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JAIL411

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Send mail to someone in Los Angeles County jail.

Use the booked name and booking number on every letter. Check the contents before sealing the envelope so a small mistake does not send the whole letter back.

Follow the steps

One step at a time

Get the letter ready to send.

Match the booking record and keep the envelope simple.

  1. Confirm the booking record

    Check the name spelling, booking number and current custody before mailing.

    Help finding the booking number →

  2. Use the general mail address

    Write the booked name and booking number above PO BOX 86164, Terminal Annex, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164. Include your return address.

  3. Check what is inside

    Use plain correspondence. Leave out cash, personal checks, stamps, stationery supplies, tape, staples, stickers, glitter, jewelry and identification cards.

    Sending money? Use the deposit guide →

  4. Order books through a seller

    Books and periodicals must arrive directly from a bookstore or publisher. Check the restrictions below before ordering.

  5. Check care packages separately

    Use LASD’s inmate resources for the current approved ordering options. A parcel you pack at home is not the same as an approved vendor order.

    Open LASD inmate resources ↗

Keep these handy

The details you will need.

Booked name

Use the spelling in the LASD record.

Date of birth

Use it to distinguish people with similar names.

Booking number

Keep it handy for mail, calls, deposits and visiting.

Current facility

Check again before traveling or sending anything; housing can change.

A closer look

Details that help you get it right.

Check photos and publications before sending.

LASD may return items that contain nudity, sexually suggestive material, gang imagery or material considered a security risk. Check its current mail rules before ordering or mailing extras.

Photos and cards

LASD’s posted rules specify photos from 3 × 5 through 4 × 6 inches. Avoid prohibited imagery and decorated envelopes.

  • Postcards larger than 6 × 9 inches are not accepted.
  • Do not add tape, glitter, stickers or staples.
  • Musical, plastic and blank greeting cards are restricted.

Books, magazines and publications

Have the bookstore or publisher send them directly.

  • The posted limits are three books and three periodicals/publications per week.
  • Hard covers and metal or plastic bindings are not accepted.
  • Sexually explicit content and material about making weapons or committing crimes may be rejected.

If a publication is returned

Keep the Returned Mail Notification. LASD describes a sender appeal for a returned book, periodical or publication within 15 days of receiving the notice.

  • Include the name and booking number, notification reference, your contact details, a description of the item, the sending and notification dates, and why you disagree.
  • LASD says it will notify the sender of the decision within 15 business days of receiving the appeal.

Read the mail appeal instructions ↗

Call the Mail Room Supervisor →

Before you seal the envelope

Check the name, booking number, delivery address, return address and contents one more time.

Recheck the housing record →

Official instructions

Use the service that handles the task.

Jail411 explains the process. LASD and its providers handle records, appointments, accounts and payments.

Read LASD’s mail rules ↗

Sources checked September 21, 2026: LASD inmate mail regulations ↗ · LASD inmate resources ↗

Confirm current requirements with LASD or the provider before traveling, paying or mailing.

Already know the location?

Find the facility on the booking record.

Inmate Reception Center (IRC)

450 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Central intake and temporary holding — not long-term housing; no public visiting

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Los Angeles County families.

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