Can I Send a Package to Someone in Federal Prison? What's Allowed (FAQ)
Sending mail to someone in federal prison? That part's straightforward. Packages are where people run into trouble. Here's how incoming mail works, what you can and can't send from home, and the rules for books, money, and non-USPS shipments.
Federal prisons sort written mail into two categories: "general correspondence" and "special mail." The distinction matters because it determines how your letter gets opened. General correspondence is opened and inspected by staff. They're checking for physical contraband, but they also review content that could threaten institutional security or order. Special mail gets different treatment - but only if it's clearly marked as such on the envelope. Properly marked special mail can only be opened with the inmate present. It still gets inspected for contraband, though.
You can't just box up items at home and mail them in. Federal inmates aren't allowed to receive packages unless there's prior written approval from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member. Send a package without that approval, and it'll be rejected or returned.
- ✓ Release clothing
- ✓ Authorized medical devices
Books and magazines follow different rules. Don't mail them yourself - have them sent directly from the publisher or an approved commercial vendor. Even brand-new items mailed from a person at home typically won't be accepted.
Don’t mail money to the prison address: For federal inmates, mailed funds must go to a processing center in Des Moines, Iowa - not to the facility’s mailing address.
Shipping something via freight or a carrier other than USPS? Don't assume the regular mailing address will work. This facility has a separate freight/non-USPS (warehouse) address and specific procedures for those shipments. Confirm the correct address and any carrier requirements with the institution before you send anything - otherwise your delivery could be refused or misrouted.
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