Folsom State Prison
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Folsom State Prison. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Level II / IV
- Inmate Capacity
- 3,100 approx.
- Established
- 1880
- Operated By
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Folsom State Prison Inmate Communication Overview
Folsom State Prison is one of California's most historically significant correctional facilities, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada about 20 miles northeast of Sacramento in Sacramento County. Opened in 1880, it is the second-oldest prison in California and housed the state's death row for many decades. The facility became widely known through Johnny Cash's 1968 live album recorded there. Today, Folsom houses male inmates at Level II and Level IV security classifications under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with a reputation for active educational and vocational programming compared to higher-security facilities.
Communication at Folsom operates through the standard CDCR provider contracts. JPay handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers for inmates at the facility. Families can send messages and digital photos through their JPay account using the inmate's CDCR identification number. Securus manages phone calls and video visitation. For phone calls, families set up a Securus AdvancePay or Direct Bill account linked to their phone number. Video visits are available remotely through Securus and can be scheduled in advance through the Securus website or app. Compared to higher-security facilities like Pelican Bay, Folsom has broader communication access given its lower-security Level II population.
One practical note for families: Sacramento County and the broader Sacramento area have good transit access to Folsom, making in-person visits more feasible than at remote facilities. However, many families still rely primarily on electronic communication between in-person visits, and having active JPay and Securus accounts allows for more frequent contact. Money transfers through JPay for commissary are a common way families support incarcerated loved ones with personal items beyond what the state provides. Understanding both platforms, JPay for messaging and money, Securus for phone and video, gives families the full range of available options.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
300 Prison Road, Represa, CA 95671
Main Phone
(916) 985-2561
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteVisit and Contact Details
Inmate search, mail, visiting hours, costs, commissary, and bail information for this facility.
Inmate Search
Search inmates on the official roster
Check the spelling of the name carefully, and allow 24 to 72 hours for new arrivals to appear in the roster.
Inmate Name, CDCR Number P.O. Box 715071 Represa, CA 95671
Include the inmate name and ID on all mail.
Visiting Hours
In-person visiting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Schedule through the GTL visitation app; arrive no more than 30 minutes before processing time.
Commissary / Sending Money
Send money by EFT via GTL/ConnectNetwork, JPay, or Access Corrections (fee applies, posts in 1 to 3 days); or send a no-fee Lock Box money order, personal check, or cashier's check payable to JPay to JPay, 2202 South Figueroa St, Box #3001, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (max $999.99 per form, no letters or notes; personal checks held 10 business days). You can also mail a check or money order payable to CDCR to the institution (30-day hold; sender name and address required; include the inmate name and CDCR number).
Communication Options
Available communication services at Folsom State Prison.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Full JPay messaging available. Requires CDCR ID number.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Remote video visits via Securus. Schedule in advance through the Securus website or app.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photo submission through JPay. Standard CDCR content guidelines apply.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Inmate-initiated phone calls via Securus. Fund AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account and phone account deposits available through JPay and Securus respectively.
Communication Providers at Folsom State Prison
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account money deposits.
View JPay ServicesSecurus
Phone calls and remote video visitation. AdvancePay or Direct Bill accounts accepted.
View Securus ServicesCommunication Rules at Folsom State Prison
- All electronic messages and calls are subject to CDCR monitoring and review.
- JPay (messaging/money) and Securus (phone/video) are separate accounts. Funds do not transfer between them.
- Photos submitted via JPay must comply with CDCR content guidelines.
- Video visits must be scheduled in advance through Securus.
- Inmate-initiated calls only. Families cannot call the facility to speak with an inmate directly.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions: Folsom State Prison
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I send a message to someone at Folsom State Prison?
- Electronic messaging at Folsom is through JPay. Create a free account at jpay.com, add the inmate using their CDCR ID number, and purchase stamps to send messages. Messages are typically reviewed by CDCR staff and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up video visitation at Folsom?
- Video visits at Folsom State Prison are managed by Securus. Create an account at www.securustech.net or through the Securus app, search for Folsom State Prison, and select an available time slot. Video visits must be scheduled in advance. Same-day bookings are not available. You will need a device with a camera and the inmate's CDCR number.
- Can I send photos to someone at Folsom?
- Yes, digital photos can be sent through JPay. After logging in to your account, navigate to the photo section and upload your image. Photos must comply with CDCR content guidelines: no inappropriate content, no depictions of violence, and no images that could compromise safety. Approved photos are typically delivered within a few business days.
- How do I add money for phone calls from Folsom?
- Phone calls from Folsom are handled by Securus. Set up a Securus AdvancePay account at www.securustech.net or through the app using your phone number. Add funds, and the inmate can call your number directly from facility phones. Calls are inmate-initiated only.
- What is the difference between JPay and Securus, and do I need both?
- JPay handles messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers for the inmate's trust account. Securus handles phone calls and video visitation. They are completely separate platforms with separate accounts. If you want to use all available communication options at Folsom, you will need accounts on both platforms. Funds on JPay cannot be used for phone calls, and Securus phone funds cannot be used for messaging.
Troubleshooting at Folsom State Prison
Fix the most common problems families hit with calls, video visits, money, and messaging.
- Why am I not receiving calls from an inmate?
- Inmates can only call out, so you cannot call an inmate directly. If expected calls are not coming through, check your phone's spam or silence-unknown-callers setting, since carriers often block jail numbers. Save the facility's number as a contact, confirm your number is on the inmate's approved list, and check whether your carrier blocks collect or prepaid calls. If several expected calls fail, contact the facility's phone provider support. For Securus, support can be reached at 972-734-1111 after repeated failed calls.
- Why is my inmate not showing up in search?
- New arrivals can take 24 to 72 hours to appear in search results, and people in transfer may temporarily disappear from listings. Try alternate spellings and name variations, and make sure you are searching the right system: the federal BOP locator only covers federal inmates, while county and state searches are separate. Some records are withheld for protective custody or sealed cases. If it has been more than a few days, call the facility's records office.
- I sent money but it is not showing in the inmate's account. What should I do?
- Allow processing time first. Electronic deposits can take hours and money orders can take much longer. Check your receipt and confirm the inmate's name and ID matched. Do not send a second payment until the first one is traced, since duplicate payments are hard to reverse. Contact the money-transfer provider's support with your receipt or confirmation number. If the inmate was recently transferred, funds may follow after a delay.
- Why was my video visit cancelled or cut off?
- Most cancellations come from connection problems or conduct-rule violations. Stay in frame, keep your ID ready, follow the dress code, keep other people off camera, and avoid profanity. Visits can also be cancelled for facility lockdowns or schedule changes. For refunds, contact the video provider's support with your visit details.
- What should I do if the facility changed its communications provider?
- Create an account with the new provider, since old accounts and balances do not transfer automatically. Ask the old provider whether refunds are available for unused balances. Confirm the new provider's phone, video, and messaging setup before your next visit or call.
- Why is my JPay account blocked?
- A blocked account usually means the inmate blocked contact, the account details do not match, or JPay flagged the account for review. Confirm the inmate's ID and facility, check for an 'inmate blocked' message, and contact JPay support if the block looks like an error. See our guide: JPay account locked
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