Letters to inmates

What are the mail rules for federal prisons (BOP)?

Updated November 12, 2026 · By the SendMyLettersOnline team

Mail to someone in a federal prison must be addressed to the inmate's full name and eight-digit register number at the facility's mailing address shown on bop.gov, with your return address. The Bureau of Prisons may open and inspect general correspondence, and each facility can add local rules, so check the facility's page on bop.gov before sending.

Federal inmate mail: what goes where
Item	What to do
Register number	Get it from the BOP inmate locator and put it on the name line
Facility address	Use the inmate mail address on the facility's page on bop.gov (not the staff or visitor address)
Return address	Your full name and address
Money	Never by letter: use the BOP's approved money-sending methods
Email	TRULINCS messaging, only after the inmate adds you as a contact

Address format

Use the format the facility page shows. It generally looks like this: the inmate's committed name and register number, the facility name, then the PO Box or street address, city, state and ZIP. Federal Correctional Complexes with several institutions list a different address for each one, so pick the institution shown on the locator.

What to expect

General correspondence may be opened and inspected for contraband; content that threatens security can be rejected.
Special mail (for example from attorneys or courts) is handled under separate rules and must be marked as such by the sender.
Items like photos, books and publications follow BOP policy and facility rules; check before sending.
If the person has transferred, mail may be delayed or returned; check the locator before each letter.

Quick answers

What are the rules for mailing letters to inmates in federal prison?

Address it with the inmate's name and register number at the facility address on bop.gov, include your return address, and send only paper correspondence. Read the BOP correspondence policy and the facility page for details.

Can I type a letter to a federal inmate?

Typed letters on plain paper are generally accepted as regular correspondence, but check the facility page for any local rules before you send.

How do I email a federal inmate?

Through TRULINCS. The inmate must add you to their contact list; you then get instructions to sign up for the public messaging side.

What to do next

Have the register number and facility address? Type your letter and we mail it First-Class.

Write the letter

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.