Staying connected to someone on the inside is honestly a massive headache. If you've ever tried to deal with the correctional communication industry, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s clunky. It’s expensive. And sometimes, the websites feel like they haven't been updated since 2005. But if your loved one is in a facility that uses ViaPath Technologies—formerly known as GTL—you really don't have a choice. You have to use GettingOut.
The first hurdle is always the same: figuring out how to gettingout com create account without losing your mind.
It sounds simple. It should be simple. But between the identity verification steps and the confusing way they split up "Friends and Family" accounts from the actual inmate tablets, it’s easy to get stuck. I've seen people spend hours trying to link a phone number only to realize they were in the wrong portal. Let’s break down how this actually works in the real world, the weird glitches you’ll probably run into, and how to actually get your first message through.
Why the gettingout com create account process feels so different
Most social media sites want you to join. They make it seamless. GettingOut? Not so much. Because this is a regulated industry dealing with jails and prisons, the "onboarding" is a lot more like opening a bank account than signing up for Instagram. You aren't just a user; you're a "verified contact" in a law enforcement database.
When you sit down to start the gettingout com create account journey, the very first thing you need is a valid email address you actually check. Don't use a burner. If you lose access to that email, getting back into a locked GTL account is a nightmare involving customer service hold times that will make you want to scream.
The Identity Verification Wall
You're going to have to prove who you are. This isn't optional. ViaPath uses a third-party verification system to ensure that the people communicating with inmates aren't on a restricted list. This usually involves providing your full legal name, a current address, and often the last four digits of your Social Security number or a photo of your government-issued ID.
Does it feel invasive? Yeah, totally. But if you try to use a fake name or a nickname like "T-Bone," the system will flag your account, and you’ll be stuck in "Pending" status for weeks.
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Step-by-Step Reality Check for New Users
Head to the official site. Make sure you are at the real domain. There are plenty of phishing sites or third-party "deposit" services that charge extra fees.
Select "Create a New Account." You’ll be prompted to choose your country. This matters because the billing systems for the U.S., Canada, and international calls are handled through different financial gateways.
Enter your personal info. Remember what I said about the legal name? Use the one on your driver's license.
Set a strong password. Seriously. People try to hack these accounts because they often have balance credits sitting in them.
The Confirmation Email. You'll get a link. Click it. If it doesn't show up in 5 minutes, check your spam. It almost always ends up in the "Promotions" tab if you're using Gmail.
Once you’re in, you aren't actually "done." You’re just a ghost in the machine until you add a contact.
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Finding Your Inmate and Why It’s Tricky
This is where the gettingout com create account process gets granular. You have to find the specific facility. Jails and prisons are different. A county jail might use GettingOut for tablets but a different company for voice calls. You need to know the state, the county, and the specific facility name.
Then comes the Booking Number.
You can search by name, but if you're looking for a "John Smith," you’re going to find fifty of them. Having the inmate's ID number—sometimes called a permanent ID or a booking number—is the only way to be 100% sure you’re sending money to the right person. If you send $50 to the wrong "John Smith," getting that refund is basically impossible.
The "Approved" Status
Just because you found them doesn't mean you can talk to them. The facility has to approve the connection. Sometimes this happens instantly. Other times, a CO (Correctional Officer) has to manually review the request. If your loved one is in "disciplinary segregation" (the hole), your request might just sit there until they are back in general population.
The Money Pit: Deposits and Fees
Let’s talk about the money because that’s why ViaPath exists. There are two different types of funds you’ll see after you gettingout com create account and log in.
- Friends & Family Account: This is your money. You use this to pay for the calls you receive or the messages you send.
- Inmate Account (Trust/Commissary): This is money you give to them. They can use it to buy games, music, or movies on their tablet, or to send outgoing messages to anyone on their approved list.
The fees are the worst part. Every time you deposit money, there’s a transaction fee. It’s usually cheaper to deposit $50 once than $10 five times. Some states have passed laws capping these fees, but in many places, it’s still the Wild West.
Common Glitches and How to Beat Them
The app (available on iOS and Android) is notoriously buggy. If you’ve finished the gettingout com create account steps on a laptop but the app won't let you log in, try clearing your cache.
Wait.
Actually, the best advice? If the app is spinning, delete it and reinstall it. It sounds like a cliché tech support answer, but the GettingOut app often fails to update its internal token, meaning it thinks you're logged out when you're not.
Another common issue: The "Verified" status. If your account says "Pending Verification" for more than 48 hours, it usually means the system couldn't match your address to your credit card billing info. Make sure they are identical. Even a "St." vs "Street" can sometimes trigger a manual review flag.
Messaging, Photos, and the "Visit" Function
Once you're set up, you can send "Blue Book" messages. They’re basically like emails. They aren't instant. Every single message is scanned by a keyword filter. If you talk about "moving weight" or "the package," even if you're talking about a UPS delivery at home, the system might flag it for manual review, delaying the message for days.
Photos are even stricter. No hand signs. No tattoos showing if they look like gang identifiers. No "suggestive" clothing. I've seen a photo of a toddler in a bathtub get rejected because it violated "nudity" policies. Be boring with your photos. It's the only way they get through quickly.
Video Visits
If the facility allows it, the gettingout com create account process also opens the door for video visits. These are not FaceTime. You have to schedule them in advance, and you have to be at your computer or holding your phone still. If you move around too much or if another person (who isn't an approved visitor) walks into the frame, the CO monitoring the call can—and will—shut it down instantly. No refunds.
Actionable Steps to Get Started Now
If you are ready to get this over with, follow this specific order to minimize the chance of your account getting locked.
First, call the facility or check their website to confirm they actually use GettingOut. Some places switch providers frequently. Second, have your photo ID and your debit card ready. Third, when you gettingout com create account, do it on a desktop or laptop browser first. It is much more stable than the mobile sign-up flow.
Once the account is active, deposit a small amount—maybe $10—to test the connection. Send one text-only message. If that goes through and they reply, then you know the link is solid and you can start uploading photos or scheduling video visits. Always keep an eye on your "Transaction History" tab to make sure you aren't being double-billed, which happens more often than ViaPath would like to admit.
Stay patient. The system is designed for security and profit, not user experience. Knowing that going in makes the bugs a little easier to swallow.
Essential Checklist for New Accounts
- Verify the Facility: Ensure they use ViaPath/GTL GettingOut specifically.
- Legal Info Only: Use your exact name as it appears on your ID to pass the automated background check.
- Inmate ID: Get the specific booking number before you try to add a contact.
- Check the Email: Look for the verification link in your spam folder immediately after signing up.
- Test Small: Send a $5 or $10 deposit first to ensure the account links correctly before committing more funds.
The reality is that these systems are a lifeline. Despite the clunky interface and the high fees, being able to send a photo of a birthday cake or a quick "I love you" text is worth the hassle of the initial setup. Just take it slow, use your real info, and don't expect the app to work perfectly on the first try.