How to Send Books, Magazines, and Photos to Tarrant County Jail Without Getting Them Rejected
The main rule for sending books to Tarrant County Jail: new, soft-backed books must ship directly from an established publisher. Doesn't matter if it's brand-new and shrink-wrapped - if it didn't come straight from the publisher, it'll get rejected.
- ✓ Make sure the book ships via UPS or USPS.
- ✓ Do not send packages that use third-party couriers (including Amazon shipments that rely on third-party delivery).
Note: If the jail considers something contraband, it will be returned to the sender.
Magazines and crossword puzzle books follow subscription rules at Tarrant County Jail. They need to come directly from the publisher as subscription copies - not one-off purchases you drop in the mail yourself.
The jail won't accept books or magazines from distributors like Barnes & Noble either. For reading materials, stick with publisher-direct shipping. For magazines and puzzle books, set up a publisher subscription.
Note: If a magazine shipment doesn’t meet the rules, it can be returned to the sender.
Sending photos with a letter? Keep it simple: photographs are the only extra item allowed, and you're limited to 10 or fewer. They must be unframed - no cardboard backings, mounts, or anything that makes them a "framed" item.
Size matters too. Photos can't be larger than 4" x 6". Anything bigger will likely get flagged as non-compliant during screening.
Note: If you send prohibited items (like framed or oversized photos), the mail can be returned to the sender.
4
- ✓ Send only new, soft-backed books shipped directly from an established publisher.
- ✓ Use UPS or USPS for packages.
- ✓ Avoid third-party couriers (including Amazon deliveries that use third-party couriers).
- ✓ Send magazines and crossword puzzle books only as subscription copies from the publisher.
- ✓ Do not send books or magazines from distributors (such as Barnes & Noble).
- ✓ If you include photos in a letter, include 10 or fewer.
- ✓ Photos must be unframed.
- ✓ Photos must be no larger than 4" x 6".
- ✓ Keep letters no larger than 12" x 16".
- Confirm the source - For books, use an established publisher shipping directly; for magazines and crossword puzzle books, set up a publisher subscription.
- Pick the right carrier - Ship packages using UPS or USPS (skip third-party courier delivery).
- Double-check your photos and paper size - Include no more than 10 unframed photos, each 4" x 6" or smaller, and keep your letter under 12" x 16".
- Ship and save your tracking - Keep the tracking number so you can follow the package and respond quickly if there’s a problem.
Want to track what happens after you send something? Tarrant County encourages friends and family to subscribe to MailGuard Tracker. You can view delivery status, get notified if your mail is rejected, and download copies of processed mail. If something is considered contraband or doesn't meet the rules, it gets returned to the sender.
Heads up: If your book, magazine, or photos don't meet the jail's requirements, they'll be rejected and sent back to you.
Find an Inmate at Tarrant County Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
