FAQ

Home
FAQ

FAQ – Writing to Someone on PrisonFriendship

Here you’ll find answers to the top questions about writing and building friendships with people who are incarcerated.

PrisonFriendship is an online pen-pal platform that connects incarcerated individuals with people on the outside who want to correspond, build friendships, offer support, and connect in a meaningful way.

WHO CAN USE PRISON FRIENDSHIP?

Anyone who is 18 or older and interested in becoming a pen-pal or offering friendship can join. You don’t need prior experience writing to someone in prison—just openness and respect for the process.

WHY SHOULD I WRITE TO SOMEONE IN PRISON?

Because correspondence can make a real difference. Many incarcerated people experience isolation and limited contact with the outside world; a letter or message can offer connection, hope, encouragement and an outlet for positivity.

HOW DO I START WRITING TO AN INMATE?

Simply browse inmate profiles on PrisonFriendship.com, choose someone you’d like to connect with, and follow the contact information listed in their profile. Each profile shows how that individual prefers to receive mail — through direct postal mail or electronic message (if available).

WHAT SHOULD I WRITE IN MY FIRST LETTER?

Be friendly and honest. Introduce yourself, share a little about your hobbies, interests, and why you chose to write. Keep the first letter light and positive — avoid overly personal questions until trust is built.

ARE THERE TOPICS I SHOULD AVOID?

Yes. Avoid discussing illegal activities, escape plans, or anything explicit. Also, refrain from sending money in your first letters or discussing sensitive case details unless the inmate brings it up and you feel comfortable.

CAN I SEND PHOTOS TO AN INMATE?

Yes! You can send approved photos through Pigeonly — an easy and secure service that delivers printed photos directly to correctional facilities. Photos must follow facility guidelines (no nudity, violence, or gang-related content). Some states or institutions also allow you to send pictures electronically through their own approved email systems.

HOW MANY PICTURES CAN I SEND?

This depends on the specific prison’s mail policy. Most facilities allow up to five printed photos per envelope. Pigeonly automatically adjusts orders to meet facility rules.

IS IT SAFE TO WRITE TO AN INMATE?

Yes, as long as you use common sense and respect boundaries. Your letters go through the correctional mail system, which monitors communication for safety. You can also use a P.O. Box instead of your home address if you prefer extra privacy.

CAN I WRITE TO MORE THAN ONE INMATE ?

Yes, you may write to more than one inmate; however, we strongly recommend not writing to multiple individuals in the same facility. This can create conflicts or complications for the people you are corresponding with.

For safety and to ensure positive experiences for everyone involved, we suggest choosing pen pals from different prisons—and ideally from different states as well. Inmates are often transferred within their state, so spreading out your connections can help maintain consistent communication and avoid any potential issues.

DOES PRISON FRIENDSHIP MONITOR MESSAGES?

No, we don’t monitor your letters. All mail is handled through correctional systems, which have their own security protocols.

CAN I USE EMAIL TO WRITE INSTEAD OF REGULAR MAIL?

Some facilities offer electronic messaging through systems like JPay, Gettingout.com or CorrLinks. You can also use a third party service like Pigeonly. If your pen-pal’s facility supports it, their profile will mention this option.

IS THERE A COST TO WRITE SOMEONE?

Your first message sent through PrisonFriendship is completely free.
Writing traditional letters through the postal service requires you to pay for postage.

If you use email systems such as JPay, CorrLinks, or Pigeonly, please note that these services charge fees, and the prices vary between providers and states. Digital delivery, photo printing, and attachments may also require extra credits or “stamps,” depending on the platform and correctional facility.

For those writing to someone in a federal prison, communication does not cost anything for the person on the outside — however, the incarcerated individual is responsible for paying the fees associated with sending and receiving electronic messages.

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT?

Yes. All users must be at least 18 years old to participate in Prison Friendship. This ensures the safety, privacy, and maturity necessary for building meaningful and responsible connections with inmates.

CAN I SEND MONEY OR GIFTS?

We do not recommend sending money to someone you just met. Build a friendship first. If you eventually decide to support your pen-pal, always follow the prison’s approved methods for deposits or commissary.

HOW CAN I SEND MY FIRST MESSAGE THROUGH PRISONFRIENDSHIP?

You’ll first need to register an account on PrisonFriendship. Once you’re registered, you can send your first message through the platform’s secure system. This helps ensure your introduction is safe, respectful and properly delivered.

I KNOW SOMEONE IN PRISON — CAN THEY JOIN?

