Men's Central Jail
How to Send Money to Someone at Men's Central Jail
By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.
Since July 28, 2025, LASD takes deposits online through Access Corrections at accesscorrections.com, on its free mobile app, or by phone at 866-345-1884. You need the person's name and booking number and a valid residential address, because P.O. boxes are not accepted. Mailed money orders and in person deposits at the Inmate Reception Center are also listed.
What is the easiest way to deposit money for someone at MCJ?
Online. LASD says deposits for its jails go through Access Corrections, the contracted vendor. You can use the website, the free app or the live bilingual agent line at 866-345-1884. Have the booking number ready, which our search help explains how to get.
LASD requires depositors to give a valid residential address. A P.O. box is not accepted. LASD does not publish the vendor's fees or per deposit limits on its own pages, so read the screen before you pay.
An older notice on LASD's lookup page says online deposits ended in 2015. That is out of date, so ignore it.
Is there a cash kiosk at Men's Central?
Not that LASD lists. The cash kiosk LASD describes is at the Pitchess Detention Center visiting center in Castaic, and it works only during visiting hours with government photo ID. No lobby kiosk at the downtown jails is listed.
For cash in person, LASD says to bring government photo ID to the Inmate Reception Center at 450 Bauchet Street, next to MCJ. Call first to confirm how it works on the day you plan to go.
Can I mail a money order to MCJ?
LASD lists mailed deposits as a certified California bank cashier's check or a US Postal money order, payable to the inmate's name and booking number. Out of state senders can use only US Postal money orders. Men's deposits go to LASD, P.O. Box 86164, Terminal Annex, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164, Attn Inmate Name, Booking Number.
LASD lists a maximum on mailed deposits, but its own pages give two different figures. Check the LASD page before you buy one. Do not send cash, personal checks or blank money orders. They are rejected.
What does the money pay for?
Money on the books goes into the inmate trust account, which he can use for commissary. Commissary and care packages are sold by independent vendors, not LASD, and LASD links to them from its inmate services page.
Remember that money on the books does not release anyone. Bail is separate. If you are weighing both, the bail amount page explains how it is set, and our guide to bail costs shows what a bond premium is.
Who do I call with a deposit question?
LASD lists (213) 893-5875 for men's deposit questions. When a man is released, his trust account is purged about 30 days later, so pick up any balance before then at the reception center or Century Regional.
If money is stuck because you do not know where he is housed, start with the Men's Central Jail page and the lookup. For a bond, call (213) 725-2815.
What mistakes slow a deposit down?
Most problems come from the booking number or the address. Check that the name and number match the lookup in our search guide before you pay. Use a street address, never a P.O. box. Keep your receipt or confirmation.
Do not mix money orders with mail. If you slip one into a letter, it may be rejected. Send deposits only the way LASD lists them, and send letters separately, using the mail address page.
1% down is a down payment on approved credit, not the price of the bond. The premium is the rate on file with the California Department of Insurance, 10% of the bail amount, or 8% when a private attorney is retained or you or the defendant is a veteran. The balance goes on a payment plan.
Questions people ask
Can I deposit by phone?
Yes. LASD lists Access Corrections at 866-345-1884 with a live bilingual agent.
Can I use a P.O. box as my address?
No. LASD requires a valid residential address and does not accept P.O. boxes for depositors.
Does money on the books pay for bail?
No. The trust account is for commissary and other inmate needs. Bail is paid to the court through a bond or cash.
How long does money stay after release?
LASD says trust accounts are purged about 30 days after release.
Where do deposits for women go?
Women are held at Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, and LASD lists a different deposit line at (323) 568-4535. MCJ holds men.
More about Men's Central Jail
- Bail at Men's Central Jail
- Inmate search
- Visiting
- Phone calls
- Property release
- Release after bail
- Bail amount
Sources
Jane Un Bail Bonds is a private bail agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance, License #1843448. We are not part of LAPD, LASD or the courts. Rules change, so check the official source before you go.