Will a Letter Be Returned if the Inmate ID Number Is Wrong?

Facility mailrooms process incoming mail by cross-referencing the inmate ID number against their records, not just the name. Even a one-digit error in the ID number is enough to prevent the letter from being matched to the correct inmate, and in most cases the letter will be returned to the sender rather than delivered. The name and facility being correct does not override an incorrect ID in most mailroom processing systems.

The good news is that this is a fixable situation and InmateAid handles it at no additional charge. Emailing the correction to InmateAid with the accurate inmate ID number allows the team to update the record and resend the affected letters. The corrected letters will go out with the right ID, which gives them the best chance of reaching your boyfriend without further issue.

Before sending any additional letters, update the inmate's ID number in your InmateAid account to make sure the correction carries forward automatically. This prevents the same issue from repeating on future correspondence and ensures everything sent going forward has the accurate information on the envelope.

To find the correct inmate ID number if you are not certain of it, the facility's inmate search tool, the state Department of Corrections offender search database, or a direct call to the facility's records department can confirm the right number quickly. Having the accurate ID in your account before sending again is worth the few minutes it takes to verify.