Can I just send a letter to an inmate through regular mail?

Absolutely. There is nothing stopping you from writing a letter, putting a stamp on it, and dropping it in the mailbox yourself. The postal service delivers to correctional facilities the same as anywhere else.

Where people run into trouble is not knowing the specific mailing requirements for the facility their loved one is in. Every prison has its own rules about what is and is not allowed in incoming mail. Some require the inmate's full name and register number on the envelope. Others have restrictions on colored ink, paper type, envelope size, or anything that could be considered contraband. A letter that does not meet those requirements can get rejected at the mailroom before it ever reaches your loved one.

InmateAid's letter service is not something you are required to use. It is just a convenient, affordable, and reliable option for people who want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their letter is formatted correctly and will actually get through. Everything is handled for you, including making sure the address and format meet the facility's requirements.