Minnesota Department of Corrections

The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

In addition, the inmate search contains information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are currently under supervision. It also contains those inmates who have absconded or escaped.

Note: Information about Minnesota Predatory (Sex) Offenders and Active DOC Fugitives can be found on separate pages.

The actual prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The Minnesota State Prison System began in 1853, when the first state prison in Minnesota opened in Stillwater.

Today the state of Minnesota Prison System maintains 10 state prisons.

With a staff of 4,200 correctional workers, as of the end of 2023 they oversee approximately 9,000 inmates, with another 97,000 on parole or supervised release.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Minnesota Department of Corrections Inmate Search Instructions

The Minnesota Department of Corrections provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate. Inmates in custody have their crimes listed, as well as previous convictions. They also list all inmates who have been discharged.

To look up an inmate, you need the full last name.  

• You can list all inmates who share the same last name.
• You can search an inmate using their MNDOC Offender ID.
• If you wish to do a broad search though, if the result has more than 200 names, nothing gets listed and you have to add the first name to get a smaller set of results.

The first set of results if you used the full last name will list their name, MDOC (Offender) Number, Date of Birth, and Status (Incarcerated or Under Supervision). Click on the linked Name to get to the inmate's page.  In this example we used a last name of 'Roberts', thus the limited number of results.

The inmate's page will have quite a bit of information, including an inmate's mugshot.

Minnesota Department of Corrections uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account. 



You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
Inmate's Correctional ID number and last name
The facility name or receive code (1279)
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order
            Payable to Jpay
            PO Box 246450
            Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Click the links below to download the form.
English Version Form Here
Spanish Version Form Here

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

There are two ways to visit an inmate in the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

In-Person
Remote Video

Follow the instructions for both below.  the Remote Video Information is at the bottom, or can be found in the next section on this page.

Step 1 - Application

Before you can visit an inmate in the Minnesota Department of Corrections you need to complete an application and mail it to:

Minnesota Correctional Facility - Rush City
7600 525th St.
Rush City, MN 55069
320-358-0400

No faxes. No emails. The approval process takes about three weeks.

The English version can be filled in online.  The Spanish version needs to be filled out offline.  Both should be mailed.

Step 2 - Scheduling a Visit

After you have been approved, you can schedule a visit by phone. Inmates are notified when an applicant is approved and it is their responsibility to notify you. Applicants that are denied or banned due to failing the application process are mailed a letter of explanation. Applicants have the right to appeal a denial or ban the appeal instructions are contained in the letter.

Phone numbers for scheduling visits:

Red Wing: 651-267-3653
Togo: 218-376-7849
Rush City: 320-358-0481
Shakopee: 952-496-4941
Stillwater: 651-748-7909
Lino Lakes: 651-717-6578
Moose Lake: 218-485-5170
Faribault: 507-332-4500
St. Cloud: 320-240-3000 ext. 5504
Oak Park Heights: 651-779-1400 select option 3 then select option 6
Willow River: 218-485-2400

How long are Visits?

Generally, visitors that drive less than 100 miles (one way) will be able to register for a 1 or 2 hour visit. With prior approval a visitor that drives in excess of 100 miles (one way) may be granted an extended visit (calculated by using an internet map and inputting the visitors address on file). The extended visit must be initiated by the offender at least 7-10 days before the day of the visit, and may be limited to a certain number per month. Due to space restraints, certain facilities may limit visits to one hour on weekends. Restrictive housing, non-contact and video visits are also limited to one hour. Restrictive housing visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

What is the Visitation Schedule for Minnesota Department of Corrections?

Each facility has an established visiting schedule.

There is no visiting on the following State recognized holidays*:

New Year's Day
President's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth (June 19)
July 4 (Independence Day)
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving and the following Friday
Christmas Day
*Willow River and Togo Challenge Incarceration Program participants may have visitors on holidays IF the holiday falls on a regularly-scheduled visiting day.

What are the Rules and Guidelines for Visiting an Inmate?

Prior to coming to your visit it's important to read and understand the Rules, Guidelines, Dress Codes and Restrictions (Offenders, Visitors) for visiting an inmate in the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Minnesota Department of Corrections uses Jpay for Remote Inmate Visitation

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Jpay for 'Phone' or 'Email').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for Visitation. The JPay website will direct you to the open visit times for your inmate's living unit.
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Jpay ‘stamps’.
4. Schedule a Visit or send a Videogram.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY do remote visits from the Jpay website, or with the Jpay app. (links below).
2. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can use the credit on their end.
3. You CAN send a :30 second Videogram. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
- You CANNOT send a videogram or have a visit that would normally be rejected by the facility staff.

Other Things:
- If your Videogram is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of visiting by video?

Typically $3.50 for 15 minutes. 

Other message costs:

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your Videogram with a message if you attach a return stamp.
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

How often can I video visit?

Video visits do not count against an incarcerated person's visiting hours. How often you visit is limited by the availability of the kiosk in the living unit and their schedule.

Video Visitation FAQs < click here.

Video Visitation Rules < click here

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 800-574-5729
iphone app
Android app

Minnesota Department of Corrections uses Jpay for IRemote Inmate Visitation

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Jpay for 'Phone' or 'Email').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for Visitation
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Jpay ‘stamps’.
4. Schedule a Visit or send a Videogram.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY do remote visits from the Jpay website, or with the Jpay app. (links below).
2. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can use the credit on their end.
3. You CAN send a :30 second Videogram. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
- You CANNOT send a videogram or have a visit that would normally be rejected by the facility staff.

Other Things:
- If your Videogram is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of visiting by video?

Typically $3.50 for 15 minutes. 

Other message costs:

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your Videogram with a message if you attach a return stamp.
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 800-574-5729
iphone app
Android app

There are three Ways to Communicate with an Inmate in the Minnesota Department of Corrections by Phone

To get started you must first open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Minnesota Department of Corrections, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

How to deposit money for Inmate Communications: 

(NOTICE... AT THIS TIME ALL PHONE CALLS ARE FREE, WITH NO CHARGE TO YOU OR THE INMATE)

• Online
• By phone by calling 877-650-4249
• Deposit by cash, visa or mc debit and credit cards in the Minnesota Department of Corrections lobby kiosk
• By mail... Check or Money Order made out to:
  AdvancePay Service Department
  P.O. Box 911722
  Denver, CO 80291-1722
• Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are also available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

Minnesota Department of Corrections Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Minnesota Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Minnesota Department of Corrections also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

The original mail will be copied and given to the inmate.  The original will then be shredded and disposed of.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Incoming mail is limited to 16 ounces per item. A maximum of 20 photographs are allowed per envelope or mailing. A mailing is defined a two or more mailed items from the same sender received on the same day. Polaroid photographs must have the backing removed.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full name and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full name and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Minnesota Department of Corrections allows NEW books to be mailed directly from trusted sources such as Amazon, Walmart and Books-A-Million. Confirm with your inmate prior to ordering.

You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Minnesota Department of Corrections standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full name and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

Minnesota Department of Corrections uses Jpay for Inmate Email.

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Jpay for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Jpay ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY send messages from the Jpay website, or with the Jpay app. (links below).
2. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can use the credit on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
1.  You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.

Other Things:
1.  Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of sending inmate messages?

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 800-574-5729
iphone app
Android app

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in Minnesota. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in Minnesota.

Minnesota State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

Minnesota has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in Minnesota also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In Minnesota Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than Minnesota, go here. To find an inmate in Minnesota, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.