Send Inmate Mail — Ask the Inmate
A letter from home arriving at mail call is one of the most powerful moments in an incarcerated person's day. It is proof that someone on the outside is thinking about them, that life is continuing, and that there is something worth coming home to. But sending mail to a correctional facility involves rules that vary by institution and mistakes can mean your letter never arrives. This section covers how to address mail correctly for federal and state facilities, what the mailroom screening process looks like and how long it adds to delivery time, what content is and is not permitted in letters, how to send photos and why sending them through InmateAid's service is more reliable than printing and mailing them yourself, how to send mail from outside the United States, and what the InmateAid return letter service does for inmates who want to write back. The guidance here makes sure every letter you send reaches its destination. See also our sections on Inmate Care Packages, Send Books and Magazines, and Inmate Phone Calls.
Related InmateAid Services
Yes, absolutely. Mail is sacred in prison and/or jail and unless the offender is under a terrorism charge, all mail will flow to the inmates without an issue. If you would like to try our letter and photo service for free, send a request via email (aid@inmateaid.com) and we will send you a unique code to get the first letter to your inmate quickly
Read moreThe InmateAid photos are of fantastic quality! They are 4 x 6 glossy photos that are printed to the edge of the paper - prison approved size. It is better than what you'd get at your local pharmacy photo developer. If you would like a free trial, please email us and simply ask for a coupon. We'd be happy to give your inmate the first one on us.
Read moreIt is not likely the mail will get forwarded. But, if you let us know the new location, we will resend them for you at no charge.
Read moreThat makes us fell good to hear that our efforts are helping you remember and that your inmate is getting something from you - knowing you care. He is happy and definitely receiving your mail. Email us at aid@inmateaid.com and we will give you a coupon to send something for free, thanks again for the kind words, Merry Christmas
Read moreYes they are permitted, there are no limits to the amount they can receive too
Read moreIf you call the office between 8am and 6pm Eastern Time, someone will talk you through the process. It is easier than you think, but sometimes the first attempt can be a little confusing. When you call, tell them Ask the Inmate said to ask for a coupon to try the service for free (one letter and one photo).
Read moreThe letters on the weekends do not get mailed until Monday. The mail comes into the mail receiving room in 2-3 days and then the COs decide when to hand them out. We think they should get it this week for sure.
Read moreIt takes 2-3 business days for delivery
Read moreThe mail service uses the InmateAid corporate address (in Florida) for the sender's address. Most people like the privacy the service provides. If you want to give your address to the inmate you would need to put it in the letter itself.
Read moreMail call is Monday through Friday in all TDCJ facilities
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