Reviewed on: April 21,2026
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How long does it take for inmates to get mail?

just womdering how long it takes for the inmate to receive the postcard/picture.i sent them 6 days ago as of today which includes the holiday and today(a sunday)

Postcards are processed immediately upon entry unless after 6pm on Saturday or on no-mail Holidays, those letters will process Monday morning.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer January 04,2016 · Send Inmate Mail
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Postcards are processed immediately upon entry unless after 6pm on Saturday or on no-mail Holidays, those letters will process Monday morning. We estimate that it takes 2-3 business days to make it to the jail. Once there, the staff reads each piece of mail and inspects it for contraband. Once they decide the mail is fit to be handed out at mail call, your inmate will receive it. Any delay that occurs at the facility is out of our control. We make no guarantees as to how long it will take as there are thousands of facilities and none of them do things the same way.

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Accepted Answer Date Created: January 04,2016
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.