What Can I Include in a Letter to an Inmate in a U.S. Prison?

What are the official rules for sending photos to an inmate? Photos are allowed in almost every U.S. jail and prison but must follow strict guidelines to avoid rejection. Most facilities only allow standard lab-printed 4x6 prints, often limited to 5 or 10 photos per envelope. Polaroid photos are strictly banned, and the content must not depict nudity, gang signs, or illegal acts.

Can I send postcards along with my letter? Yes, postcards are a great way to send a quick message. However, they must be standard size and contain no 3D elements, glitter, or stickers. Sendinmatemail allows you to personalize and include a wide variety of themed postcards directly with your letter.

How should I format legal and educational documents? If you need to send court records, news articles, or educational materials, they must be printed on standard white 8.5x11 paper. You must not use staples, paperclips, or binders, as these attachments are viewed as security risks. Uploading PDF or Word files to Sendinmatemail ensures they are printed in a compliant, staple-free format.

What is the "golden rule" for sending books to a prison? You cannot place a book inside an envelope along with your letter; doing so will cause the entire package to be rejected. Books must be shipped directly from an authorized publisher or distributor like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Additionally, only new, softcover (paperback) books are allowed, while hardcover books are banned..