How to Address a Letter to an Inmate at Oregon State Penitentiary (So It Actually Gets Delivered)

Use the adult in custody's (AIC's) name exactly as it appears in Oregon Department of Corrections records. That exact match matters. Skip nicknames and shortened versions - even if that's what you call them every day. A name that doesn't match DOC records can slow delivery or get the letter misrouted.

Include the AIC's Oregon state offender identification number (SID#) on the envelope. The SID# is the fastest way for staff to confirm who the letter is for - especially when multiple people share similar names. Leave it off, and your mail might still get through. But it's more likely to be delayed or sent to the wrong person. Include the SID# every time.

Use the correct facility name and complete mailing address. This trips people up more than anything - an incomplete address, an outdated one, or the wrong facility name can send your letter into limbo. For Oregon State Penitentiary, use: Oregon State Penitentiary 2605 State St Salem, OR 97310

Include a full return address with your complete name and address. Oregon DOC requires it - and it's the only way to get your letter back if it can't be delivered. Don't use partial info like just a first name or city. Without a complete return address, undeliverable mail disappears.

Not sure you have the right name or SID#? Use Oregon DOC's Adult in custody Lookup System. It's the official tool for finding an AIC's correct name, SID#, and current location. This is especially useful if your loved one's name is commonly misspelled, they go by a middle name, or you're writing for the first time with only partial details.

One caveat: Oregon's Offender Search is a public service tool, not an official certified record. Information can change, and DOC doesn't treat it as a legal document. For mailing purposes, the takeaway is simple: double-check the exact name and SID# before you send, so everything matches what DOC has on file.

Common Addressing Mistakes

• ✓ Using a nickname or shortened name instead of the AIC’s exact DOC record name - even small differences can cause delays.
• ✓ Forgetting the SID# - without it, staff have less to confirm who the letter belongs to.
• ✓ Using the wrong facility name or an incomplete/incorrect facility address - the mail may be delayed or sent back.

Quick Pre Mail Checklist

• ✓ AIC name matches Oregon DOC records exactly (no nicknames).
• ✓ SID# is written on the envelope.
• ✓ Facility name and complete facility address are correct for Oregon State Penitentiary.
• ✓ Your full return address includes your complete name and address.
• ✓ If anything is uncertain, confirm the AIC’s name and SID# using the Adult in custody Lookup System.