific facility.
Three separate platforms, three separate accounts
SDDOC's deposit system uses three distinct platforms. Each funds a different account. Funds cannot be transferred between them.
JailATM - for the general commissary/trust account
The commissary account - used for canteen purchases, personal items, and related spending - is funded through JailATM. Go to deposits.jailatm.com and complete your deposit online. Funds are typically available to the offender within two days, though timing may vary by facility. Fees apply. For JailATM support, call 1-877-810-0914 or email support@jailatm.com.
ConnectNetwork - for the phone and tablet account only
Phone calls and tablet services are funded separately through ConnectNetwork (operated by ViaPath/GTL). Go to web.connectnetwork.com, select South Dakota Department of Corrections, and deposit by credit or debit card. These funds can only be used for phone calls and tablet purchases and cannot be transferred to the commissary account. For ConnectNetwork support, call 1-877-650-4249.
GettingOut - for messaging at select facilities only
Messaging services at select SDDOC facilities are funded through GettingOut. Go to pay.gettingout.com to deposit messaging credits. Messages can only be exchanged between an offender and approved contacts listed on their phone list. Photos cannot be sent through the messaging system. For GettingOut support, call 888-428-1845. Not all SDDOC facilities offer GettingOut messaging - check the official page for current availability.
Money orders and cashier's checks by mail
Approved visitors may also mail money orders or cashier's checks directly to the facility. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Requirements for mailed deposits:
- Make the money order or cashier's check payable to the offender
- Include the offender's first name, last name, and DOC ID number
- Include the remitter's name and address on the money order or cashier's check
- Include the sender's full first name, last name, and return address on the envelope
- All information must be legible - failure to include any required information may result in the deposit being rejected
Mail directly to the facility where the person is housed. Find facility addresses at doc.sd.gov/adult-corrections/facilities.
The DOC number is required
The DOC number is SDDOC's identification number for each incarcerated person. Required for all deposit methods. Find it using the SDDOC Offender Locator at docadultlookup.sd.gov.
SDDOC facilities
SDDOC operates the following adult facilities:
South Dakota State Penitentiary - Sioux Falls
Jameson Prison - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Minimum Center - Sioux Falls
Mike Durfee State Prison - Springfield
South Dakota Women's Prison - Pierre
Pierre Minimum Center - Pierre
Rapid City Minimum Center - Rapid City
Yankton Minimum Center - Yankton
SDDOC also contracts with St. Francis House (Sioux Falls), Cornerstone Rescue Mission (Rapid City), and Hughes County Jail (Pierre) to house certain SDDOC offenders.
SDDOC Constituent Services
605-773-3478
DOCInfo@state.sd.us
3200 East Highway 34, Pierre SD 57501
doc.sd.gov
County jails: vendor varies by county
South Dakota has 66 counties, each with its own jail operated by the county sheriff. County jails set their own deposit vendors independently of SDDOC.
Minnehaha County Jail (Sioux Falls), at 500 North Minnesota Avenue, uses JailATM for deposits. For questions about deposits call 605-367-4321. Bond can be posted through CourtMoney.com. Messaging and video visits through NCIC.
Pennington County Jail (Rapid City) has its own deposit system. Check the Pennington County Sheriff's website or call the facility for current instructions.
The vendor is county-specific - the only reliable way to find the current deposit vendor for a specific South Dakota county jail is to check that county sheriff's website or call the facility directly.
Accounts do not transfer between systems. When your person moves from a county jail to an SDDOC state prison, county account balances stay with the county vendor. You set up new deposits through JailATM for commissary and ConnectNetwork for phone/tablet - after completing the SDDOC visitation application.
Federal custody in South Dakota
FPC Yankton (the federal minimum-security camp in Yankton) is a Bureau of Prisons facility in South Dakota. Deposits go through the BOP Trust Fund via Western Union, MoneyGram at retail, or online at bop.gov. You need the eight-digit BOP register number. Do not use SDDOC methods for federal inmates.
What to know before you send anything
You must be an approved visitor before sending money. Complete the visitation application at doc.sd.gov/adult-corrections/visitors. Background check required for adults; annual renewal required.
Three platforms, three purposes - they do not cross. JailATM funds commissary. ConnectNetwork funds phone and tablet only. GettingOut funds messaging only. Depositing to the wrong platform means the money cannot be used where it is needed.
Money orders by mail go to the facility - not to a vendor lockbox. Make payable to the offender, not to JailATM or any other company. Include all required information or the deposit will be rejected.
County jails use different vendors. Minnehaha County uses JailATM and NCIC. Each county sets its own system.
Related pages:
/prisons/south-dakota
How to write a letter to someone in a South Dakota facility
Send mail and photos through InmateAid
Arrest Record Search (affiliate)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an approved visitor to send money to an SDDOC inmate?
Yes. Anyone wishing to deposit funds must complete a visitation application and pass a background check (age 18+). Annual renewal is required. Apply at doc.sd.gov/adult-corrections/visitors.
What is JailATM and what does it fund?
JailATM (deposits.jailatm.com) funds the offender's general commissary/trust account for canteen purchases and personal items. Support: 1-877-810-0914 or support@jailatm.com. Funds available within approximately 2 days.
What does ConnectNetwork fund?
The phone and tablet account only. Funds deposited through ConnectNetwork can only be used for phone calls and tablet services and cannot be transferred to the commissary account. Support: 1-877-650-4249.
What does GettingOut fund?
The messaging account at select SDDOC facilities. Funds at pay.gettingout.com. Messaging is with approved contacts on the offender's phone list only. Support: 888-428-1845.
Can I transfer funds between JailATM, ConnectNetwork, and GettingOut?
No. These are three separate accounts. Funds deposited to one cannot be used on another.
How do I mail a money order to an SDDOC inmate?
Make it payable to the offender (not to any vendor). Include the offender's full name and DOC ID#, your name and address on the money order, and your full return address on the envelope. Mail to the specific facility address. Information must be legible.
What is the DOC number and where do I find it?
SDDOC's identification number for each incarcerated person. Required for all deposits. Find it at docadultlookup.sd.gov.
What vendor does Minnehaha County Jail use?
JailATM for deposits. Phone: 605-367-4321.
How do I send money to someone at FPC Yankton?
FPC Yankton is a federal BOP facility. Use the BOP Trust Fund - Western Union, MoneyGram, or bop.gov. You need the eight-digit BOP register number. ====================================================================
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