Sending Mail to Someone at Dane County Jail: Address Format, What Gets Through, and What Gets Rejected
Letters that keep getting returned or never arrive usually have one of two problems: the address format is wrong, or something in the envelope breaks the jail's mail rules. Here's how to send mail to Dane County Jail so it actually gets through.
Use this format for the address: Resident Name and Name Number Dane County Jail 115 West Doty Street Madison, WI 53703 All incoming mail goes through USPS, so mail it like you would any regular letter. Keep the envelope simple and clean.
Personal letters are allowed. A straightforward letter in a plain envelope is the safest bet.
Original artwork is allowed as long as it's done in pencil or ink. Stick to simple materials - anything with texture or extra pieces can still get rejected.
Greeting cards are fine if they're single-layer and you've written something on them. Blank cards won't make it through.
Personal photos are allowed unless the content gets flagged. When in doubt, choose something neutral.
Commercial publications and newspaper or magazine clippings are allowed, as long as the content isn't flagged. Keep clippings flat and within the size limits to avoid having your mail returned.
Money you can mail: Dane County Jail accepts cash, money orders, and government checks through resident mail.
Rejected materials: Anything made with or coated in marker, crayon, glitter, confetti, glue, adhesives, string, wire, metal, plastic, wood, or tassels won't be accepted.
Size matters too. Anything larger than 10" x 13" x 1" gets returned to sender.
Double-check your dimensions before sealing. Envelopes, packages, or boxes larger than 10" x 13" x 1" get sent back.
Expect your mail to be stripped down during processing. The jail removes all adhesive substances - postage stamps, return labels, stickers, everything. Don't bother adding decorative seals or anything sticky inside the envelope.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Use the resident’s name and name number, and address it to Dane County Jail, 115 West Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703
- ✓ Keep letters simple; if you include artwork, use pencil or ink only
- ✓ If you send a card, make it single-layer and write a note inside (don’t send blank greeting cards)
- ✓ Stay under the size limit: nothing larger than 10" x 13" x 1"
- ✓ Don’t rely on stickers, stamps-as-keepsakes, or return-label stickers - adhesives are removed
- ✓ Avoid anything made with or coated in marker, crayon, glitter, confetti, glue, adhesives, string, wire, metal, plastic, wood, or tassels
These rules exist because incoming mail gets screened for safety. Adhesive extras like stickers and decorative seals will be removed. Oversized mail comes right back to you.
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