How to Send Mail to Someone at Mobile County Metro Jail (so it isn't returned)
Mail rules at Metro Jail can feel nitpicky, but get the basics right and your message will get through. Here's the non-negotiable you need to know first: use the right kind of postcard.
Mobile County Metro Jail requires all incoming non-privileged mail to be sent on a metered postcard - postage stamps aren't allowed. Send a regular stamped postcard or a letter with a stamp, and it'll likely be rejected before it ever reaches your person.
Addressing trips up a lot of people. For the inmate, use their full name and include their date of birth if you have it. For yourself, Metro Jail requires a complete return address: your full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Miss any of that, and your postcard could be delayed or not delivered at all.
- ✓ Inmate’s full legal name
- ✓ Inmate’s date of birth (if known)
- ✓ Your full name (sender)
- ✓ Your street address
- ✓ Your city
- ✓ Your state
- ✓ Your ZIP code
Metro Jail doesn't accept padded envelopes. Trying to send a note, photos, or anything else in a padded mailer? It'll be rejected. Stick to the required postcard format.
- ✓ Do not send padded envelopes
Mail that isn't addressed correctly gets returned to you. Frustrating, yes - but at least you can fix the issue and resend it the right way.
- ✓ Rewrite the inmate line using their full name (and date of birth if you know it)
- ✓ Add your full return address (name, street address, city, state, ZIP)
- ✓ Resend using a metered postcard (no postage stamps)
- ✓ Don’t use padded envelopes
If contraband comes through the mail and it's not considered a criminal offense, Metro Jail holds it for ten (10) calendar days. Even when it's not serious, it can slow things down and create extra hassle for the person you're trying to support.
Tip: Keep your mail clean and simple - it moves faster. And remember: Metro Jail requires a metered postcard (no stamps) for incoming non-privileged mail.
Quick-checklist
- ✓ Send only a metered postcard for non-privileged inmate mail (no postage stamps)
- ✓ Address the inmate using their full name (add date of birth if you know it)
- ✓ Include your full return address: full name, street address, city, state, ZIP code
- ✓ Do not use padded envelopes
- ✓ If it isn’t addressed the way Metro Jail requires, it will be returned to sender
- ✓ Avoid sending contraband; if it’s not a criminal offense, it can be held for 10 calendar days
Find an Inmate at Mobile Metro Jail, AL
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
