Mail and photos: what is allowed, addressing, and how mail is handled
- ✓ Include the incarcerated person’s name
- ✓ Include the incarcerated person’s ID number
- ✓ Put a return address on the outside of the envelope
For IDOC prisons, residents may receive letters and photos from family and friends but may not receive packages. Photo rules are specific: IDOC states photos cannot be Polaroids and cannot contain nudity. Personal letters are opened and searched for contraband. Mail that is not acceptable can be returned to the sender or given to the proper authorities. One detail that surprises people: IDOC says stamps and stationery are not accepted. People with funds must purchase envelopes and postage from commissary.
Some jails handle mail by scanning it and delivering it electronically. Canyon County Jail states that, effective January 29, 2024, inmate mail is scanned and sent to the inmate electronically. Mail must be sent to the specified addresses or it will be rejected after March 29, 2024. Before you mail anything, confirm you are using the exact mailing address your facility requires.
Common Questions
Q
Can I send photos or packages to someone in an Idaho prison?
IDOC states residents may receive letters and photos from family and friends, but they may not receive packages. IDOC also states photos cannot be Polaroids and cannot contain nudity.
Q
What are the rules for addressing mail to ensure it is accepted?
Canyon County requires incoming mail to include the inmate’s name and inmate ID, and it also requires a return address on the envelope. If either piece is missing, your letter may be rejected under the facility’s mail rules.
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