Reviewed on: April 14,2026
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Will mail arrive if I use the wrong inmate ID?

I have a friend who is currently incarcerated at the Sullivan County Jail in Tennessee I have written 3 times, but had the incorrect ID but the correct jail. What are the chances of her not receiving her mail due to wrong ID?

Our experience is that this question about inmate mail making it inside with the wrong inmate ID depends solely on the mail room clerks at the time of receipt.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer January 20,2015 · Send Inmate Mail
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Our experience is that this question about inmate mail making it inside with the wrong inmate ID depends solely on the mail room clerks at the time of receipt. The rules are steadfast and the mail is supposed to be "Returned to Sender". Some staff members will bend this rule and go ahead and deliver it to the inmate. Of course others will play it by the book. In your case, none of these letters have been returned to our offices. Therefore we are going to make the assumption that it has made it to the inmate. We know you are concerned about this and we will contact you immediately if this status changes.

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Accepted Answer Date Created: January 20,2015
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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.