Will mail be forwarded if an inmate is transferred?

In most cases, mail is not forwarded when an inmate is transferred to a new facility.

What usually happens:

• The mailroom checks the inmate location
• If the inmate is no longer there, the letter is typically returned to sender
• Some facilities may discard it if there is no valid return address

Why mail is not forwarded:

• Facilities do not coordinate mail between institutions
• Transfers can happen quickly and without notice
• Each facility operates independently

If you are using InmateAid:

• You can notify support with the new facility and inmate ID
• The letter can be resent at no additional cost

Best practice going forward:

• Try to confirm the inmate’s current location before sending mail
• If you know a transfer is happening, it is better to wait a few days and resend

Bottom line:

• Mail is almost never forwarded between facilities
• It is either returned or lost in the system
• Using a service that can resend helps avoid losing your message

Transfers are one of the biggest reasons for mail delays, so staying updated on their location makes a big difference.