Mail & Packages in CDCR

Sending Letters

Regular mail remains the most reliable way to stay in touch, and it’s free except for postage.

How to address mail correctly

Incorrect addresses cause delays and returned mail. Use this exact format:

Example:

You can find the inmate number and correct facility address through the CDCR Inmate Locator. Always verify the current address—facilities sometimes have mail sent to different locations.

What you can include in letters

• Written letters: Unlimited pages (standard paper only)
• Photos: Maximum 5 photographs per letter, 4x6 inches or smaller, not permanently mounted
• Stationery: Regular envelopes and paper. Avoid anything laminated or reinforced
• Greeting cards: Standard cards only—remove any glitter, sequins, or loose items
• Drawings/artwork: Your own artwork is usually fine; commercially printed images may be rejected

What NOT to send in regular mail

• Money (use MoneyGram, JPay, or authorized money services instead)
• Stamps or stamped envelopes
• Food or beverages
• Medications or vitamins
• Books or magazines (see Books section below)
• Glitter, sequins, stickers with adhesive, or anything laminated
• Printed material with offensive content
• CDs, DVDs, cassettes, or other media
• Anything perfumed or scented

Mail processing timeline

After mail arrives at a facility, it goes through security screening. Expect:

• Initial screening: 2-4 weeks before inmate receives it
• Rejected mail: Usually returned to sender, but may take 6-8 weeks
• Holiday packages: Much slower—can take 6+ weeks during peak times

Send mail early if there’s a deadline. Never assume it arrived by checking with the inmate first—they’ll tell you if they didn’t receive it.

Electronic Mail System

As of 2024, some California prisons are rolling out an electronic mail system that allows families to send emails that are printed and delivered to inmates.

How electronic mail works

• You write and send an email through an approved platform
• The system prints it securely at the facility
• A correctional officer reviews it before delivery to the inmate
• Delivery still takes several days to 2+ weeks due to security screening

Current facilities offering e-mail

Check with individual facilities about e-mail availability. Not all CDCR prisons have implemented this yet. Call the facility directly or check their website for enrollment details.

Advantages:

• Faster than regular mail in some cases
• Guaranteed delivery (won’t be returned for address errors)
• Inmate can reply via email

Disadvantages:

• Usually costs per message (typically $0.50-$2.00)
• Still subject to security screening delays
• No photos or attachments
• Limited to facilities that have the system

Sending Packages

CDCR limits package deliveries to 4 times per year: three times during the year and once during the winter holiday period. Packages are heavily restricted and require prior written approval.

The 4 authorized package times

• Winter Holiday Package: Typically October 1 - December 15 (1 package per inmate, 5 lb limit)
• Quarterly Packages: Usually around January, April, and July (varies by facility—check yours)
• Other occasions: Some facilities allow birthday packages or special event packages—always confirm with your facility in advance

Packages received outside these windows will be refused or destroyed. Plan ahead—delivery is slow.

How to send an approved package

• Get approval first: Contact the facility’s package coordinator or mail office weeks in advance. Some require written request forms submitted by mail
• Ask what’s allowed: Approved item lists vary by facility. Never assume items are allowed
• Ship through approved vendors: Most facilities require packages to come from approved retailers (Amazon, Chewy, specific commissaries)
• Include required documentation: Your name, relationship to inmate, CDC/A# number, and authorization code from the facility
• Use commercial carrier: UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Include tracking for your records

Holiday package restrictions (winter packages)

Holiday packages are the most common, but heavily restricted:

• Weight limit: 5 pounds maximum
• Contents allowed: Typically hygiene items, underwear, socks, food/snacks from approved list, books, reading materials
• No glass, metal, or hard containers
• No items with strong odors
• No liquids or gels
• No items with logos or brand names deemed inappropriate
• All items must be new and unopened

Items not on your facility’s approved list will be removed from the package. You won’t get them back.

Common items rejected in packages

• Anything with metal or hard plastic (including box cutters, nail clippers, scissors)
• Items with logos or images deemed gang-related or offensive
• Electronic items (unless pre-approved tablet for specific facilities)
• Items from unapproved retailers
• Clothing with zipper pockets (security risk)
• Anything with elastic waistbands (contraband hiding)
• Books published more than 5 years ago at some facilities
• Used items

What Gets Rejected & Why

Understanding rejection reasons helps you send mail that actually arrives.

Common rejection reasons

Incorrect address

The inmate was transferred and the address is outdated. Check the inmate locator before sending. Mail will be returned marked “Not at this facility.”

Prohibited items included

You included something on the banned list. The entire piece of mail may be rejected, or items removed and mail delayed significantly.

Offensive content

Prison staff may deem language, images, or messages inappropriate. This is subjective and varies by facility.

Stickers, glitter, sequins, or lamination

These create security/drug-hiding risks and are always rejected. Cards with glitter will be refused.

