How to Send Documents to an Inmate: CorrLinks, JPay & More (2026)Cómo Enviar Documentos a un Recluso: CorrLinks, JPay y Más (2026)

Getting important documents to a loved one in prison can feel overwhelming. Whether you need to send legal papers, medical records, financial documents, or personal correspondence, the process is different depending on the facility type and available communication systems.

This guide covers every major method for sending documents to inmates in federal prisons, New York State facilities, and NYC DOC jails in 2026, along with the rules, limitations, and costs for each method.

Quick Comparison: Document Delivery Methods

Method	System	Speed	Best For
CorrLinks	Federal BOP	1-3 days	Federal prison inmates
JPay	State/NYC DOC	1-3 days	NY State & NYC inmates
TRULINCS	Federal BOP	Same day	Email-style messages
U.S. Mail	All facilities	5-14 days	Original documents, photos
Legal Mail	All facilities	3-7 days	Attorney correspondence

Sending Documents via CorrLinks (Federal Prisons)

How CorrLinks Works

1. Create an account: Visit the CorrLinks website and register with your email address
2. Inmate adds you as a contact: Your loved one must add your email address to their approved contact list from inside the facility using a TRULINCS terminal
3. Approval process: Once the inmate requests to add you, you will receive an email to confirm. After both sides approve, messaging is enabled
4. Send messages: You can send text-based messages through the CorrLinks interface. Messages are monitored by BOP staff

CorrLinks Limitations for Documents

• CorrLinks is primarily a text-based messaging system. You cannot attach PDF files, images, or other document formats directly
• Document content must be typed or pasted into the message body
• There are character limits per message, so long documents may need to be split across multiple messages
• Inmates must have sufficient TRULINCS minutes available to read messages
• Not all inmates have access to CorrLinks (it can be restricted as a disciplinary measure)

Sending Documents via JPay (State and NYC Facilities)

How JPay Document Delivery Works

1. Create a JPay account: Register at JPay.com with your personal information
2. Find the inmate: Search by name and facility or inmate ID number
3. Purchase stamps: JPay uses a virtual stamp system. Each message or attachment requires stamps, which you purchase through the JPay platform
4. Compose and send: Write your message and attach documents if the facility supports it

JPay Limitations

• Attachment support varies by facility. Some allow image attachments; others do not
• Stamps cost money, and long documents require multiple stamps
• Messages are subject to monitoring and review by facility staff
• Delivery times can vary depending on facility processing schedules

Sending Documents by U.S. Mail

Traditional mail remains the most universally available method for sending documents to any correctional facility. Here are the rules:

General Mail Rules for Federal Prisons

• All incoming mail is opened and inspected by staff (except privileged legal mail)
• Use plain white envelopes without decorations or stickers
• Include the inmate's full legal name, register number, and facility address on the envelope
• Include your full name and return address on the envelope
• Do not include staples, paper clips, glue, tape, or bindings
• Do not send hardback books directly (most facilities require books to come from publishers or approved retailers)
• Photographs are generally allowed but may be limited in quantity and must not contain inappropriate content

What You Can and Cannot Send

• Allowed: Letters, legal documents (copies), printed photos, newspaper clippings, magazine pages, educational materials
• Not allowed: Cash, gift cards, food items, medications, stickers, glitter, perfume/cologne-sprayed items, Polaroid photographs, laminated items

Legal Mail: Special Rules

Mail between an inmate and their attorney receives special protection under the law. Legal mail must be clearly marked and is typically opened in the presence of the inmate rather than screened privately by staff.

To qualify as legal mail in federal prison:

• The envelope must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" or "Special Mail"
• It must be sent from a verified attorney or legal organization
• The attorney's name, bar number, and firm address should appear on the envelope

Note: Families sending legal documents on their own behalf (not through an attorney) generally cannot use the legal mail designation. The mail will be processed as regular correspondence.

Tips for Sending Documents Successfully

Format Your Documents Properly

• Use clean, legible copies rather than originals (originals can be lost or damaged during screening)
• Print on standard 8.5 x 11 white paper
• Use black ink for maximum readability
• Number your pages so the inmate can confirm they received everything

Include Clear Identification

• Always include the inmate's full legal name, register number, and housing unit (if known)
• Include a cover letter explaining what the documents are and why they are being sent
• Include your contact information so the inmate can confirm receipt

Keep Copies of Everything

Always keep copies of any documents you send. Mail can be lost, delayed, or confiscated. Having backups ensures you can resend if needed.

Common Questions About Sending Documents to Inmates

How long does it take for mail to reach an inmate?

Standard U.S. Mail typically takes 5 to 14 days to reach an inmate after it arrives at the facility mailroom. Electronic methods like CorrLinks and JPay are significantly faster, usually 1 to 3 days.

Can I send court documents to an inmate?

Yes. You can send copies of court documents via regular mail. Do not send originals. If the documents are attorney-client privileged, they should be sent through the attorney as legal mail.

What if I do not know which facility my loved one is in?

For federal inmates, you can search the BOP Inmate Locator online using the inmate's name or register number. For state inmates, each state has its own inmate search tool, typically available on the state Department of Corrections website.

Can I send documents if I am not on the approved visitor list?

Yes. Sending mail does not require being on the approved visitor list. Anyone can send regular mail to an inmate as long as it follows the facility's mail rules. However, electronic messaging systems like CorrLinks require the inmate to add you as an approved contact.

Why Families Choose Our Document Delivery Service

Navigating CorrLinks, JPay, and facility mail rules can be frustrating, especially when you are already dealing with the stress of having a loved one incarcerated. Our $49 Document Delivery Service takes the burden off your shoulders.

Here is how it works:

1. Pay securely online via Stripe ($49 flat fee)
2. Email your documents to Orlando directly (up to 20 pages)
3. We deliver them to your loved one through the appropriate system (CorrLinks for federal, JPay for state/NYC)
4. You receive confirmation when delivery is complete

Every order is handled personally by Orlando Peña. We are bilingual in English and Spanish and serve families nationwide.