Mail and Photos to Mule Creek State Prison

How to Address a Letter

Use this format:

[Full Legal Name, CDCR Number]
Mule Creek State Prison
P.O. Box 409099
Ione, CA 95640

The CDCR number is what routes the letter to the right person, so confirm both the name and number on CIRIS before you send.

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. Colored pencil or crayon drawings from children are usually fine, but avoid anything that looks like it could conceal contraband.

Photo Rules

Photos are generally allowed within CDCR’s limits: no Polaroids, since the backing can conceal contraband, and nothing larger than 8x10. Avoid nude or sexually explicit images, gang-related content, and anything depicting drugs or weapons, which will be rejected. There’s usually a limit on how many photos per envelope, so send a reasonable number and confirm current limits with the institution if you plan to send many. You can also send photos through Pigeonly without printing anything yourself. Upload the photos online and Pigeonly prints and mails them to Mule Creek 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. It’s opened only in the presence of the incarcerated person to check for contraband and is not read. Mark legal mail clearly on the outside so it’s routed correctly.

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.

Sending Money, Not Cash

Never put cash in an envelope. To add money to the person’s account, use JPay for electronic deposits, or mail a check or money order payable to CDCR to the same P.O. Box 409099 address. See the send-money guide for the full process, fees, and the 30-day hold on mailed deposits.