Sending Mail to an Offender

Mailing Requirements

The outside envelope must be addressed with:

  • the offender’s full name
  • six-digit DOC number, and correct facility address.
  • a legitimate return address as defined by the USPS. 

John B. Hancock
1024 S. Bee St
Olympia, WA 98506-1234

Jack J. Doe, DOC 123456
McNeil Island Corrections Center, Living Unit, Room #
P.O. Box 88100
Steilacoom, WA 98388-0900

The letter(s) inside must be addressed to the offender on the envelope.

Do not send cash, personal checks or stamps, the mail will be rejected and returned to you at the offender's expense.

To send money for stamps or other items, refer to sending money page.

Restricted Mail

What is not allowed to be mailed? (PDF)

Mail is inspected and the facility will provide written notification of the mail rejection to the offender and the sender. The notification includes the reason for the restriction and the name and address of the sender. The process does allow the offender and/or the sender to appeal the mail rejection.

Washington Corrections Center’s Reception Center has a more restrictive policy on incoming mail. The offender should inform you of what is allowed.

Work Release Mailing Rules

Work Release facilities have different rules for mailing. (Policy 450.110 - PDF)

Mailing Quarterly Gift Package

Quarterly packages are a gift package you may send to an offender. Offenders are limited in the gift packages they may receive, according to policy.  An offender may receive one gift package (not to exceed 15 pounds in weight including packing materials) on a quarterly basis. In order to send an offender a quarterly package, most institutions require that the offender send you a Quarterly Package Authorization form.

For for more information on the maximum allowable personal property for men and women check the matrix.

Quarterly periods consist of December through February; March through May; June through August; and September through November.

Newly admitted offenders do not receive packages while assigned to the Reception Center at Washington Corrections Center.

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