Why Was My Prison Letter Rejected?

Prison mailrooms follow strict security protocols, and even a small mistake can lead to your letter being rejected. To ensure your mail safely reaches your loved one, avoid these 5 common pitfalls:

• Scented or Colored Paper: Perfume, glitter, crayons, and gel pens are banned because they can mask or hide contraband. Always use standard white paper with blue or black ink.

• Photo Limits and Content: Exceeding the facility's strict photo cap (usually 5 to 10) or sending photos with hand signs and specific colors will cause an immediate rejection.

• Layered Greeting Cards: Musical, thick, or glittery cards are heavily restricted. It is much safer to print a photo of a card on standard, single-layer paper.

• Incomplete Roster Information: Missing inmate ID numbers or using nicknames will cause your letter to vanish or be returned. Always use their full legal name and DOC number.

• Scanning Center Issues: Many states now scan physical mail onto inmate tablets. Low-contrast handwriting or text can become blurry and unreadable during this digital process...