Mail & Photos to the Lane Murray Unit. Address & Rules

The Correct Mailing Address

Every piece of mail you send to the Dr. Lane Murray Unit must be addressed like this:

[Full Legal Name and TDCJ Number] Dr. Lane Murray Unit 1916 N. Highway 36 Bypass Gatesville, TX 76596

The TDCJ number is not optional. Without it, facility staff may not be able to match the letter to the right person, especially at a large prison with many residents sharing common surnames. Find the TDCJ number at offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/ if you do not have it.

Write your full name and return address clearly on every envelope. Mail without a return address that is rejected for any reason cannot be sent back and will be destroyed.

Envelope Guidelines

Use a standard white envelope. Colored envelopes, padded envelopes, and bubble mailers are typically not accepted by TDCJ. Keep it simple: a standard letter-sized white envelope with a regular stamp. Do not use scented envelopes or stationery, as these may be flagged during inspection.

How Long Mail Takes

Plan for 5 to 10 days from when you mail the letter to when it arrives. Allow extra time around holidays when mail volume is higher and processing slows down. Mail that requires additional inspection may take longer. There is no tracking for standard mail once it enters the facility.

What Happens to Your Mail

All incoming personal mail is opened and inspected for contraband before delivery. This is standard at every TDCJ unit. Mail that passes inspection is delivered to the person. Legal mail from attorneys is handled under separate rules and is opened only in front of the person.

Mail that does not meet the rules is either returned to your address (if you included a return address) or destroyed. This is why a return address on every envelope matters.

Sending Photos

Photos are allowed at the Lane Murray Unit with restrictions. Send standard 4x6 prints only. Do not send Polaroid photos, instant photos, or photos larger than 4x6. Write the person’s full name and TDCJ number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo so they can be returned if the letter is rejected.

Photos must not contain nudity, sexual content, gang-related imagery, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Photos that violate these rules will be confiscated.

If you do not have a printer, Pigeonly lets you upload a photo from your phone and have it professionally printed and mailed to the Lane Murray Unit. You do not need a printer, a trip to a print shop, or a special envelope. Visit pigeon.ly/search to get started.

Books and Magazines

Books and magazines must be sent directly from a publisher, retailer, or approved distributor such as Amazon. You cannot purchase a book yourself and then mail it to the facility. The package must arrive directly from the retailer with a packing slip or invoice. Call (254) 865-8901 to confirm current approved sender requirements before ordering.

What Not to Send

• Cash. Use JPay to send money instead.
• Cards with glitter, stickers, or attached items. These are flagged during mail inspection.
• Colored or padded envelopes. Use standard white letter envelopes only.
• Books or magazines mailed by you personally. These must come directly from a retailer.
• Photos larger than 4x6 or Polaroids.

When in doubt, call the Lane Murray Unit at (254) 865-8901 before sending anything beyond a standard letter or 4x6 photos.