How to email a federal inmate

Federal inmates can send and receive electronic messages through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' CorrLinks / TRULINCS system. This guide walks you through it — and shows the faster way to do it from your phone with Parakeet Chat.

Step 1 — Find the inmate

You'll need the person's 8-digit BOP register number, or their first and last name. Use a free federal inmate search to confirm they're in custody and which facility they're at.

Step 2 — Get an email address to write to

On CorrLinks, the inmate must add you as an approved contact before you can exchange messages. Parakeet Chat gives you the email addresses to send your first message to, so the inmate can add you and the conversation can begin.

Step 3 — Send your first message

Write your first message from your phone. Once the inmate approves you, replies come straight back to you over SMS, Telegram, or email — no need to keep logging into the CorrLinks website.

The easier way: Parakeet Chat

CorrLinks on its own means logging into a dated website every time. Parakeet Chat sits on top of it so you can text and send voice messages from your phone, and gives your incarcerated loved one AI chat and internet search. It's the most complete option for staying in touch — see how it compares in our Parakeet vs InmateDB comparison.