GettingOut
GettingOut by Telmate Video Visits, Messaging and Phone Calls at 2,200+ County Jails
- 45+
- States Covered
- 2,200+
- Facilities Supported
- 5 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
GettingOut Inmate Communication Overview
GettingOut is operated by Telmate, a subsidiary of GTL (Global Tel Link) and part of ViaPath Technologies. The platform serves over 2,200 county jails across 45 states and is one of the most widely used video visitation tools at the county jail level in the United States. If your loved one is in a county jail, GettingOut is one of the first platforms to check.
In addition to video visits, GettingOut supports electronic messaging, photo sharing, phone calls, and money transfers at participating facilities. Families create a single free account that covers all these services at any GettingOut-served facility. The same account and contact history carries over if a loved one transfers between county facilities in the same system.
GettingOut is primarily a county jail platform. Most state prisons use different providers such as JPay or Securus. If your loved one transfers from a county jail to a state prison after sentencing, you will likely need to create a new account on the state facility provider. Always confirm the current facility and its provider before setting up a new account.
GettingOut Services
Communication services offered by GettingOut and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send electronic messages to incarcerated individuals at participating county jails. Messages are delivered digitally and reviewed by facility staff.
Per-message pricing applies. Messaging availability varies by facility contract.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule and conduct remote video visits from any device with a camera. GettingOut's video platform is optimized for both mobile and desktop.
Per-minute or session pricing. Must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos through GettingOut's photo service. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Per-photo pricing. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Fund a prepaid account to receive inmate-initiated phone calls. Manage call history and account balance through the GettingOut app.
Rates vary by facility. Interstate rates are FCC-regulated.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary accounts via debit card, credit card, or cash at participating locations.
Processing fees apply. Typical credit within one business day.
Set Up Money TransferGettingOut Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
45 states, primarily county jails and local detention facilities
Coverage Notes
GettingOut's strength is county jail coverage. It is not the primary platform for state prisons or federal facilities. If a loved one is transferred from a county jail to a state prison after sentencing, a different provider account will likely be required.
GettingOut Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
GettingOut Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Video Visit
- Flat per-minute rate at most facilities.
- $0.49/min
- Phone Calls
- Per-minute rate regulated for interstate calls.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per photo sent.
- $0.49–$0.99
- Money Transfer Fee
- Depends on transfer amount and method.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the GettingOut website before use.
GettingOut — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of GettingOut.
Strengths
- Best-in-class video visitation platform with a highly rated mobile app.
- Serves 2,200+ county jails, the largest county jail network of any provider.
- Single account covers video, messaging, phone, and money transfer.
- Remote video eliminates travel for families who live far from the facility.
- Intuitive app interface frequently cited as easier to use than competitors.
Limitations
- Primarily a county jail provider. Does not serve most state prisons.
- Accounts typically do not carry over when an inmate transfers to a state facility.
- Video visit pricing can add up with frequent use.
- Photo sharing not as widely available as messaging and video.
- Customer service responsiveness varies by facility region.
Frequently Asked Questions: GettingOut
Common questions from families about using GettingOut.
- What types of facilities does GettingOut serve?
- GettingOut primarily serves county jails and local detention centers across 45 states. It is one of the most widely used platforms at the county level. It generally does not serve state prisons or federal Bureau of Prisons facilities — those institutions typically use JPay, Securus, or CorrLinks.
- How do I schedule a video visit through GettingOut?
- Download the GettingOut app on iOS or Android, or visit gettingout.com. Create a free account, search for the facility, and select an available time slot. You must be on the inmate's approved contact list. A device with a working camera is required for the visit.
- Does GettingOut work if my loved one is transferred to a state prison?
- Generally no. GettingOut is a county jail platform. If your loved one is transferred to a state prison after sentencing, that facility likely uses a different provider — typically JPay for messaging and Securus or GTL for phone. You will need to set up accounts on the new provider platform for the state facility.
- Can I use GettingOut for messaging as well as video?
- Yes, GettingOut supports electronic messaging at participating facilities. However, not all county jails that use GettingOut for video also use it for messaging — availability varies by facility contract. Check the facility's specific services within your GettingOut account.
- Is GettingOut available for federal prisons?
- No. Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use CorrLinks for messaging and ConnectNetwork/GTL for phone and video. GettingOut does not serve federal institutions.
Compare GettingOut With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
JPay
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View GuideConnectNetwork
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ConnectNetwork by GTL — Inmate Messaging, Video & Phone for County Jails
View GuideSmartInmate
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SmartInmate - Tablet-Based Messaging and Entertainment for Incarcerated People
View GuideGet Started with GettingOut
Visit the official GettingOut website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.