Free letter template
Letter to an inmate (typed and mailed for you)
Prisons and jails reject mail that isn't addressed exactly as they require, usually with the person's full committed name and inmate or register number. Check the facility's official mail rules first: some accept only handwritten mail, postcards, or mail sent through a scanning vendor.
Recommended: First-Class letter ($3.99)Personal letters to inmates go by regular First-Class Mail. Certified Mail is usually unnecessary and some facilities handle it differently.
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Dear [Their first name], [Your letter] Write back when you can. You can reach me at the address at the top of this letter. With love, [Your name]
When to use this letter
- Writing to a family member or friend in a federal or state prison or county jail
- You don't have a printer, stamps or envelopes
- The facility accepts typed letters on plain white paper
Where to send it
Put the inmate's full name and ID number on the name line, then the facility's mailing address exactly as published by the facility.
Tips before you mail it
- Look up the person and their ID number on the official inmate locator (BOP for federal prisons, the state DOC or county sheriff for others).
- Put your full name and return address on the letter; most facilities reject mail without one.
- No photos, stickers, glitter or attachments: we only send printed letter pages.
- Assume your letter will be opened and read by staff.
The full template text
Dear {{inmateFirstName}},
{{message}}
Write back when you can. You can reach me at the address at the top of this letter.
With love,
{{signature}}Text in {{double braces}} is filled in from the form above. This is a general template, not legal advice.