Mail, photos, and legal mail: addressing, prohibited items, and special rules

Addressing is the make-or-break step for mail. Washington DOC requires the incarcerated person's full name, six-digit DOC number, and the correct facility address. Your return address should be USPS-style and include an identifiable last name. Do not send cash, personal checks, or stamps. The mail will be rejected and returned at the incarcerated individual's expense. At the jail level, you will see similar basics. SCORE requires a return address and asks for the inmate name and number. Benton County returns mail that is not adequately addressed (so staff cannot identify the intended recipient), with the reason noted on the outside of the envelope.

• ✓ Incarcerated person’s full name
• ✓ ID number (for DOC, the six-digit DOC number)
• ✓ Correct facility mailing address (example format: “Inmate’s Name … Benton County Jail, 7122 W Okanogan Place, #B110, Kennewick, WA 99336”)
• ✓ A complete return address that meets USPS standards and includes your last name
• ✓ No cash, personal checks, or stamps inside

Legal mail has extra rules. Washington DOC says the front of the envelope should be clearly marked "Legal Mail," "Attorney/Client," "Confidential," or similar. Legal mail may be inspected in the incarcerated individual's presence to confirm it qualifies and contains no contraband. Some facilities handle mail differently during certain periods. Green Hill reported providing copies of mail to young people rather than the original piece (except for legal mail).