Mail to SCORE Jail: What You Can Send, How to Address It, and What Happens If It’s Rejected
Mail rules can feel picky. But getting the basics right is usually what separates a delivered letter from one that's delayed or rejected. Use the address format below, stick to allowed items, and you'll dodge the most common problems.
Address inmate mail to SCORE Jail at 20817 17th Avenue South, Des Moines, WA 98198.
Include your return address on the envelope, plus the inmate's full name and name number so staff can route it correctly. Think of it as: your return address, then the inmate's name and number, then the SCORE Jail address.
Want to send reading material? SCORE is strict about the source: new softback books, magazines, and newspapers must ship directly from the publisher or a licensed retailer. Don't mail these yourself from home - publications sent by individuals won't be accepted.
Hardback books aren't allowed. Stick with softback editions, and make sure they're coming from an approved seller.
Legal mail: Correspondence clearly marked as legal mail between the inmate and their attorney or the court - related to the inmate's current case - gets special treatment. It's the exception to routine opening and reading.
Photos are allowed, but there's a limit: inmates can keep a maximum of six photographs with them at any time. Send more than that, and the extras go into the inmate's stored property rather than staying in their possession.
Unacceptable-items
- ✓ Cash
- ✓ Personal checks
- ✓ Money orders
- ✓ Stamps
- ✓ Stamped items
- ✓ Paper
- ✓ Envelopes (inmates must purchase stamps and supplies like these from commissary)
SCORE opens and inspects all incoming and outgoing mail for contraband. Staff may also read, censor, or reject mail if they determine it affects facility order or security.
If your mail is rejected, you'll get documentation. Both you and the inmate receive a mail rejection notification form explaining why the item was refused and outlining your options for review.
Quick-checklist
- ✓ Put your return address on the envelope
- ✓ Include the inmate’s full name and name number on the correspondence
- ✓ If you’re sending publications, use new softback books/magazines/newspapers sent directly from the publisher or a licensed retailer (not from an individual)
- ✓ Keep photos to six total in the inmate’s possession; extras will be placed in property
- ✓ Do not mail cash, personal checks, or money orders
- ✓ Do not mail stamps, stamped items, paper, or envelopes (the inmate must buy stamps/supplies from commissary)
Two quick tips: Label legal mail clearly as attorney or court correspondence so it qualifies for the legal-mail exception. And if something gets rejected, both you and the inmate will receive a notification form with the reason and review options.
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