If someone you love is locked up in Arkansas, staying connected through mail matters - and the system changed in 2025. Effective September 15, 2025, the Arkansas Division of Correction (ADC) moved all general inmate mail to a digital processing system. Letters, photos, and cards no longer go to the prison. They go to a Securus processing center in Tampa, Florida, where they are scanned and delivered to the inmate's tablet.
Two categories of mail are not part of the digital system: legal mail and publications. Those still go directly to the facility where the inmate is housed.
This article covers ADC state prisons. Arkansas county jails operate independently and are addressed at the end.
Sending general mail - letters, photos, cards
All non-legal mail must be sent to the ADC digital mail processing center in Tampa. Do not mail letters to the prison - they will not be accepted there.
The mailing address for all general mail is:
[Inmate's Name and ADC Number]
ARDOC
P.O. Box 25918
Tampa, FL 33622
Your full name, street address or PO box, city, state, and zip code must be included as the return address. Mail without a complete return address will not be processed.
Write in dark ink only - black or blue. Do not use pencils or yellow markers. Both reduce image quality when scanned, and the entire envelope and its contents are scanned front and back in color.
Once received in Tampa, Securus scans the mail and delivers it digitally to the inmate's tablet through the eMessaging app. The scanned mail is stored and accessible to the inmate on the tablet. For inmates who do not have tablet access, Securus scans the mail and emails it to the facility. A designated ADC staff member then prints the contents and delivers them physically to the inmate.
If you want your original mail returned to you after it is scanned, include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage. Without it, the original is discarded 90 days after scanning.
Sending photos and drawings
Photos and drawings are accepted for scanning. They must be on paper, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches. Non-paper items will not be scanned and will not be accepted. Keep photos and drawings to standard letter-size paper or smaller.
Do not send photos you need returned unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope - originals are otherwise discarded after 90 days.
What is NOT accepted at the Tampa address
The following will be rejected and returned to the sender if sent to the Tampa PO Box:
Legal or privileged mail. Publications (magazines, newspapers, books). Media mail. Packages. Subscriptions. Certified mail. Checks or money orders.
If you send any of these to the Tampa address, they will be returned to you. Each has its own separate process described below.
Sending publications - magazines and books
Publications - mail sent from a publisher, distributor, or authorized retailer - must be sent directly to the facility where the inmate is housed. Do not send publications to the Tampa digital mail address.
Contact the specific ADC facility for the current mailing address for publications. Facility addresses are listed at doc.arkansas.gov.
Publications are subject to the ADC Administrative Rule regarding Publications. They are delivered to the inmate physically, not as digital scans.
Legal mail
Legal and privileged mail must go directly to the facility where the inmate is housed - not to the Tampa PO Box. If you are an attorney or sending privileged correspondence, address the envelope to the inmate at their assigned facility and clearly mark it as legal or privileged mail. If it is sent to the Tampa address, it will be opened and processed as regular general mail.
Legal mail is opened only in the inmate's presence and inspected only for contraband.
Packages
No food or care packages may be mailed directly to an inmate. ADC has a separate inmate package program for approved items. Find current package program information at doc.arkansas.gov/correction/online-services.
Packages sent to the Tampa address will be rejected and returned.
Electronic messaging - Securus eMessaging
The Securus eMessaging app is available for electronic messages and photos through the tablet. This is the fastest way to send a message or share photos. Access it through the Securus platform. Video visitation is also available through Securus at $5.00 per 30-minute session (as of January 2025).
Warning about cash transfer apps
ADC explicitly warns that sending money through Cash App, Chime, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or any other money transfer app not provided by the department is illegal. "This is illegal and a scam," stated ADC Director Dexter Payne. People who engage in this practice could face criminal charges, and inmates will be disciplined. Only use the authorized ADC banking service for money.
County jails: different rules
Arkansas has 75 counties, each with its own jail operated by the county sheriff. County jails are not covered by the ADC digital mail system. Mail rules and addresses vary by county. Check the specific county sheriff's website for current instructions.
What to know before you send anything
General mail goes to P.O. Box 25918, Tampa FL 33622 - not to the prison. Include the inmate's name and ADC number and your full return address.
Use black or blue ink only. No pencils, no yellow markers.
Photos and drawings accepted - max 8.5 x 11 inches, paper only. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want originals returned.
Publications go directly to the facility - not to Tampa. Check facility address at doc.arkansas.gov.
Legal mail goes directly to the facility - not to Tampa. Mark clearly as legal mail.
No packages by mail to inmates. Use the ADC package program.
Do not use Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or any non-ADC app for money - it is illegal.
Related pages:
/prisons/arkansas
How to send money to an Arkansas inmate
Send mail and photos through InmateAid
Arrest Record Search (affiliate)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I mail a letter to an Arkansas DOC inmate?
ARDOC, P.O. Box 25918, Tampa FL 33622. Include the inmate's name and ADC number on the first line. Include your full return address. Do not mail to the prison.
What happens to my letter after it arrives in Tampa?
Securus scans both the envelope and contents in color, front and back, and delivers the images to the inmate's tablet through the eMessaging app. For inmates without tablets, it is printed and hand-delivered at the facility.
Can I send photos?
Yes - include them in the envelope to the Tampa address. Photos must be on paper, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want originals back. Originals are otherwise discarded 90 days after scanning.
Can I use a pencil or colored markers when writing?
No. Use black or blue ink only. Pencils and yellow markers reduce image quality when scanned.
How do I send magazines or books to an Arkansas DOC inmate?
Send directly from the publisher, distributor, or authorized retailer to the facility where the inmate is housed. Publications cannot go to the Tampa PO Box - they will be rejected. Contact the specific facility for the current mailing address.
Does legal mail go to Tampa?
No. Legal and privileged mail must go directly to the facility. Mark clearly as legal mail. If sent to Tampa, it will be opened and processed as regular mail.
Can I mail a care package?
No. You cannot mail packages directly to ADC inmates. ADC has a separate authorized inmate package program at doc.arkansas.gov/correction/online-services.
How do I get the original letter back after it's scanned?
Include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage when you mail the original. Without it, originals are discarded 90 days after scanning.
When did the digital mail system start?
Effective September 15, 2025. Mail sent to ADC facilities instead of the Tampa address will not be accepted.
Is it safe to send money through Venmo or Cash App for an Arkansas inmate?
No. ADC has explicitly stated this is illegal and a scam. Use only the authorized ADC banking service. People who send money through unauthorized apps could face criminal charges. ====================================================================
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