How to Send Books and Magazines to Someone in an Idaho Prison (What Families Need to Know)

You can't mail a book, magazine, or newspaper directly from your home. Publications must ship straight from the publisher or an IDOC-approved vendor. That means "I bought it and mailed it myself" won't work - even if it's brand new and you include the right name and number on the envelope.

IDOC also requires a receipt or invoice with every publication. Mailroom staff check for this paperwork when deciding whether to accept a package. Make sure the vendor or publisher includes documentation showing what the item is and where it came from. Keep a copy for yourself in case you need to track down what happened.

IDOC maintains an approved-vendor list for publications - check it before placing an order. One big catch: Amazon is not an approved vendor. Stick with the publisher or an IDOC-approved seller like Edward R. Hamilton, Thrift Books, or Discover Books, and you're far less likely to have the shipment rejected.

Format and size matter for books. IDOC allows new and used books, but they must be softcover and can't exceed 11 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. An oversized book or unapproved hardcover gets refused and sent back.

Magazines and newspapers have their own rules. They must ship directly from the publisher with a printed delivery label showing the resident's name and address. If a subscription, single issue, or mailing doesn't meet these requirements, IDOC returns it to the sender. Double-check shipping details before you finalize anything.

1. Start with the right seller - Order directly from the publisher or from an IDOC-approved vendor (IDOC specifically says Amazon is not approved).
2. Make sure the package ships from the seller - not from you - Don’t have the order sent to your home “so you can re-mail it.” IDOC requires publications to come straight from the publisher or approved vendor.
3. Confirm a receipt/invoice will be included - Publications must come with a receipt or invoice. If the vendor gives you options for packing slips, choose the option that includes paperwork.
4. Check the book format and size before you buy - Books must be softcover and no larger than 11" long, 8.5" wide, and 3" thick.
5. Handle hardcovers the right way (when they’re truly needed) - If the only available version is hardback and it’s educational, legal, or religious, the resident should seek facility administration approval first.
6. For magazines/newspapers, verify the label and sender - They must come directly from the publisher and include a printed delivery label with the resident’s name and address.
7. Use the facility’s official mailing address exactly - Enter the resident’s information and the facility mailing address the way the facility requires so the shipment routes correctly in the mailroom.