Larimer County Jail Commissary is the system that lets family and friends add money to an inmate’s account so they can buy food, hygiene items, and other approved products while in custody. The jail uses a secure, state-approved process for managing these funds. Money added to an account is called “commissary funds” or “inmate money.” These funds are separate from bail or court fees. Only people on the inmate’s approved visitor list can deposit money. The system protects both the inmate and the depositor by tracking every transaction with a unique reference number.
How to Add Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account
There are two official ways to add money to a Larimer County Jail inmate’s commissary account: in person at the jail lobby kiosk or online through the secure Jail Exchange portal. Both methods are safe, fast, and approved by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. You must know the inmate’s full legal name and booking number before starting. The booking number starts with “BN#” and can be found using the online inmate search tool.
In-Person Deposits at the TouchPay Kiosk
Visit the Larimer County Jail at 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Go to the main lobby where the TouchPay self-service kiosk is located. The kiosk accepts cash, debit cards, and major credit cards. It operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays. Insert cash or swipe your card, enter the inmate’s booking number, and choose the amount to deposit. The machine prints a receipt with a transaction reference number. Keep this receipt as proof of payment. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within minutes.
Online Deposits via Jail Exchange Portal
Go to the official Jail Exchange website and select Larimer County Jail from the list of facilities. Enter the inmate’s booking number, full name, and the amount you wish to deposit. Pay using a credit or debit card through the secure payment gateway. The system confirms the transaction instantly, and the funds are added to the inmate’s account within five minutes. You will receive an email confirmation with a receipt. Online deposits are available 24/7, making it convenient for families who live far away.
What Can Inmates Buy with Commissary Funds?
Inmates at Larimer County Jail can use their commissary funds to purchase a variety of approved items. These include snacks like chips, cookies, and instant noodles; beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks; hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and razors; and stationery items including paper, envelopes, and pens. Some inmates also buy over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy tablets, if allowed by medical staff. All items are sold at fixed prices set by the jail. Purchases are deducted from the inmate’s account balance automatically.
Commissary orders are typically processed once per week. Inmates receive their items during scheduled distribution times. The jail does not allow cash purchases inside the facility. All transactions must go through the commissary account system. This ensures fairness, prevents theft, and keeps records for accountability. Families should note that commissary funds cannot be used to pay fines, court costs, or phone bills. Those expenses are handled separately.
Finding an Inmate’s Booking Number
To deposit money or send mail, you must have the inmate’s booking number. This number is required for all official communications with the jail. Use the free inmate search tool on the Larimer County Sheriff’s website. Enter the first two letters of the inmate’s last name. The system will show a list of matching names. Click on the correct person to see their full legal name, booking ID (starting with “BN#”), intake date, charges, bond amount, and projected release date. The database updates every 15 minutes, so information is nearly always current.
If you can’t find the person, double-check the spelling of their name. Try using just the first initial if the last name is uncommon. The search tool also allows filtering by recent bookings, released inmates, or transient status. For help, call the jail at 970-498-5200 during business hours. Staff can verify booking numbers over the phone but will not give out detailed personal information without proper identification.
Sending Mail to an Inmate
All mail sent to a Larimer County Jail inmate must include the booking number. Write “BN#” followed by the number on the first line of the address. Example: BN#123456, John Doe. Then add the jail’s mailing address: Larimer County Jail, 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Only plain letters and postcards are allowed. No packages, cash, photos, or stickers. Envelopes must be standard size with no padding or tape. The jail scans all mail for security. Anything that violates rules will be returned or destroyed.
Incoming mail is delivered once per day. Outgoing mail from inmates is collected daily and sent via USPS. Stamps and envelopes are available for purchase through commissary. Inmates cannot receive email directly, but families can use third-party messaging services that convert digital messages to printed letters. These services require registration and payment per message.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitation at Larimer County Jail occurs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. To be added, the inmate must submit your name and relationship to jail staff. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visitors must present a valid photo ID at the security checkpoint. No cell phones, bags, or food are allowed in the visiting area.
