How to Address Mail to Someone at MCF‑Stillwater (and why the P.O. Box may show Phoenix, MD)
Missing one of the Minnesota DOC-required details? Your letter could get delayed or rejected. Here's exactly what to write on the envelope for someone at MCF‑Stillwater—plus why you might see an out-of-state P.O. Box in DOC examples.
Mail to MCF‑Stillwater (or any Minnesota DOC facility) needs four things on the envelope: the person's full name, their Minnesota DOC Offender ID (OID), the facility name, and the word
Format it however works for you - just make sure all four elements are clearly visible. A single-line version looks like:
Note: These requirements come directly from Minnesota DOC mail rules. Missing the full name, OID, facility name, or
Noticed a P.O. Box in another state on DOC examples? You're not seeing things. Some DOC addresses show Phoenix, Maryland because mail gets sent to an outside processing service before reaching the facility. It's part of how Minnesota handles incoming mail now.
Good to know: Even with an out-of-state P.O. Box, you still need those same four identifiers: full name, OID, facility name, and
Once you send your letter, it won't travel like regular mail. Minnesota DOC mail gets opened and scanned, and the incarcerated person receives a copy - not the original. The DOC put this third-party scanning in place to reduce drug contraband. According to the DOC, overdoses and Narcan interventions have dropped significantly since the change.
Why scanning exists: The DOC implemented third-party mail scanning to cut down on drug contraband, and they report a significant drop in overdoses and Narcan interventions after the change.
Because of the scanning step, delivery takes longer than regular mail. If your loved one hasn't received your letter yet, it's likely still in processing - not necessarily a problem with what you sent.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Write the incarcerated person’s full name on the envelope.
- ✓ Include the MN DOC Offender ID (OID) and make it easy to read.
- ✓ Put the facility name (MCF‑Stillwater) on the address.
- ✓ Spell out “Minnesota” (don’t use “MN”).
- ✓ Keep expectations realistic: the mail will be opened and scanned, and your loved one receives a copy.
- Ask your loved one for their OID - if you can, this is usually the fastest way to get the exact number.
- Use the Minnesota DOC search page referenced in the handbook - search the individual’s name to find the MN DOC Offender ID (OID).
- Copy the OID exactly onto the envelope - double-check the digits before you mail anything.
Reminder: Since mail is opened and scanned as part of contraband control, keep what you send simple and clean - anything that raises a contraband concern can slow delivery.
Not sure which address to use? Especially if you're seeing an out-of-state P.O. Box and want to double-check? Verify before you send. The DOC handbook lists Minnesota DOC Central Office contact information, and MCF‑Stillwater can answer facility-specific questions about mail handling.
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