How to Email or Message an Inmate

Most prisons and many jails now offer electronic messaging. It's faster than paper mail and often cheaper. The catch: every facility uses one specific company, and you have to use that one.

1. Find out which service the facility uses

Check the corrections department's website under "messaging," "email" or "family services." Common services include JPay, Securus, MyViaPath (formerly GTL GettingOut), Smart Communications and CorrLinks for federal prisons.

2. Create an account and find the person

  1. Download the service's app or go to its website, and create an account.
  2. Search for the person by name, inmate number and facility.
  3. Buy message credits (often called stamps). One message usually costs somewhere around 25 to 50 cents.
  4. Write your message and send it. Many services let you attach a photo for an extra fee.

Federal prisons work differently

In federal prisons, email runs through a system called TRULINCS, and the outside side is CorrLinks. You can't start the conversation. The person inside has to add your email address to their contact list first, and then you'll get an invitation from CorrLinks to accept.

Messages are read by staff

Every message is monitored and can be delayed or rejected, just like paper mail. Keep it friendly and follow the same rules: no plans, no other inmates' business, nothing sexual or threatening.

Find where someone is held

Every state's official inmate locator, the federal locator, and how writing works in each state.

Find an inmate by state

Common questions

1.

Is emailing an inmate free?

Usually not. Most services charge per message, though the person inside may get some free messages depending on the facility.

2.

Can an inmate email me first?

At federal prisons, yes, and they have to add you first. At many state facilities the person inside can reply once you've messaged them.

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More guides

How to Write to an Inmate: Addressing, Rules and Tips

How to Send Photos to an Inmate

Prison Mail Rules: What You Can and Can't Send

Rules change and differ by facility. Always check the facility's own mail rules before you send anything.