Mail and photos: Texas's digital mail system, what to send, and exceptions

TDCJ uses a digital mail platform. As of September 6, 2023, incoming personal mail goes to a Digital Mail Processing Center, where staff sort, scan, and upload it to the inmate's secure tablet. For letters and printed photos, use this address format exactly: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Inmate's Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number, PO Box 660400, Dallas, TX 75266-0400.

• ✓ Send personal letters and printed photos to the Digital Mail Processing Center (PO Box 660400 in Dallas) addressed with your loved one’s full name and TDCJ number
• ✓ Send legal mail directly to the unit, not the Digital Mail Processing Center
• ✓ Send media mail directly to the unit
• ✓ Send books, magazines, packages, and other subscriptions from verified publishers directly to the unit

Mail rules can feel personal, but they're enforced as a security measure. Written mail is typically categorized as general or special mail. General mail may be opened and inspected for contraband and content that threatens safety or good order. If your loved one is in federal custody in Texas (BOP) instead of TDCJ, package and publication rules differ and can be strict. Federal rules generally don't allow packages from home without prior written approval (with narrow exceptions). Hardcover publications and newspapers generally must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.