What to write on the envelope to reach someone at MCF Willow River (MN DOC rules)

To get your letter to the right person at MCF Willow River, write the incarcerated person’s full name in the “deliver to” address. Use their legal name (not a nickname) so it matches MN DOC records.

Include the person's MN DOC Offender ID number (OID) on the envelope. Write it right after their name as "OID# [number]." This helps staff route mail correctly, especially when multiple people share similar names.

Include the facility name - MCF Willow River - and write out "Minnesota" in full. MN DOC specifically says not to abbreviate it, so skip "MN" on that line.

Here's the format MN DOC uses - just swap in your loved one's name, OID, and "MCF Willow River": John Doe OID# 000000 MCF Willow River, Minnesota P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131

Here's a simplified version with the same required pieces: Full Legal Name OID# 123456 MCF Willow River, Minnesota

Put your return address in the usual top-left spot on the envelope. If something's missing from the delivery address - like the facility name or "Minnesota" spelled out - a clear return address means your letter comes back to you instead of disappearing into limbo.

Common Mistakes

• ✓ Leaving off the OID number - write “OID#” plus the full number right after the person’s name.
• ✓ Writing the wrong OID - double-check the digits before you seal the envelope.

• ✓ Using “MN” instead of “Minnesota” - spell out “Minnesota” exactly as written.
• ✓ Mixing formats - keep “MCF Willow River, Minnesota” together in the address block.

• ✓ Using a nickname or missing part of the name - use the person’s full legal name.
• ✓ Listing the wrong facility - make sure the facility line says “MCF Willow River” and includes “Minnesota.”

Not sure where the person is housed? Look them up in the MN DOC offender search first. It's the fastest way to confirm you have the right facility and OID before mailing anything.

If you still can't confirm the mailing details, contact MN DOC before sending anything. Better to pause and verify than to risk delays from a wrong facility name or missing OID.