Kings County Jail Mailing Address – Independent Resource For Public Help

Kings County Jail mailing address is 1570 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. This is the official physical location used for all legal and personal correspondence sent to inmates. Letters must include the inmate’s full name, person number, booking number, and a valid return address. Envelopes cannot exceed 9 × 12 inches. The same address also serves as the delivery point for approved publications and care packages. Some sources list PO Box 1699, Hanford, CA 93230 for general mail, but all official inmate mail goes to the physical address. Always verify the inmate’s current status before sending anything.

Official Mailing Guidelines for Inmates

All mail sent to Kings County Jail must follow strict rules. Legal letters require the inmate’s full legal name, person number, and booking number clearly written on the envelope. Personal letters need the same details plus a return address. The jail rejects any envelope larger than 9 × 12 inches. Newspapers are allowed only if shipped directly from the publisher and sealed in clear plastic. Magazines must be under 80 pages and free of ads for weapons, alcohol, or adult content. Items like Polaroid photos, stickers, cash, stamps, or homemade drawings are not accepted. All mail is inspected upon arrival.

Prohibited Items in Inmate Mail

• Cash, checks, or money orders
• Stamps or stamped envelopes
• Polaroid or instant photos
• Stickers, glitter, or tape
• Perfume, lotion, or food items
• Anything that could be used as a weapon

Sending banned items may result in the entire letter being discarded. The jail does not notify senders when mail is rejected. Always check the latest rules before mailing.

How to Find an Inmate’s Booking Number

The booking number is essential for sending mail. Without it, the jail may return or discard your letter. Use the official Kings County Inmate Locator to find this number. Visit the Sheriff’s Office website and search by name or date of birth. The system updates every four hours and shows current inmates only. Each record includes the booking number, housing unit, charges, and bond amount. If you can’t find the person online, call 559-584-1431 during business hours. Have the inmate’s full name and approximate arrest date ready.

Steps to Locate an Inmate

1. Go to the Kings County Inmate Locator portal
2. Enter the inmate’s last name and first name
3. Add date of birth if known
4. Click “Search” and review results
5. Note the booking number and housing unit

Bookmark the locator page for future checks. The roster refreshes nightly, so new bookings may take up to 24 hours to appear.

Approved Publications and Reading Materials

Kings County Jail allows newspapers and magazines under specific conditions. Newspapers must arrive directly from the publisher in a clear plastic wrapper. No loose pages or photocopies are accepted. Magazines must be under 80 pages and cannot contain ads for tobacco, gambling, or adult services. Hardcover books are not allowed. Softcover books must be new and sent from a recognized bookstore or publisher. Used books or those from third-party sellers are rejected. All reading material is reviewed for safety and content.

Publisher Requirements for Newspapers

• Must ship directly from the newspaper’s office
• Each issue sealed in transparent plastic
• No handwritten notes or inserts
• Subscriptions preferred over single copies

Contact the publisher to confirm they meet jail standards before ordering.

Electronic Messaging and JPay Services

Families can send electronic messages through JPay. Each text or email costs $0.25. Messages are limited to 500 characters and cannot include URLs, profanity, or references to contraband. Emails are stored on the inmate’s tablet for up to 48 hours. To use JPay, create an account online, add funds, and select the inmate by name and booking number. Delivery is not instant—allow 12–24 hours. JPay also handles commissary deposits and tablet rentals. Tablets cost $0.99 per day and include educational apps and games.

JPay Message Rules

• No photos or attachments
• No discussion of ongoing legal cases
• No threats or coded language
• Sender must have a verified account

Messages violating these rules are deleted without notice.

Phone Calls and Securus Network

Inmates make outbound calls through Securus Technologies. Families must set up a prepaid account to receive calls. Call 559-584-1431 to register. Rates vary by time of day and call length. Calls are monitored and recorded. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Each call lasts up to 15 minutes. If the line is busy, try again later. Securus also offers video visitation for an additional fee. Schedule sessions online at least 24 hours in advance.

Securus Account Setup Steps

1. Visit securustech.net or call 559-584-1431
2. Create an account with your name and address
3. Add funds using a debit or credit card
4. Link the account to the inmate’s name and booking number
5. Answer calls when they come in

Keep your account active to avoid service interruptions.

Visitation Rules and Scheduling

Visitation runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian present. Dress code rules apply: no sleeveless shirts, ripped jeans, or revealing clothing. Only one visitor per inmate per day is allowed. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Late arrivals may be turned away. All visits are non-contact and supervised.

What to Bring to Visitation

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• Proof of relationship if required
• No bags, phones, or electronic devices
• No food, drinks, or gifts

Leave personal items in your car. Lockers are not provided.

