How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Ely State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ely State Prison is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Ely State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Ely State Prison

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Ely State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ely State Prison?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Ely State Prison?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Ely State Prison. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Ely State Prison. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Ely State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Ely State Prison
   4569 NV-490
   Ely, NV 89301
   Phone: (775) 289-8800

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Ely State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Ely State Prison vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (775) 289-8800 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Ely State Prison?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Ely State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ely State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ely State Prison through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Ely State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Ely State Prison, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Ely State Prison?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Ely State Prison for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Ely State Prison, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Through comprehensive programming initiatives, supportive services at Ely State Prison create pathways for meaningful personal development and successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach emphasizes building essential life skills while addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to incarceration. These carefully structured programs recognize that effective rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s circumstances, from educational deficits to substance dependency issues.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s programming structure, typically offering literacy development, GED preparation, and basic academic instruction tailored to diverse learning needs. Vocational programs may supply hands-on training in practical trades, including electrical work that provides marketable skills for post-release employment opportunities. These educational and vocational initiatives often emphasize both technical competency and workplace readiness, helping the population develop confidence alongside concrete abilities that enhance their prospects for successful reentry into society.

In addition to these foundational programs, therapeutic interventions address behavioral and psychological challenges through substance abuse treatment designed to break cycles of addiction. Conflict resolution programming typically focuses on developing healthy communication strategies and anger management techniques that prove valuable both within the facility and upon return to the community. The population may benefit from counseling services and group therapy sessions that foster personal accountability while building supportive peer relationships, creating an environment where individuals can address past traumas and develop healthier coping mechanisms for future challenges.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational frameworks and structured protocols shape every aspect of the residential experience, with comprehensive scheduling systems that consistently guide the population through their daily activities today and throughout each week. The facility operates under clearly defined hierarchical management structures that oversee housing assignments, meal distribution, work details, and recreational periods, ensuring that each segment of the day flows systematically from one supervised activity to the next. Security classifications and custody levels typically determine the specific routines and privileges available to different segments of the population, with movement between housing units, common areas, and program locations following established protocols that maintain institutional order while providing necessary services and opportunities.

Living accommodations generally consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where the population shares common spaces while maintaining individual sleeping and storage areas for approved personal property. In addition to this basic housing structure, the facility typically provides centralized dining halls where meals are served according to predetermined schedules, with the population moving in organized groups to ensure orderly meal service and adequate nutrition. Commissary privileges usually allow residents to supplement their basic provisions with approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products, while laundry services and medical care operate on scheduled rotations that accommodate the entire residential population.

Despite this highly structured environment, recreational programming and family communication opportunities supply important connections to normalcy and personal development throughout the week. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, janitorial services, and other operational support roles that provide structure while contributing to institutional functioning. Educational programs, library access, and supervised recreational activities typically occur during designated time periods, while visitation schedules and telephone privileges generally allow the population to maintain contact with family members and approved contacts according to established security protocols and communication guidelines.