How to Send Mail and Books to Someone at PICC: Addressing, Paper Rules, Photos, and Vendor Limits

For mail to reach someone at Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC), every envelope needs two things: the facility's address and the incarcerated person's ID number (their PPN). Set up a simple address block with their full name, their PPN on the next line, then "PICC," followed by the street address. If the name or ID number is missing or wrong, mail gets delayed or rejected because staff can't route it.

Keep your letter materials simple. Write in pen or pencil only, not crayons or markers. Use plain white paper. Colored paper, construction paper, and specialty papers aren't allowed. Your envelope should also be plain white so the mailroom can process it without issues.

Photos need to be 5 in. x 7 in. or smaller. PICC also restricts photo content: avoid pictures showing nudity, weapons, money, or drug use. If a photo crosses one of those lines, your mail may be rejected.

Books, magazines, and newspapers follow different rules than letters. They must come directly from a third-party seller, not from your home. When you order, ship straight from the vendor to the facility using the incarcerated person's name and PPN so it can be matched to them. Acceptable vendors include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Philadelphia Inquirer (along with similar third-party sellers).

1. Confirm the name and PPN (ID) number. Use the incarcerated person’s full name and include their ID number on the address.
2. Address the envelope to PICC. Include “PICC” and the full street address: 8301 State Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19136.
3. Write on plain white paper. Skip colored or specialty paper.
4. Use pen or pencil only. Do not write with crayons or markers.
5. Add photos only if they meet PICC rules. Keep photos 5x7 or smaller, and avoid nudity, weapons, money, or drug use.
6. Stay within the photo limit. Since the person can have up to five pictures, sending five or fewer helps prevent issues.

• ✓ PICC address is on the envelope
• ✓ Incarcerated person’s name and PPN (ID) number are included
• ✓ Plain white paper and a plain white envelope
• ✓ Written in pen or pencil (no markers or crayons)
• ✓ Photos are 5x7 or smaller and do not show nudity, weapons, money, or drug use

If your mail gets rejected or seems stuck, start with the basics that cause most problems. Did you use the correct PICC address and include the incarcerated person's ID number? Check your materials: letters should be on plain white paper, written in pen or pencil, and mailed in a plain white envelope. For photos, confirm they're 5x7 or smaller and don't show nudity, weapons, money, or drug use. For reading material, remember that hardback books and packages aren't allowed. Books, magazines, and newspapers must ship directly from a third-party seller.