MDOC Inmate Commissary Deposit Guide (2026)

MDOC Inmate Commissary Deposit – Easy Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

If you need to send money to an inmate in Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) for commissary, this guide tells you exactly:

  • How to deposit money

  • What commissary is

  • Official methods (no scams)

  • Fees and limits

  • Full step-by-step instructions

  • What to avoid

  • Helpful contact details

This is written in simple, easy English so even a beginner can follow it easily.

❓ What Is Commissary in MDOC?

Commissary is a small store inside the prison.

Inmates use commissary money to buy:

✔ Snacks
✔ Toiletries
✔ Extra stamps and envelopes
✔ Soap, shampoo
✔ Small treats

This is not bail. It is pocket money for inmates.

MDOC keeps the money and lets the inmate spend it inside prison.

📍 Official MDOC Commissary Deposit Methods

Michigan Department of Corrections allows money to be added in these ways:

1. Online Deposit

Fastest method.

2. Phone Deposit

Use a debit or credit card by calling.

3. Mail (Money Order) Deposit

Send a money order by mail.

4. Lobby Kiosk Deposit

Some prisons have a kiosk in the visitor lobby.

💻 1. How to Make an Online Commissary Deposit (Step-by-Step)

Official MDOC Custody/Canteen Partner:
GTL (formerly Keefe Group)

Website:
https://www.gtl.net

Step 1

Open: https://www.gtl.net

Step 2

Click “Friends & Family” then Deposit Funds.

Step 3

Choose State → Michigan.

Step 4

Enter one of following:

  • Inmate’s full name

  • Inmate’s MDOC number

  • Facility name

Step 5

Enter amount you want to send.

Step 6

Enter your payment card details.

Step 7

Confirm and submit.

Step 8

Save receipt or email confirmation.

Note: Online deposits are usually added to inmate account within minutes to a few hours.

☎️ 2. How to Deposit by Phone

If you don’t want to use online:

  1. Call GTL support.

  2. Provide:

    • Inmate’s full name

    • MDOC number (if available)

    • Your payment card details

  3. Confirm payment.

📞 GTL Phone (Friends & Family):
1-866-516-0115
(Use the number shown on GTL website if different.)

Phone deposits usually process within hours.

✉️ 3. How to Send a Money Order by Mail

If you prefer mail:

  1. Buy a money order from:

    • USPS

    • Grocery store

    • Bank

  2. Inmate Name and MDOC number on money order.

  3. Mail it to:

    MDOC Canteen Services
    P.O. Box 337
    Lansing, MI 48909

  4. Include a note with:

    • Your name

    • Inmate name

    • Inmate MDOC number

    • Facility name

Money orders may take 7–14 days to process.

Do NOT send cash. Cash is NOT accepted.

🏢 4. Commissary Lobby Kiosk

Some MIC prisons have in-person kiosks in the visitor lobby.

Steps:

✔ Visit the facility on a visiting day
✔ Find kiosk near lobby
✔ Enter inmate MDOC number
✔ Insert funds using card

Funds usually post faster than mail.

📊 Commissary Fees and Limits

Common Fees

  • Online deposit fees depend on amount.

  • Phone deposits may cost a small service fee.

Daily Deposit Limits

Each inmate may have a daily spending limit. This varies by facility.

Always check the facility rules.

🧠 Why You Should Use Official Methods Only

Third-party sites may:

❌ Charge very high fees
❌ Delay the deposit
❌ Show wrong inmate accounts

Always use official partners only (GTL or MDOC recommendations).

📌 Important Tips Most People Miss

✔ Double-check the spelling of inmate’s name.
✔ Always include MDOC number if you have it.
✔ Keep payment confirmation until funds show in inmate account.
✔ If funds don’t appear in 24 hours, call support.
✔ Deposits on weekends may post slower.

📞 Who to Call for Help

MDOC Headquarters

Michigan Department of Corrections
206 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48909
📞 (517) 373-2450
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections

MDOC Canteen Partner – GTL Support

GTL (Friends & Family Support)
📞 1-866-516-0115
Website: https://www.gtl.net

Use this line if deposit does not credit the inmate account.

🧾 Quick Deposit Checklist (Save This)

✔ Inmate full name
✔ MDOC number (if known)
✔ Facility name
✔ Deposit method (online/phone/mail/kiosk)
✔ Your payment details
✔ Receipt or confirmation saved

🧑‍⚖️ What Commissary Cannot Be Used For

Commissary funds cannot pay for:

❌ Bail or bond
❌ Attorney fees
❌ Court fines
❌ Release fees

It is only for inmate personal spending inside the prison.

📌 Very Simple Summary

If you want to send money to an MDOC inmate for commissary:

  1. Use official GTL online deposit first.

  2. If online not possible, use phone deposit.

  3. If you prefer mail, send money order carefully.

  4. Keep confirmation.

  5. Call support if funds do not show.

This ensures your money gets there safely and quickly.

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