Mail & Photos — Lakin Correctional Center

What's allowed, what gets returned, and how to get it right.

Overview

Mail doesn’t need visitor approval or a vendor account — just the right address and format. For women at Lakin, a letter from home is often the most consistent connection between weekend visits.

Quick Facts

Plain white envelope, standard size — no colored envelopes.
Full legal name + WV DOC offender number on the address line.
Return address required on every envelope.
Standard 4×6 photo prints — no Polaroids or laminated photos.
No cash, glitter, stickers, scented paper, or staples.

The Address

[Full Legal Name, WV DOC Offender Number]
Lakin Correctional Center
11264 Ohio River Road
West Columbia, WV 25287

Use the name in the WV DCR system — check apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch if unsure. Your return address on the upper left is required. Mail rejected without a return address is destroyed.

Letters and Cards

Plain white envelope, standard size
No glitter, stickers, wax seals, or scented paper
No staples or paper clips
No cash — confiscated if found; may suspend mail privileges

Flat store-bought greeting cards without pop-ups, glitter, or sound chips are generally acceptable.

Photos

Acceptable: Standard 4×6 prints on photo paper; family, pets, children (if on approved list where applicable)

Not acceptable: Polaroids, laminated photos, nudity, weapons/violence, gang imagery, photos of other incarcerated individuals, photos of the inmate herself

Pigeonly prints and mails WV DCR-compliant photos directly to the facility.

Books and Publications

Books must ship directly from a publisher or retailer (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) — not from home. Magazines and newspapers must come from the publisher or subscription service.

Delivery Time

First-class mail typically takes 5–10 business days plus facility inspection time. During holidays or lockdowns, mail may sit longer. If she hasn’t received something after three weeks, call (304) 674-2440 and ask the mail room.

Families Also Ask

3 of 3 questions

Do I need to be approved to send mail?

No. Anyone can send a letter to an inmate at Lakin. Content and format rules still apply.

Mail & Letters

What if my letter gets rejected?

If you included a return address, it comes back — often without explanation. Common causes: glitter, colored envelope, cash, or prohibited photo content.

Mail & Letters