If someone you love is locked up in Alabama, staying connected through mail, photos, and care packages matters. The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) transitioned to a digital mail system in late 2025. Every piece of personal mail you send now goes to a central processing address in San Antonio, Texas - not to the prison. It is scanned and delivered to the inmate's tablet as a digital image. The physical letter does not reach the prison. Understanding how that works, what it excludes, and how packages get there separately prevents rejection and delay.
Alabama splits adult corrections between ADOC for state sentences, and county jails operated by county sheriffs. This article covers ADOC state prisons. County jails are covered at the end.
Sending routine mail to an ADOC state prison inmate
Effective November 10, 2025, all personal mail for ADOC state prison inmates goes to a central processing facility - not to the prison itself. Mail sent to the facility after that date is returned to the sender.
The mailing address for all ADOC personal mail is:
ALDOC Inmate Mail Processing
[Inmate Name] - [AIS Number]
P.O. Box 17339
San Antonio, TX 78217
Example:
ALDOC Inmate Mail Processing
John Smith - 000123456
P.O. Box 17339
San Antonio, TX 78217
The AIS number is the Alabama Institutional Serial number assigned to every ADOC inmate. It is required. Without it, mail will not be delivered to the correct person.
Your full name and physical mailing address must be written clearly in the top-left corner of the envelope. Mail without a return address may not be processed.
Once received, the mail is scanned and delivered to the inmate as a digital image on a secure tablet. All personal mail is reviewed before delivery. Delivery is not guaranteed if the contents violate ADOC policy.
What can and cannot be in the envelope
Mail is rejected for including: perfume-sprayed or scented paper, stickers, metal objects, unknown powders or substances, coded messages, or gang symbols. Items of a threatening, obscene, or criminal nature will not be delivered and may result in disciplinary action.
Internet material may be printed and included, but is limited to four pages per letter.
Do not send originals you want returned. Once scanned, original mail is processed by the mail vendor and not returned to the sender.
Sending photos
Photos mailed through the postal system go to the same PO Box 17339 address, included in the envelope with your letter. They are scanned and delivered to the inmate's tablet as digital images. Do not send original photos you want back.
For faster delivery, send photos digitally through CorrLinks. Create an account at corrlinks.com or download the CorrLinks app. Find the inmate by AIS number and send photos electronically. Digital messaging through CorrLinks is the fastest way to share photos and stay connected without waiting on postal processing.
Sending digital messages
CorrLinks (corrlinks.com) is the ADOC-approved platform for digital text chat messaging. Create an account, find the inmate, and exchange messages. Download the CorrLinks mobile app for convenience. There are no fees for CorrLinks messaging noted on the ADOC system page, though CorrLinks may charge for certain features.
Sending publications - magazines and books
Publications are handled completely differently from routine personal mail.
Magazines, newspapers, and books must be sent directly from the publisher or a recognized commercial distributor, shipped to the physical facility address where the inmate is housed. They cannot go to the PO Box 17339 address used for personal mail.
When a publication arrives at the facility from an approved source, it is delivered to the inmate as a physical copy - not scanned. The inmate receives the actual magazine or book in hand. This is a meaningful distinction from letters and photos, which arrive as digital images on a screen.
ADOC limits publications to two books and four magazines or newspapers per month. Publications from non-approved sources may be delayed, returned, rejected, or confiscated. All incoming publications are subject to inspection for compliance with ADOC policy.
Find facility physical addresses at doc.alabama.gov. Use that address when setting up a magazine subscription or sending a book - the publisher or distributor ships directly to the prison.
Legal mail and privileged mail
Legal mail is not part of the digital mail system. It continues to go directly to the inmate's facility - not to PO Box 17339.
Address legal mail directly to the facility's Mail Room Staff. Include the inmate's name and AIS number on the envelope. Clearly mark the envelope as legal mail. Legal mail is opened in the inmate's presence.
Packages and incentive orders
You cannot mail care packages directly to ADOC inmates. All packages go through ADOC-authorized vendors.
ADOC authorizes two package programs:
Access Securepak (accesscatalog.com) - offers Property and Hygiene packages and Food packages. The spending limit is $175 maximum and $25 minimum per program per inmate. Multiple orders may be placed in the same period as long as the combined total does not exceed $175. All items are pre-approved by ADOC. Order online at accesscatalog.com, by phone at 1-800-546-6283, or by mail to Access Securepak (AL), 10880 Linpage Place, St. Louis MO 63132.
Union Supply (alinmatepackage.com) - also authorized for Property and Hygiene packages. Order forms available at alinmatepackage.com. Three ordering methods available: online, phone, and mail.
