Reviewed on: April 05,2026
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Will jails forward books and can you send letters

If i send a book from amazon.com to county jail and they are moved before it ships will they forward it to the inmates new location? Can I send an inmate a letter even if they do not have my name down on visitation list, etc?

Forwarding books or packages: County jails almost never forward mail or packages if an inmate has been moved.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer March 15,2014 · Send Inmate Mail
1

Forwarding books or packages:
County jails almost never forward mail or packages if an inmate has been moved. If you send a book from Amazon and your inmate is transferred before it arrives, it will usually:

  • Be returned to the sender, or
  • Be rejected or lost in the system

Forwarding is rare and typically only happens within certain systems, not at the county jail level.

What you should do instead:

  • Try to confirm the inmate’s current location before ordering
  • If already shipped, monitor tracking and contact the seller if needed

Sending letters:
Yes, you can send a letter even if you are not on the visitation list.

Mail rules are separate from visitation rules. As long as you:

  • Include the inmate’s full name and ID number
  • Use the correct facility address
  • Follow content guidelines

Your letter should be delivered without any issue.

When in doubt, letters are always the safest and most reliable way to stay in contact, especially during transfers.

Accepted Answer Date Created: March 15,2014
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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.