Jails generally provide paper and pencils for inmates to write letters. They also have something called "indigent mail" which is a program offered to those inmates who've not received any money in their commissary trust accounts. The jails are pretty understanding and humane when it comes to inmates staying in touch with loved ones.

Yes, we will notify you when your inmate has sent you a letter and it will be accessible in your Account Dashboard.

We estimate that it takes about 3 business days to arrive in the facility mail room. Once there, the staff opens each piece for contraband. Be mindful that each facility has their own set of rules as to how long they have to actually deliver the mail. For instance, the CDCR in California has up to 14 days from receipt. This is a drastic example, but the prison business is not normal and the rules are like a moving target.

Every inmate wants sexy pictures of their mate. You cannot have any nudity. The photos that will make it past screening are bikini, lingerie type photos where no private parts are showing.

We have a "greeting card" service on the website. Log onto your account and click on http://www.inmateaid.com/pages/details/send-inmate-birthday-cards-holiday-greetings-cards and it'll take you where you need to be.

These facilities rarely if ever forward mail. The only time i might happen is if it's within the BOP. The book will likely get lost in the system, we're afraid. You can definitely send letters without being on the mailing list.

The inmateAID service is not email, it is postal mail. The estimated time for delivery is 1-3 business days. There are potential delays once inside the mail room as the staff opens all mail inspecting for contraband. If you have questions about inmate ID or location, you can use the inmate locator for that facility page inside inmateAID or their jurisdiction (federal or state).  If you need our help, just ask!

you  can write in either pen or pencil, there are no restrictions for a normal letter being sent. do not spray perfume on the paper or place any stickers or anything that might get the letter returned. keep it simple. try our letter writing service, the best part is the photo option. they are 4 x 6 glossy photos that are prison-approved and look great! have you been promising to send some pictures??

We estimate that it takes 1-3 business days to arrive at the facility. The detention center or jail receives the mail, opens and inspects it for contraband and then passes it out at "mail call" to the inmate. This process sometimes delays the distribution to the inmate further.

Inmates receive mail Monday through Friday usually handed out at mail call between 4-6pm. It is the responsibility of the letter writer to set up the inmate profile with the correct address and inmate number. The main reason we get letters returned is the Inmate ID is missing or the facility is wrong. We will let you know if the letter comes back and give you some options as to what we can do to re-send it.