Commissary and Money Transfers

Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and stationery from the jail commissary. Funds are added via Western Union, MoneyGram, or the online kiosk. Use the inmate’s full name and booking number when sending money. Deposits appear within 24 hours. Commissary orders are processed nightly. Inmates receive a list of available items upon arrival. Prices are fixed and non-negotiable. Unused funds remain on the account until release.

Money Transfer Options

Send money during business hours for fastest processing.

Bail Bond Information

Bail can be paid at the jail’s bond office during business hours. Acceptable forms include cash or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted. The bond amount is listed on the inmate’s record. If unsure, call 559-584-1431 ext. 2812. A signed affidavit may be required. Once paid, the inmate is released within 2–4 hours, depending on processing. Bail funds are refunded minus administrative fees if the inmate appears in court as required.

Bail Payment Checklist

• Bring exact amount in cash or cashier’s check
• Provide inmate’s full name and booking number
• Sign the bail receipt
• Keep the receipt for refund purposes

Do not send bail money through the mail.

Facility Location and Contact Details

Kings County Jail is located at 1570 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. The facility opened in 1992 and holds up to 141 inmates. It includes a medical clinic, intake wing, and visitation area. For general questions, call 559-584-1431. Administrative matters go to 559-852-2886. Inmate-specific calls use the same main line. The Sheriff’s Office is nearby at 1444 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230. That address is used for records requests and in-person visits to the office, not the jail itself.

Important Phone Numbers

• Main Jail Line: 559-584-1431
• Administration: 559-852-2886
• Inmate Info: 559-584-1431
• Visitation: 559-584-1431

Lines are staffed Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have similar questions about mailing letters to Kings County Jail. Below are the most common concerns with clear, direct answers based on current policies. Always double-check with the jail if rules change.

Can I send a birthday card to an inmate?

Yes, you can send a birthday card as long as it follows all mailing rules. Use a standard envelope no larger than 9 × 12 inches. Include the inmate’s full name, person number, and booking number. Write your return address clearly. Avoid stickers, glitter, or any decorations. Plain cards with handwritten messages are best. Do not include money, stamps, or photos. The card will be inspected before delivery. If it meets all guidelines, it will be given to the inmate within a few days.

What happens if I forget the booking number?

If you don’t include the booking number, your mail may be delayed or rejected. The jail uses this number to match letters to the correct inmate. Without it, staff must manually search records, which takes time. To avoid this, use the Inmate Locator online or call the jail. Always double-check the number before mailing. If you send a letter without it, write “Booking # Pending” and call the jail to provide the number later. But the safest way is to get it first.

Are magazines from Amazon allowed?

Magazines from Amazon are only allowed if they are new, under 80 pages, and free of prohibited ads. Amazon qualifies as a recognized retailer, so shipments directly from them are accepted. Do not send used magazines or those with torn pages. Each issue must arrive in original packaging. Avoid titles with adult content, violence, or drug references. If unsure, check the jail’s approved list or call ahead. Most news and lifestyle magazines are fine.

Can I visit on Sunday?

No, Kings County Jail does not allow visits on Sunday. Visitation is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays and holidays are closed. Plan your visit during open hours. Arrive early to complete paperwork. Late arrivals may not be admitted. If you have an emergency, call the main line, but visits are not permitted outside scheduled times.

How long does it take for mail to arrive?

Mail typically arrives within 2–5 business days after being sent. Once received, it is processed and delivered during the next mail run. Processing includes inspection for contraband and verification of inmate details. Legal mail may take longer due to additional screening. Electronic messages via JPay are faster, usually delivered within 24 hours. Avoid sending time-sensitive items by regular mail. For urgent matters, use phone calls or JPay.

What if my letter gets rejected?

If your letter is rejected, the jail will not notify you. It will be discarded or returned if a valid return address is provided. Common reasons include missing booking number, prohibited items, or oversized envelopes. To prevent rejection, follow all guidelines carefully. Double-check the inmate’s name, number, and address. Use only approved materials. If you suspect your letter was rejected, call the jail and ask about their mail policy. Keep copies of your letters for reference.

Can I send a care package?

No, Kings County Jail does not accept care packages from individuals. Only approved publications and letters are allowed. Food, clothing, hygiene items, and other personal goods must be purchased through the commissary using funds you send. You cannot mail these items directly. All commissary orders are handled internally. If you want to support an inmate, add money to their account via Western Union, MoneyGram, or the online kiosk. This ensures they receive safe, approved items.

Official Website: https://www.countyofkings.com/departments/public-safety/sheriff/booking-inmate-information

Phone: 559-584-1431

Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Address: 1570 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230