The Right Way to Address Mail to Northern Regional Jail (And Why Your Letter Might Get Returned)

Mail to Northern Regional Jail doesn't go directly to the facility. Instead, it routes through a central address: PO Box 336, Phoenix, MD 21131. Your envelope needs the inmate's full first and last name, their OID number, and the facility's complete name - no abbreviations. Skip any of these details, and your letter gets sent back.

1. Write the inmate’s full first and last name - use the name exactly as it appears in their records.
2. Add the inmate’s OID number - include it with the name so the mail can be matched to the right person.
3. Write the facility’s full name (no abbreviations) - spell out the full facility name.
4. Use the correct mailing address - PO Box 336, Phoenix, MD 21131.

Stick to handwritten or typed letters only. Your correspondence may be scanned before reaching the offender. Skip the extras - no photos tucked inside, no small add-ins. This system handles letters and nothing else.

Return Address Rules

• ✓ Put your full first and last name in the return address (no initials)
• ✓ Include a complete return address (street, city, state, ZIP)
• ✓ Don’t shorten your name to initials anywhere in the return address

Prohibited Items

• ✓ Photographs in the envelope (if photos are included, the envelope will be returned)
• ✓ Any attachments or enclosures with the letter (violations can cause all contents to be returned)
• ✓ Addressing one envelope to multiple offenders (only one offender per envelope; multiple names means it will be returned)

1. Re-check the address block - confirm you used the inmate’s full first and last name, included the OID number, wrote the facility’s full name (no abbreviations), and addressed it to PO Box 336, Phoenix, MD 21131.
2. Fix the return address - make sure your return address shows your complete first and last name (no initials) and a full mailing address.
3. Remove prohibited contents - take out any photographs and any attachments or enclosures so you’re only sending a letter.
4. Use one inmate per envelope - if you need to write two people, send two separate letters in two separate envelopes.
5. Resend the letter - once the envelope and contents match the rules, mail it again.

Resending after a rejection? Keep it simple this time - just a handwritten or typed letter, nothing extra. Letters may be scanned before delivery, so a clean, single page gives you the best chance of getting through.