Incentive packages (holiday and seasonal) - ADOC allows one holiday package and three seasonal packages per year. The holiday incentive package contains food and snack items; seasonal packages consist primarily of hygiene products, clothing, and electronics. Minimum order $15, maximum $150. The inmate must have a six-month clear disciplinary record to be eligible. Inmates in segregation are not eligible. Find current ordering periods and vendor information at doc.alabama.gov/inmatepackages.aspx.
Footwear program - an ongoing program with no ordering window restriction. Inmates may have up to three pairs of shoes at once. Order through ADOC-approved vendors. Find current information at doc.alabama.gov.
If an inmate is moved to a custody level that does not allow packages after your order ships, the package is returned and the merchandise cost refunded. Processing fees are not refunded.
Phone calls - ICSolutions
ADOC recently transitioned phone services to ICSolutions. To receive calls from an ADOC inmate, set up an account at ICSolutions.com or call 888-506-8407. Prepaid Collect allows you to receive calls to your specific phone number. Find complete setup instructions at icscorrections.com/facilities/al_doc.html.
ADOC contact
301 S. Ripley Street
P.O. Box 301501
Montgomery, AL 36130-1501
334-353-3883 / 1-855-WE-R-ADOC
doc.alabama.gov
County jails: different process, different rules
Alabama's 67 county jails operate independently of ADOC and set their own mail rules. Some use Smart Communications, some use ICSolutions, and some use their own systems. County jail addresses and mail policies vary by county.
The only reliable way to find the correct mail address and rules for a specific Alabama county jail is to check that county sheriff's website or call the facility directly. Do not use the PO Box 17339 address for county jail inmates - it is for ADOC state prisons only.
What to know before you send anything
All personal mail goes to PO Box 17339, San Antonio TX 78217 - not to the prison. Use ALDOC Inmate Mail Processing, the inmate's name and AIS number, and your full name and address in the top-left corner.
Legal mail goes directly to the facility, not to San Antonio. Mark it clearly and address it to Mail Room Staff.
Publications go directly to the facility from the publisher or commercial distributor. Limit of two books and four magazines per month. They are delivered physically, not scanned.
Photos can be included in the envelope to the San Antonio address (scanned to tablet), or sent faster through CorrLinks electronically.
Digital messaging uses CorrLinks at corrlinks.com.
Packages go through Access Securepak or Union Supply - not by direct mail. Maximum $175 per package program.
For county jails, find the specific address and rules at that county sheriff's website.
Related pages:
/prisons/alabama
How to send money to an Alabama inmate
Send mail and photos through InmateAid
Arrest Record Search (affiliate)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I mail a letter to an ADOC state prison inmate?
ALDOC Inmate Mail Processing, [Inmate Name] - [AIS Number], P.O. Box 17339, San Antonio TX 78217. Do not mail to the prison.
What is the AIS number and where do I find it?
The Alabama Institutional Serial number - ADOC's inmate identification number. Required for all mail. Find it using the ADOC Inmate Search at doc.alabama.gov.
What happens to my letter after it arrives in San Antonio?
It is scanned and delivered to the inmate's tablet as a digital image. Original mail is not returned to you. Do not send originals you want back.
Can I send photos?
Yes - include them in the envelope to the San Antonio PO Box (scanned to tablet) or send them electronically through CorrLinks for faster delivery. No originals you want returned.
Does legal mail go to the San Antonio PO Box?
No. Legal mail goes directly to the facility - not to PO Box 17339. Address it to Mail Room Staff at the facility and clearly mark it as legal mail. Include the inmate's name and AIS number.
How do I send magazines or books to an ADOC inmate?
Send directly from the publisher or recognized commercial distributor to the physical facility address. Cannot go through the San Antonio PO Box. Limit: two books and four magazines per month. Publications are delivered physically, not scanned.
How do I send a package to an ADOC inmate?
Through Access Securepak (accesscatalog.com; 1-800-546-6283) or Union Supply (alinmatepackage.com). Maximum $175 per program, minimum $25. No direct care package mailing.
What are the incentive package limits?
Minimum $15, maximum $150. One holiday package and three seasonal packages per year. Six-month clear disciplinary record required. Inmates in segregation are not eligible.
How do I send digital messages?
Through CorrLinks at corrlinks.com or the CorrLinks app. Find the inmate by AIS number and message directly.
How do I set up phone calls from an ADOC inmate?
Create an account at ICSolutions.com or call 888-506-8407. Find instructions at icscorrections.com/facilities/al_doc.html. ====================================================================