How to Address Mail to Someone at MCF Lino Lakes — and What Happens to It

Every envelope going to MCF Lino Lakes needs these details: the person's full name, their DOC OID number, the facility name, and "Minnesota" spelled out (no abbreviations). One thing that surprises people is the routing. Mail goes to an external processing center outside of Minnesota before reaching the facility, so writing the address clearly matters. The Minnesota DOC provides an example format: name on the first line with the OID number, then the facility line with "Minnesota" spelled out, followed by the P.O. Box address used for processing. Include those required fields, skip the abbreviations, and your mail should move through without avoidable delays.

• ✓ Incarcerated person’s full legal name
• ✓ DOC OID number
• ✓ Facility name (MCF Lino Lakes)
• ✓ “Minnesota” spelled out (do not write “Minn.”)

Use an address block like the one below. Keep it neat and easy to read. The two most common mistakes? Leaving off the DOC OID number and abbreviating "Minnesota." Also remember: the mailing address routes to an out-of-state processing center first, then on to MCF Lino Lakes. Sample template: [Full Name] OID# [DOC OID] MCF Lino Lakes, Minnesota P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131

• ✓ Write the person’s full name and DOC OID number together (so it is not missed)
• ✓ Put “MCF Lino Lakes, Minnesota” on the facility line
• ✓ Spell out “Minnesota” (do not abbreviate)
• ✓ Address the envelope to the P.O. Box used for the off-site processing service

Your letter doesn't go straight to MCF Lino Lakes. It first travels to an external processing center outside of Minnesota, where incoming mail is opened and scanned as part of the Minnesota DOC's security process. The scanning is designed to reduce drug contraband entering facilities. Your loved one receives a copy of the mail after scanning, not the original item.

1. Address and mail your envelope - Include the full name, DOC OID number, “MCF Lino Lakes,” and “Minnesota” spelled out.
2. Mail goes to an off-site processing center first - Minnesota DOC mail is initially routed to an out-of-state service (using a P.O. Box address).
3. The mail is opened and scanned - The scanning process is used to help reduce contraband entering facilities.
4. A copy is provided to the incarcerated person - They receive a scanned copy of the mail, including copies of photos and cards.

Here's the biggest thing to understand about mail at MCF Lino Lakes: what you send gets opened and scanned, and your loved one receives a copy. This matters most for photos and greeting cards, where you might expect the original to be handed over. If an original photo or card is sentimental, consider keeping it at home and sending a duplicate. The scanning process means the copy is what they'll receive, not the original you put in the envelope.

• ✓ If you want them to have the image, assume they will receive a scanned copy of the photo
• ✓ If an original card or photo is irreplaceable, consider sending a copy instead of the one you would be upset to lose
• ✓ Write clearly inside cards and on photo captions so the scan is easy to read

If you would rather send messages and images electronically, the Minnesota DOC supports using TextBehind. It is a service that lets you send electronic letters, photos, and greeting cards to someone incarcerated at MCF Lino Lakes. The DOC provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on its website for setting up and using the service.

If you want your mail to move smoothly, focus on the details the processing center uses to match the mail to the right person: full name and DOC OID number. The other easy-to-miss rule is spelling out “Minnesota” instead of abbreviating it. Build in patience, too. Because mail is routed to an out-of-state service and scanned before it reaches the facility, delivery can feel slower than regular person-to-person mail. If something seems stuck, the first thing to do is re-check the address format you used, especially the OID and “Minnesota” line.

• ✓ Re-check that you used the incarcerated person’s full name and correct DOC OID number
• ✓ Confirm you wrote “MCF Lino Lakes, Minnesota” and did not abbreviate “Minnesota”
• ✓ Remember the letter is routed to an external, out-of-state processing center before it goes to the facility
• ✓ If timing is urgent, consider using TextBehind to send an electronic letter, photo, or greeting card