Mailing Rules for San Luis Obispo County Jail: What You Can and Can't Send
Mail is one of the easiest ways to stay connected with someone in jail—but mailrooms are strict. Here's how to format the address correctly, avoid rejected items, and handle denials if they happen.
Address all incoming inmate mail like this: INMATE NAME & IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 880 Oklahoma Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. Double-check the current addressing instructions on the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's website before mailing - even small formatting changes can delay delivery or get your letter rejected.
Inmates can receive up to 5 books. Send more than that, and the extras may be refused.
If you’re sending books, stick to paperback only. Hardback books aren’t allowed.
Magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals are allowed only when they’re prepaid and sent directly from the distributor or another non-retail outlet. They also have to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Content matters as much as format. The jail won't accept books or magazines containing obscenity, nudity (exposed genitalia, buttocks, or female breasts), or depictions of sexual acts. Gambling-related materials are also rejected. Anything that incites violence, racism, riot, arson, or other crimes gets flagged - if the mailroom considers it promoting criminal activity, it won't make it through.
If your mail gets rejected, you'll find out why. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office sends a letter explaining the reason and how to appeal.
- Complete the denied mail appeal form - use the denied mail appeal form available on the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s website.
- Submit it within 30 days - your appeal has to be submitted within 30 days of the postmarked date on the rejection letter for it to be considered.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Write the address exactly as required (INMATE NAME & IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, 880 Oklahoma Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405) and confirm the current format on the Sheriff’s website before mailing.
- ✓ Send paperback books only (no hardbacks).
- ✓ For magazines/newspapers/periodicals: make sure they’re prepaid, sent directly from a distributor or non-retail outlet, and delivered by USPS.
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