Mail, photos, and the Legal Mail Portal: how to send documents and what to include
For regular mail, treat addressing as non-negotiable. Put a complete return name and address on the envelope, and include your loved one's inmate number. Mail without an inmate number can be returned. If you are sending legal mail, facility rules may require it to be opened in the inmate's presence.
Books and printed materials often have strict limits at the jail or prison level. For example, one Kentucky detention center allows new paperback books but limits them to one per month, and treats them as forfeited to the jail after they are read. Always check the specific facility's mail policy before spending money on shipping.
- Create your portal account. Use the Legal Mail Portal login page and select “Create Account” to start.
- Choose a strong password. Password rules include at least 8 characters, at least 1 lowercase letter, and at least 1 number.
- Get help if you hit a snag. The portal provides an email for registration and system problems, and the user guide lists Kentucky support contact options.
- Attorneys: upload proof of licensure when required. Portal registration for attorneys includes uploading proof of licensure in good standing (for example, an image or PDF from a Bar Association).
Common Questions
Q
How do I register my phone number so calls from the facility are private?
If the facility uses Securus, you can request that your phone number be marked as private by contacting the correctional facility and asking them to register your number with Securus. This is specifically recommended as a way to help ensure calls are not recorded.
Q
Can I send books and photos to someone in custody?
Books can be restricted by facility, for example one Kentucky jail allows new paperback books but limits them to one per month and treats them as forfeited after they are read. For any mail you send (including photos where allowed), use a complete return name and address and include the inmate number so it is not returned.
Q
How do I schedule or request a visit at a state facility?
Some Kentucky DOC facilities require you to request a visit in advance by email and wait for confirmation. Bell County Camp, for example, instructs visitors to email a visitation address and submit requests seven days ahead of time, then arrive at the posted time for processing and screening.
Q
Do attorneys have different visitation or messaging privileges?
Kentucky DOC publishes a separate process for attorney video visits through Securus, including identity verification and proof of licensure during registration. For Securus attorney video visits, Kentucky DOC states the visit costs $5 for up to a 25-minute session and that visits are not monitored or recorded by staff. For legal documents, attorneys registering for the Legal Mail Portal are required to upload proof of licensure in good standing.
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