Before You Send That Letter: RSW Regional Jail's Mail Restrictions Checklist

At a Glance

• ✓ Send all non-legal inmate mail to: RSW Regional Jail VA, P.O. Box 18247, Greensboro, NC 27419
• ✓ Put the inmate’s full name, inmate ID number, and Facility ID 5258 on the envelope (missing info can keep it from being scanned)
• ✓ Keep it to 10 pages or less per envelope
• ✓ Use paper that’s 8.5" x 11" or smaller
• ✓ Do not mail magazines, books, packages, or any publications to the processing center
• ✓ Do not include original photos or original important documents (birth certificates, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, Green Cards, etc.) - they will not be returned
• ✓ Do not send cash, personal checks, or money orders to the processing center
• ✓ Avoid prohibited content: sexually explicit, gang-related, illegal activity, violence, or drug/alcohol use - and no photos of nude or partially clothed persons

RSW Regional Jail handles legal mail and money differently than regular letters. Legal mail must go directly to the facility - not the Greensboro processing center - and needs to be clearly marked "Legal Mail." Money orders also go straight to the facility. Never send cash or personal checks to the processing center.

Keep scanned mail simple. The processing center accepts written or typed pages, photos, drawings, and greeting cards - but no Polaroids. Use standard paper sizes (nothing larger than 8.5" x 11") and limit each envelope to 10 pages or less.

• ✓ Written or typed pages, photos, drawings, or greeting cards are allowed for scanned mail - no Polaroids
• ✓ No glitter, glue, tape, or 3D elements (anything bulky or textured can get rejected)
• ✓ No electronic components (lights, music, animation)
• ✓ Don’t send original photos or original important documents - they won’t be returned

Most rejections come down to two issues: the item can't be scanned cleanly, or it shouldn't go through the processing center at all. Magazines, books, packages, and publications aren't allowed - even if they seem like harmless reading material. Another common mistake? Sending originals. Original photos and important documents like IDs or vital records won't be returned, so don't mail them. Also watch out for scan-unfriendly items: Polaroids, cards with glitter, glue, tape, 3D decorations, or electronic parts will all get rejected.

• ✓ A magazine, book, or any other publication mailed to the processing center
• ✓ A package (even a small one) mailed to the processing center
• ✓ Original documents like a birth certificate, driver’s license, Social Security card, or Green Card
• ✓ Original photos you can’t replace
• ✓ Polaroid photos
• ✓ Cards with glitter, glued-on decorations, tape, pop-ups, or other 3D add-ons
• ✓ Cards with lights, music, or any animated/electronic feature

Proper formatting isn't enough - content matters too. RSW Regional Jail prohibits anything that contains, depicts, or relates to sexually explicit activity, gang activity, illegal activity, violence, or drug/alcohol use. This applies to photos as well. Nude or partially clothed images are not allowed, regardless of intent.

If what you're sending doesn't fit the scanned-mail rules, send it to the right address instead of hoping it gets through. Non-legal mail goes to the third-party processing center: RSW Regional Jail VA, P.O. Box 18247, Greensboro, NC 27419. Legal or privileged mail should be mailed directly to RSW Regional Jail and clearly marked "Legal Mail." Sending funds? Use a money order mailed directly to the facility, addressed to the Inmate Accounts Clerk with the inmate's full name and ID number: ATTN: Inmate Accounts Clerk, RSW Regional Jail, INMATE FULL NAME, inmate ID number, 6601 Winchester Road, Front Royal, VA 22630.

1. Decide whether it’s legal mail - if it’s legal/privileged, mail it directly to the facility and mark it “Legal Mail,” not to the processing center.
2. Use a money order for funds - mail money orders directly to the facility addressed to the Inmate Accounts Clerk (include the inmate’s full name and ID number).
3. Double-check before you mail - if you’re unsure whether something qualifies as legal mail or how to address a money order, confirm the details with the facility before sending.