Why pen pals matter
- Mail call is one of the few things to look forward to.
- Writing builds communication skills and a sense of normal life.
- Friendships made through letters often continue after release, when support matters most.
What you'll need
- Their full name, inmate number, facility and mailing address.
- One to five clear photos (a recent visiting-room photo works well).
- A short bio in their own words: who they are, what they enjoy, what they're looking for in a pen pal.
- Their permission. Always ask before listing someone.
Tip: Ask them to write the bio in a letter and type it up word for word. It sounds more real than anything written for them.
Listing them on PenPalsOnly
- Go to List Someone and fill in their details, photos and bio.
- Choose a plan and pay online.
- Every profile is reviewed by hand before it goes live, usually within a day.
- Once it's live, pen pals can find them by state and write straight to their mailing address.
Staying safe
Remind your loved one never to ask pen pals for money, and remind yourself not to share their case details or your own private information publicly. Our guidelines keep listings respectful and scam-free.