What Happens to Mail if Inmate Transfers Before It Arrives?
What happens if you mail a letter and the inmate is moved to another facility before it arrives?
Danisha Barnes
If your inmate is transferred to a new facility before a letter arrives at the old one, the letter will almost certainly come back to InmateAid rather than
1
If your inmate is transferred to a new facility before a letter arrives at the old one, the letter will almost certainly come back to InmateAid rather than follow them. Correctional facilities do not forward inmate mail to new locations the way the postal service forwards residential mail.
When a returned letter arrives back at InmateAid, we will reach out to you. If you can provide the new facility address and inmate ID at the new location, we will resend the letter at no additional charge.
https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/what-happens-to-mail-if-inmate-transfers-before-it-arrives#answer
Accepted Answer Date Created: October 02,2014
InmateAid
Was this helpful?
My situation is different — ask your own question.
Our advisors answer within 24 hours. Free, always. Former federal and state inmates with direct experience.
About this answer:
This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed April 2026.