Absolutely! Most people incarcerated are welcome to join PrisonFriendship and create a profile to connect with new pen pals.

However, individuals convicted of crimes against minors are not eligible to participate in our program.

A brochure with all the details can be downloaded right from this page and mailed to your person so they can learn how to sign up.
They can also write directly to the address listed on our website to request an application and begin the process of creating their own profile.

A profile ad can also be created directly on the Sign-Up page, where all membership options and details are listed.

Once the completed application, photos, and payment are received, our team will review, process, and upload the profile to the site.

HOW DOES SOMEONE CREATE A PROFILE?

A profile ad can be created directly on our Sign-Up page, where all membership options are listed.
Once the application, photos, and payment are received, our team will review and post the profile to the site.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A PROFILE?

Profiles should include a short bio written by the member, along with basic information such as name, DOC number, facility, and state. The bio can share hobbies, interests, and what kind of friendship they’re looking for.

HOW MANY PHOTOS CAN BE INCLUDED?

Each membership level includes a set number of photos, and additional photos can be added through our Add-Ons & Changes page for a small fee. All photos must follow institutional rules.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A PROFILE TO GO LIVE?

Once we receive the full application, photos, and payment, profiles are typically posted within a few weeks.
Please allow up to 30 days depending on the number of submissions.

CAN A PROFILE BE EDITED LATER?

The easiest way is to use the online form on our Changes & Upgrades page.
If unsure or unable to use the form, changes can also be sent by mail with the inmate’s full name, DOC number, and a clear description of what needs to be updated.

HOW CAN CHANGES BE MADE TO AN EXISTING PROFILE?

Yes! Members can update or upgrade their profiles anytime through our Changes & Upgrades page.
Any update or upgrade will move the profile back to the front for fresh visibility.

CAN PHOTOS BE UPDATED?

Yes! New photos can be mailed, emailed to contact@prisonfriendship.com, or sent directly from an inmate’s institutional email (when allowed) by adding realprisonfriends@gmail.com to their approved contact list.

The Changes & Upgrades page can also be used to submit updated photos or request additional photo add-ons.

WHAT IF SOMEONE MOVES TO A DIFFERENT FACILITY?

Address changes are always free and must be submitted by mail for verification. This helps us ensure that all contact information remains accurate and up to date.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?

We accept payments through PayPal, Cash App, and U.S. Postal Mail (institutional check or money order).

HOW DO I PAY WITH PAYPAL?

Payments can be made safely through PayPal using either a PayPal account or a bank card.
Be sure to include the inmate’s name and DOC number in the payment notes so the profile can be processed correctly.

HOW DO I PAY WITH CASH APP?

Payments can be sent to $PFpenpal on Cash App.
Please include the name, DOC number, state, and what the payment is for in the note.
Payments missing this information cannot be processed and will be forfeited.

CAN PAYMENTS BE MAILED?

Yes! Friends or loved ones may send an institutional check or money order through U.S. Postal Mail.
Once payment in full is received, the profile will be processed.
Please make sure the name, DOC number, and payment purpose are clearly written.

Mail payments and photos to:
PrisonFriendship
PO BOX 24481
Dayton, OH 45424

ARE PAYMENTS REFUNDABLE?

All payments are non-refundable once a profile has been posted.
Refunds are not issued for time remaining on profiles that are deactivated or removed for any reason.
If a payment was made by mistake, please contact us right away — our team will review the situation and assist if possible.

CAN A PROFILE BE CANCELED?

Yes. Members may request to cancel their membership at any time.
Please note that cancellations cannot be made directly through the website — the request must be submitted in writing either by U.S. Postal Mail or email.

Once the request has been verified, the profile will be removed promptly.
However, any videos, blogs, artwork, or other submitted content may continue to be used for promotional purposes, in accordance with our Terms of Service

ARE THERE ANY REASONS A PEN PAL MEMBERSHIP CAN BE TERMINATED?

Yes. PrisonFriendship does not accept applications from individuals convicted of crimes against minors.
If a profile is created for someone with a conviction involving a minor, the profile will be terminated immediately, and a notification letter will be sent to the inmate explaining the reason for removal.

Please note that no refund will be issued in these cases.
This policy helps us maintain a safe, positive, and respectful community for everyone who uses our platform.

Be Part of the Solution

Your support brings hope, friendship, and real change. Every letter you send makes a difference.

GET IN TOUCH

FAQ

FAQ – Writing to Someone on PrisonFriendship

Here you’ll find answers to the top questions about writing and building friendships with people who are incarcerated.

Prison Friendship

Quick Links

Useful Links

Contact info