Why a Person in NDCS Can't Receive Loose Postage Stamps (and how postage is handled)

NDCS doesn't allow incarcerated individuals to possess postage stamps. Instead, they buy pre-stamped envelopes through the facility canteen(s). This is how most people send regular personal mail without ever having loose stamps in their property.

Self-addressed stamped envelopes are only allowed in narrow situations. NDCS permits them when they come from official sources: government agencies, an attorney or other legal entity, a publisher, a vendor, religious headquarters, or an approved educational facility (as part of a bona fide approved correspondence course). Outside of those categories, they won't be accepted.

NDCS has a set process for special event cards. When someone purchases a special event card and the necessary postage through the canteen, canteen staff affix the postage to the envelope after the purchase. The person never handles a loose stamp themselves.

Legal mail works differently. NDCS allows an incarcerated individual to write an insufficient funds institutional check to cover legal mail postage, including the cost of certified mail.

Practical Advice Families

• ✓ Encourage them to use pre-stamped envelopes that are sold through the facility canteen(s).
• ✓ For special event cards, have them purchase the card and necessary postage through the canteen so canteen staff can affix the postage (no loose stamps are issued).

The most straightforward way to help with postage is to make sure your loved one has funds available to buy pre-stamped envelopes (and special event cards with postage, when needed) from the canteen. Stick to NDCS-approved methods for adding funds so they can purchase those canteen items without running into problems tied to the no-loose-stamps rule.