Too many photos

More than 5 photos per letter triggers rejection. Keep count careful.

Photos larger than 4x6”

Staff will reject oversized photos to prevent hiding contraband in frames.

Scented or perfumed items

Can be used to mask drugs or create security issues. All scented mail is rejected.

Printed publications without clear sender/date

Magazines and newspapers need publication name and date visible. Unmarked printouts are suspicious.

What happens to rejected mail

• Returned to sender: Takes 4-8 weeks. You get the piece back marked with rejection reason
• Partially processed: Photos might be removed but letter delivered, or vice versa
• Complete hold: Entire letter delayed 2-4 additional weeks if staff wants to investigate the contents
• Destroyed: Items deemed security threats are destroyed, not returned

There’s no appeal process for rejected mail. You don’t find out why it was rejected until it comes back.

Sending Books & Publications

Books and reading materials are valuable for mental health and education inside, but rules are strict and inconsistent across facilities.

General book rules

• Direct mail to inmate: Some facilities allow books sent directly from you; others require they come from publishers or approved retailers
• Approved retailers: Amazon, Powell’s, publishers—not used bookstores
• New books only: Used books are typically rejected due to contamination/drug concerns
• Paperback preferred: Hardcover books are often rejected (seen as weapons/hiding spots)
• Published within past 5 years: Some facilities reject older books
• No handwritten notes or marks: Books must be pristine with no underlining, notes, or highlighting

Content restrictions

Books about these topics are often rejected:

• Gang history or culture
• Explicit sexual content
• Detailed drug production/use
• Escape methods
• Extreme violence (detailed)
• Religion (very inconsistent—always check with facility)
• Anything deemed to incite violence or criminal activity

Call the facility’s book coordinator before sending. Many prisons have approved reading lists.

Getting books to inmates

Option 1: Publisher/retailer direct

• Most reliable method
• Send from Amazon, Powell’s, or book publishers directly to the facility
• Include complete inmate name, CDC/A# number, and facility address
• Takes 2-4 weeks, longer during peak times

Option 2: Facility library or education programs

• Many prisons have education programs that acquire books through their budget
• Contact the education department or librarian to request specific titles
• More reliable for specialized or educational materials

Option 3: Mail directly from you

• Allowed at some facilities for paperback books only
• Always verify this is permitted first
• New books only, no markings
• Subject to all the same screening delays as regular mail

Educational and religious materials

These have extra scrutiny:

• Law books: Generally allowed if obtained through law libraries or courts; personal copies may be rejected
• Religious texts: Usually allowed if from mainstream publishers; self-printed or hand-copied material is rejected
• Study guides/test prep: Generally okay if commercially published
• Self-help or recovery books: Check with facility—some actively promote, others restrict

Always check with the facility’s education or chaplain’s office before sending educational or religious material.

Additional Information

Mail screening discretion and variation

The same letter sent to two different inmates at the same facility may have different outcomes. One may arrive unchanged while another is delayed or has items removed. Screening standards are applied with variation across staff and facilities.

Approved items removal

Items on the approved list may still be removed during screening. A photo meeting the 4x6” specification may be rejected if judged slightly oversized. A book on an approved list may be rejected if a staff member determines the cover is inappropriate. Removed items are generally not returned.

Holiday package processing times

Holiday packages typically require extended processing time. A package sent in October may not arrive until February. The holiday package window indicates acceptance but does not guarantee arrival by specific dates.

Item removal documentation

Items may be removed from mail without notification to the inmate or sender. Staff may not document the removal. Senders typically do not learn why items were removed or whether they arrived.

Photo delivery reliability

Photographs are confiscated at higher rates than other mail items. Staff screen photos for contraband concerns. Delivery of photos is less reliable than other letter contents. Digital photos sent through video visit systems may offer an alternative.

Contacting facilities for specifics

General CDCR rules are published, but individual facilities have specific requirements. Contacting a facility’s mail office directly can clarify current approved items and processing times. Facilities can identify items unlikely to be accepted before mailing.

Address verification

Inmates transfer frequently. Verifying addresses using the inmate locator before each mailing reduces mail sent to incorrect facilities. Mail to wrong addresses typically returns after 4-8 weeks.

Mail composition and delivery success

Letters with minimal additional items have higher delivery rates than mail with enclosures or decorations. Plain letters on standard paper pass screening more readily than formatted cards or letters with multiple attachments.

Frequency of regular mail

Regular mail sent frequently (one letter per week) has higher overall delivery rates than infrequent large packages (one package per month).

Book ordering through retailers

Books ordered from approved retailers such as Amazon and shipped directly to facilities have higher delivery rates than books mailed individually. Facilities expect and process retailer shipments with less screening delay. This method has higher costs than postage but more reliable delivery.