Why Muskegon County Jail Only Accepts Postcards (And How to Send Them Correctly)

Muskegon County Jail only accepts pre-stamped postcards as personal (non-legal) mail for people in custody. Letters, greeting cards, and any other format won't make it through. They're simply not accepted. So if you want to write to someone inside, plan on postcards. Keep it plain and straightforward.

Address your postcard exactly like this: Inmate Name Muskegon County Jail 980 Terrace Street Muskegon, MI 49440 Put the incarcerated person's full name on the first line, followed by the facility name and street address. Clean, readable handwriting helps mailroom staff route it correctly.

The jail receives mail Monday through Friday only. Mail is not received on holidays, so build in extra time around holiday weekends.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Use a pre-stamped postcard, since postcards are the only accepted written (non-legal) communication
• ✓ Stick to an original postcard (for example, one purchased at a store or the Post Office)
• ✓ Do not add postage stamps to the postcard
• ✓ Do not use stickers or attach any extra materials, since items deemed inappropriate can cause it to be returned

1. Write a clear return address so there is no confusion about where it goes if it cannot be delivered.
2. Only use “legal mail” when it truly applies (for example, attorney-related correspondence), and make sure it is clearly marked as legal mail.
3. Expect non-postcard personal mail to come back because the jail returns other written communications unless they are clearly marked as legal mail.

If timing matters, don't drop your postcard in the mail right before a weekend or holiday. The facility only receives mail Monday through Friday (no holidays), so anything sent at the wrong time can sit in transit longer than you'd expect.