Mail and Photos to California Medical Facility

How to Address a Letter

Use this format for letters and photos:

[Full Legal Name, CDCR Number]
California Medical Facility
P.O. Box 2000
Vacaville, CA 95696-2000

Confirm the name and CDCR number on CIRIS before you send, and remember that money goes to a different box (2500), not this letter box.

Two Different Boxes: Letters vs. Money

CMF splits incoming mail by type. Letters, cards, and photos go to P.O. Box 2000. A check or money order payable to CDCR goes to P.O. Box 2500. If you put a money order in a letter to box 2000, it can be delayed or returned, so match the box to what you’re sending.

What You Can Send

Standard letters, greeting cards, and photos are generally accepted. Keep to plain paper and cards without stickers, glitter, tape, or anything glued on, since those get mail rejected. Don’t send cash; use JPay or a check or money order payable to CDCR for money.

Photo Rules

Photos are generally allowed within CDCR’s limits: no Polaroids, since the backing can conceal contraband, and nothing larger than 8x10. CMF allows up to 10 photos or documents. Avoid nude or sexually explicit images, gang-related content, and anything depicting drugs or weapons, which will be rejected. You can also send photos through Pigeonly without printing anything yourself. Upload the photos online and Pigeonly prints and mails them to CMF for you.

Mail Inspection and Rejected Mail

Incoming personal mail is opened and inspected for contraband before delivery. If a piece is rejected, the person is typically notified and told why, and the item may be returned to sender or held. Following the plain-paper, no-attachments rules is the best way to avoid a rejection.

Legal and Confidential Mail

Legal mail, clearly marked from an attorney, court, or public official, is handled separately and has its own address. It’s opened only in the presence of the incarcerated person to check for contraband and is not read. Confirm the current legal mail address with the institution and mark the envelope clearly as legal mail.

Packages

You can’t mail a personal package straight to the person. Approved packages, including quarterly packages, come through CDCR’s contracted package vendor, which the person or an approved family member orders from. Contact the institution or check CDCR’s approved vendors page for the current process.