West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) uses a centralized scanning address in Phoenix, Maryland for all personal letters. The rules are among the most restrictive in the series: no photographs of any kind in the envelope, no attachments or enclosures, one inmate per envelope only. Any violation causes the entire mailing to be returned to the sender.
The agency is officially called the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDOCR), found at dcr.wv.gov. The agency uses both "inmates" and "offenders" in its materials.
Sending mail - letters only
All letters must be sent to:
[Inmate's First and Last Name and OID Number]
[Full Name of Facility - no abbreviations]
PO Box 336
Phoenix, MD 21131
The sender must include a full return address with complete first AND last name. No initials.
Four rules - any violation causes all contents to be returned to sender:
1. No photographs. If the envelope contains photographs, the entire mailing is returned to the sender.
2. One offender per envelope only. If an envelope contains letters for multiple offenders, it is returned to the sender.
3. No attachments or enclosures of any kind. Handwritten or typed letters are the only items allowed. They are scanned and delivered to the offender electronically.
4. Violation of any of the above rules causes all contents to be returned to the sender.
Find an inmate's OID number and current facility:
- Prisons: dcr.wv.gov/offendersearch/Pages/offender-search-prisons.aspx
- Jails: apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
For the full name of the facility (required, no abbreviations): see dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/Adult-Facilities.aspx
Photos
Photographs cannot be sent through regular mail - they will cause the entire mailing to be returned. If you wish to send photos, the GettingOut platform (gettingout.com) may allow electronic photo messages. Check the facility's GettingOut page for current availability and rates before purchasing credits.
Legal mail and privileged correspondence
Legal/privileged mail (from attorneys, courts, etc.) should be sent directly to the facility, not to the Phoenix MD PO Box. Per WV Code 15A-4-7, legal mail from an attorney of record must clearly state "legal mail" on the envelope and is handled with privacy protections.
West Virginia adult facilities
West Virginia operates 20 adult facilities - 16 prisons and jails and 4 community corrections facilities. All are listed at dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/Adult-Facilities.aspx.
Sending money - ConnectNetwork
WVDCR no longer accepts US Postal Money Orders.
Deposit funds via ConnectNetwork (also known as GTL/ViaPath):
- Phone: 888-988-4768
- Web: ConnectNetwork.com
- App: ConnectNetwork app - iOS or Android
A deposit guide and support numbers are available at dcr.wv.gov (under Offender Services > Offender Banking).
Phone calls and video visits - GettingOut
WVDCR has contracted with GettingOut to provide calling and video visits to inmates.
- Web: GettingOut.com
- App: GettingOut app - iOS or Android
- Support guide: dcr.wv.gov (under Offender Services > Offender Calling and Video Visits)
All calls and messages are subject to monitoring and are not private.
Electronic messaging via GettingOut
GettingOut also provides electronic messaging at WVDCR facilities. Families and friends create a GettingOut account, add the inmate, and purchase message credits. Messages are reviewed by staff. Electronic photo sending may be available through GettingOut - check the platform for current rates and availability at the specific facility.
West Virginia regional jails (separate system)
West Virginia also has a separate Regional Jail Authority that operates additional jails. These facilities have their own mail rules and may use different vendors. The Western Virginia Regional Jail, for example, uses the same Phoenix MD PO Box 247 address system and GettingOut for messaging. Contact each regional jail directly or check its facility page for current rules.
Search for inmates in WV Regional Jails: apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
What to know before you send anything
Letters: PO Box 336, Phoenix MD 21131. Include inmate's full name, OID number, full facility name (no abbreviations), and your full return name and address (no initials). Handwritten or typed letters only.
No photos - the entire mailing is returned if photos are included.
No enclosures or attachments of any kind.
One inmate per envelope only.
Legal mail: directly to the facility, marked "legal mail."
Photos: try GettingOut (gettingout.com) for electronic photos.
Money: ConnectNetwork at ConnectNetwork.com or 888-988-4768. No US Postal Money Orders accepted.
Phone and video: GettingOut at gettingout.com.
Offender search (prisons): dcr.wv.gov/offendersearch/Pages/offender-search-prisons.aspx
Offender search (jails): apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
WVDCR headquarters: (304) 558-2036
Related pages:
/prisons/west-virginia
How to send money to a West Virginia inmate
Send mail and photos through InmateAid
Arrest Record Search (affiliate)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I mail a letter to a West Virginia WVDCR inmate?
To PO Box 336, Phoenix MD 21131. Include the inmate's full name and OID number, the full facility name (no abbreviations), and your complete first and last name as the return address. Find OID number and facility at dcr.wv.gov/offendersearch/Pages/offender-search-prisons.aspx.
Can I send photos?
No - if the envelope contains photographs, the entire mailing is returned to sender. Electronic photo messages may be available through GettingOut (gettingout.com). Check availability at the specific facility before purchasing credits.
Can I include a greeting card or drawing with a letter?
No. No attachments, enclosures, or items of any kind beyond the handwritten or typed letter itself. All violations cause the entire mailing to be returned.
Can I mail multiple letters in one envelope for different inmates?
No. One offender per envelope only. Multi-recipient envelopes are returned to sender.
How do I send money?
Through ConnectNetwork at ConnectNetwork.com or by calling 888-988-4768. WVDCR no longer accepts US Postal Money Orders.
How do I set up phone calls or video visits?
Through GettingOut at gettingout.com or the GettingOut app. A support guide is available at dcr.wv.gov under Offender Services. ====================================================================