Why Your Mail to Iowa State Penitentiary Goes to Las Vegas (and How to Address It)

Iowa DOC sends all incoming non-legal mail through a central processing facility to curb contraband. That's why your envelope goes to a Las Vegas PO Box first - even though the person you're writing is housed at Iowa State Penitentiary in Iowa. Mail non-legal items directly to an Iowa DOC facility instead of routing through the central processor, and it'll be returned to you.

1. Write the incarcerated person’s name and ID number - Use this format: Incarcerated Individual Name – Offender ID Number.
2. Add the facility name and facility code - For Iowa State Penitentiary, use: Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) – 1110.
3. Finish with the central processing PO Box - PO Box 96777, Las Vegas, NV 89193.

When your non-legal mail arrives at the central processing site, Pigeonly opens it and scans it into a digital color copy. That copy gets printed and delivered to the appropriate Iowa DOC facility - including Iowa State Penitentiary, as long as you've used the correct facility code and addressing format.

What Is Processed

• ✓ Letters (including children’s drawings)
• ✓ Greeting cards
• ✓ Postcards
• ✓ 4x6 photos (limit 10)
• ✓ Unbound newsletters

Since your mail gets handled and copied offsite, keep it simple and easy to scan. Unsure if something will make it through? Stick to basic paper items - letters and photos that fit the allowed size and quantity.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Double-check the incarcerated person’s name and Offender ID number
• ✓ List the facility as Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) and include the facility code 1110
• ✓ If you’re sending photos, use 4x6 prints and keep it to 10 or fewer
• ✓ Address non-legal mail to PO Box 96777, Las Vegas, NV 89193