Valley State Prison

By Chris Smith, 1 March, 2024
Name of Warden:
Matthew McVay
Description of Facility

Valley State Prison originally opened in 1995 as an all women's prison. In 2013, it completed the conversion to an all male facility. It can house an estimated 3,940 inmates.

Inmates are provided educational and vocational opportunities while incarcerated. Educational classes include adult basic education, and the ability to earn a GED while incarcerated. Vocational training includes plumbing, masonry, carpentry, HVAC, welding, electrical, cosmetology, building maintenance, automotive repair, and computers.

Facility Telephone Number
559-665-6100
Facility Address

Valley State Prison
21633 Avenue 24
Chowchilla, CA 93610
United States

Inmate Mailing Address

Inmate Name, CDCR#, Housing
Valley State Prison
P.O. Box 92
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092
United States

What you can send an inmate

   Inmates at Valley State Prison are allowed the following through the mail:

  • Letters
  • printed pages from the internet, newspaper clippings
  • photos 4x6 (no Polaroids, no nudity)
  • calendars
  • up to forty postage embossed envelopes
  • white or yellow lined writing paper (no cotton paper)
  • typing/legal paper (no cotton paper)
  • children's drawings
  • postage stamps (up to 40)

All mail must have the inmate's name and CDCR number on it, and a full return address.

 Inmates can receive quarterly packages sent through the following approved vendors:

How Inmate Calls Work

As of January 1, 2023 all calls made by inmates are free of charge.

  • Inmates must initiate the call, so provide them your phone number in correspondence
  • Calls are limited to 15 minutes in duration
  • Calls are recorded
How to send money to an inmate

To send money to an inmate incarcerated in California you will need their current location and their CDCR number.

You can send funds in three ways:

  • Through the internet via three providers
  • By mailing a check or money order to the institution
    • Make it payable to "CDCR"
    • Include the inmate's name and CDCR # on the check
    • Your name and address must appear on the check or money order
    • Mail to: P.O. Box 94, Chowchilla, CA 93610-0094
    • There is no fee using this method but it can take up to 30 days
  • Through the Centralized Banking Lock Box
    • Send personal check, money order, or cashier's check
    • Fill out the Deposit Form Coupon
    • Mail to:
      JPAY
      2002 South Figueroa St
      Box #3001
      Los Angeles, CA 90007
How to do an Inmate Search

   Find an inmate's CDCR number, current location, and sentencing information by searching the California inmate database.

Visiting Information/FAQs

You must have an approved visitors application on file before you can attend a visit.  You must request from the inmate CDCR Form 106.  This is the California Visiting Questionnaire form and it must be signed by the inmate before you can fill it out and send it back to the facility at the inmate mailing address and add: "Attention: Visiting".

The inmate will be informed if you are approved, and they must notify you of the approval.  If you are not approved, you will get a letter from the prison with an explanation of the reason.

Valley State Prison requires you to schedule your visit through California's VSA system.
   
In-Person Visiting Hours:
Fridays:  11:30am-6:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30am-3:00pm

Walk in visitation:
Space permitting it is allowed during normal visiting hours.

For more information contact the Visiting Sergeant at:
559-665-6100 Ext. 5708

This facility provides overnight family visitation Tuesday to Thursday and Friday to Monday by appointment only.  Processing into the facility starts at 9am and processing our begins at 8:30am.

View the visitation status for all California institutions here.

Bring a valid government issued photo ID in order to enter into visitation.  If you are entering visitation with a minor and you are the child's parent you will need to bring a certified copy of the minors birth certificate. 

Dress Code
The following clothing is not allowed:

  • Clothes that resembles the clothes of the inmate
  • Clothes that resemble law enforcement or military including camouflage
  • No skirts, dresses, or shorts that expose two inches above the knee or more
  • No halter tops, strapless tops, sheer, or see through, and may not expose the midriff
  • clothing that exposes any breast, genitalia or buttocks, including sheer material
  • No very tight fit/form fitting attire
  • No wigs or hairpieces or extensions (medical reasons require approval prior to your visit)
  • no flip flops, or shower shoes
  • no hats or gloves

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