Mail & Packages in Massachusetts (MA DOC)

How to address personal mail

Incoming personal mail and photos go directly to the prison — Massachusetts does not use an off-site mail-scanning vendor. Address mail with the person’s full committed name and commitment number and the facility’s mailing address (each facility page on this site lists its address).

[Incarcerated person’s full name and commitment number] [Facility name] [Facility mailing address]

All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband before it is delivered. Include a return address. Because the prison shown in the locator can change after a transfer, confirm the person’s current facility before sending.

Legal mail

Legal and privileged mail — from attorneys and courts — receives special handling and is not opened outside the incarcerated person’s presence. Confirm the current legal-mail labeling and procedure with the specific prison.

Electronic messaging

Massachusetts offers electronic messaging through Corrlinks. A family member or friend creates the account, adds the incarcerated person, and starts the exchange; the incarcerated person can reply. Since the December 2023 law that made prison communications free, electronic messaging — like phone and video — carries no charge (see Phone & Video Calls). Confirm current details when setting up the account.

Books and publications

Books and publications are governed by DOC regulation 103 CMR 481. Corrections systems commonly require that books arrive new, directly from a publisher or approved retailer. Because these rules change, confirm the current book and publication policy — including where they must be sent — with the specific facility before ordering.

Verify Before Acting

For the general, nationwide overview of this topic, see the national guide: Staying in Touch.