What Happens if I Forget the Inmate ID on a Letter?

Possibly not. The inmate ID number is how mailroom staff route incoming mail to the correct person, especially at facilities with large populations where multiple inmates may share the same name or a similar name. Without it, the letter may be held, returned, or simply not make it through.

If you sent the letter through InmateAid and the facility restricts third-party mail, there is a second issue as well. InmateAid can remove their branding from the envelope and resend the letter in a plain envelope to satisfy the no-third-party requirement, but the ID number needs to be included this time. Reach out to InmateAid with the updated information, including the correct ID number, and they will handle the replacement mailing.

Going forward, always include the inmate's full name, ID number, and complete facility address on every piece of mail. It is the most common reason letters do not reach their destination.