Sending Mail, Photos, Cards and Books to MDOC Inmates: A Practical Checklist

Address-mail-the-mdoc-way

• ✓ Inmate Name & MDOC Number
• ✓ Current Housing Unit
• ✓ Institution/Facility Name
• ✓ Institution/Facility Address
• ✓ City, State, ZIP Code

MDOC also requires a complete return address. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP. This isn't just a formality - if the mailing address is incomplete or the mail can't be processed, your return address is what allows it to come back to you instead of getting stuck in the system.

Photos-7-picture-rule

• ✓ Include no more than seven (7) pictures with each letter
• ✓ Keep photos no larger than 5x7 inches
• ✓ Make sure everyone in the photos is fully clothed

The source of your photos matters. MDOC only accepts pictures from approved vendors: Amazon, Freeprint, Pelipost, or Shutterfly. If you usually print at home and drop photos in an envelope, switch to one of these options instead.

Cards-allowances-restrictions

• ✓ Sign cards in ink
• ✓ Do not include glitter or stickers

Books-magazines-ordering-rules

• ✓ Send only pre-paid softcover paperback publications
• ✓ Stay within the limit of 3 publications (softcover books) per month

Publications can't be forwarded from your home or shipped secondhand. MDOC requires all books, magazines, and color pencils to come directly from the publisher, distributor, or vendor. Place your order so it ships straight to the facility.

Want your mail to arrive? Focus on the two things the mailroom checks first: the inmate's address format and your return address. The envelope needs the inmate's name and MDOC number, current housing unit, facility name, and full facility address (city, state, ZIP). Your return address must include your full name and current address (city, state, ZIP). Missing or incomplete information can delay delivery - or prevent it entirely.