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Letters

✉️ Sending a Letter to an Adult in Custody

Letters and photos are the most meaningful way to stay connected with an adult in custody (AIC). All other items, like books or magazines, must be sent directly from a publisher or distributor. Here’s everything you need to know to send your mail safely and correctly.

🔍 Lookup AIC Info 📌 Mail Rules 📚 Publications

Envelope Requirements

To send a letter to an AIC, the following MUST be included on the envelope:

  • The AIC’s name as it appears on Oregon DOC records (no nicknames)
  • The AIC’s Oregon state offender identification number (SID#)
  • Correct facility name and complete address
  • A return address with the complete name and address of the sender

If you need to find an AIC’s correct name, SID number, and other information, use the Adult in Custody Lookup System.

📌 Mail Rule Changes (Effective Jan 13, 2025)

Division 291-131 Mail (AIC) has been revised. These changes reflect community input and enhance facility safety. Recommendations for all mail postmarked after Jan 13, 2025:

  • Incoming mail must be in pen, lead pencil, typewritten, or photocopied
    • Crayon, marker, etc. is not allowed
  • Incoming mail must be standard-weight white paper (20 lbs or less)
    • Greeting cards are not allowed
  • Mail must be in a commercially produced white envelope no larger than 9" x 12"
    • Postcards are not allowed

Refused Items

  • Non-white envelopes
  • Envelopes larger than 9" x 12"
  • Non-commercial envelopes
  • Cardboard, padded, corrugated, or tear-resistant envelopes
  • Heavy-weight paper (>20 lbs) or envelopes with security screening features
  • Heavy ink used to address the envelope
  • Cardstock (e.g., greeting cards, postcards)

Envelope Clarification: Security-feature envelopes are not allowed. These include blue/purple tinting on the inside or glued double layers.

Envelope with Security Features

The full Mail Rule (OAR 291-131) is available here: Oregon Secretary of State - Mail Rules

If you have questions, contact the Mailroom at your loved one’s facility: Facility Contact Info or email doc.mailroom.questions@doc.oregon.gov

📦 Packages & Publications

DOC does not allow outside “care packages.” However, DOC is in the process of beta testing Special Buy Program for CCCF and PRCF from March 27 - April 10.  Books, magazines, and newspapers must come directly from the distributor. See the Publications section for more details.