Schedule visits by calling the jail at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted. Late arrivals may lose their time slot. If an inmate is moved to another facility, visitation stops until transfer is complete. Families are notified by phone when transfers happen. The jail does not allow contact visits—glass partitions or phones separate visitors and inmates for safety.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail payments are not handled through the commissary system. Cash bonds must be paid to the Court Clerk, not the jail. Use money orders or cashier’s checks made payable to “Larimer County” or “Clerk of Court.” Do not write the inmate’s name on the payment. For surety bonds, contact a licensed bonding agency. The agency will review credit, issue a bond certificate, and post it with the court. The jail does not recommend specific bond companies.
Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after processing, which takes 1–4 hours. Personal belongings are returned at release. If someone wants to turn themselves in, they can do so at the jail lobby during business hours. Bring valid ID and any court paperwork. The intake process includes fingerprinting, photo, and medical screening.
Jail Location, Contact, and Hours
The Larimer County Jail is located at 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. It sits near the intersection of Midpoint Drive and Lemay Avenue, close to the Larimer County Fairgrounds. The main phone number is 970-498-5200. Administrative offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The lobby kiosk for deposits operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Parking is free and available in the front lot.
The facility houses about 780 inmates at any given time. It serves people awaiting trial, sentencing, or short-term sentences up to one year. Security includes surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and regular patrols. Medical and mental health services are provided on-site by licensed professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larimer County Jail Commissary
Many families have questions about how commissary works, deposit limits, refunds, and account balances. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official jail policies and real user experiences.
Can I deposit more than $200 at once?
Yes, but there are limits. The maximum single deposit is $200 per transaction at the kiosk. Online deposits through Jail Exchange allow up to $300 per transaction. However, the total balance in an inmate’s account cannot exceed $500 at any time. If the limit is reached, additional deposits will be rejected until funds are spent. These rules prevent misuse and ensure fair access for all inmates. Always check the current balance before depositing.
What happens to unused commissary money when an inmate is released?
Unused commissary funds are not lost. When an inmate is released, any remaining balance is returned to them in the form of a check mailed to their last known address within 30 days. If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the funds move with them. Families cannot withdraw money directly from the account. Only the inmate can spend the funds while incarcerated. This policy protects both the individual and the jail from fraud.
Can I send money by mail or phone?
No. Larimer County Jail does not accept money orders, cash, or checks sent by mail for commissary deposits. Phone deposits are also not allowed. The only approved methods are in-person at the TouchPay kiosk or online via Jail Exchange. This reduces the risk of lost payments and ensures instant verification. If someone claims they can accept mailed money, they are not affiliated with the jail.
How often can an inmate order commissary?
Inmates can place commissary orders once per week, usually on Wednesdays. Orders are processed and delivered the following day. The exact schedule may vary due to holidays or staffing. Inmates receive a printed commissary menu with prices and item codes. They fill out an order form and submit it to correctional officers. Orders are deducted from their account balance. If funds are low, partial orders may be allowed for essential hygiene items.
Is there a fee for depositing money?
Yes, small processing fees apply. Online deposits through Jail Exchange charge a convenience fee of $2.95 per transaction, plus 3.5% of the deposit amount. In-person kiosk deposits have no extra fee for cash, but card transactions may include a surcharge of $1.50–$3.00 depending on the bank. These fees cover system maintenance and security. The jail itself does not profit from commissary deposits. All fees are disclosed before payment is completed.
Can I check an inmate’s commissary balance online?
No, the jail does not provide public access to view account balances. Only the inmate can see their balance on the housing unit kiosk or by asking staff. Families can call the jail at 970-498-5200 to confirm a recent deposit was received, but staff will not disclose the full balance due to privacy rules. To avoid confusion, always keep your deposit receipt and note the transaction date and amount.
What if my deposit doesn’t show up in the account?
If funds don’t appear within 10 minutes, first check your email for a confirmation from Jail Exchange. If you used the kiosk, keep the printed receipt. Then call the jail at 970-498-5200 and provide the transaction reference number, date, time, and amount. Staff can trace the payment in the system. Most issues are resolved within 24 hours. If the problem persists, contact TouchPay customer service at 1-800-822-7766 for online deposits.
For official information, visit the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.larimer.gov/sheriff/jail or call 970-498-5200. The jail is open for deposits and visits at 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Lobby hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.