South Dakota: pen pal rules and how to send mail
We found no rule in this department's published policies that stops people here from being listed on a pen-pal site. Normal mail rules still apply, and no one may ask pen pals for money.
Check the department's mail page for the current address format before you write.
Checked against the department's own pages . How we check, and corrections
Pen pal listings
We found no rule in this department's published policies that stops people here from being listed on a pen-pal site. Normal mail rules still apply, and no one may ask pen pals for money.
Sending mail to someone in South Dakota
Check the department's mail page for the current address format before you write.
“Mail must include the offenders name and DOC number as well a complete, legible return address.” Department source
“Hardcover and hollow or wire bound books and mailings that include more than 12 photos are subject to rejection.”
Electronic messages: On GettingOut, either side can send the contact request, and both have to accept it. Step by step for each app. Department page.
Source: South Dakota mail page, read 2026-10-07. Rules change; the department's page is the final word.
See also: prison mail rules and your first letter.
Prisons in South Dakota (8)
How to write to someone at each one: the mailing format, mail rules and messaging, from the department's own pages.
Find someone in South Dakota
Official South Dakota inmate locator
We check every profile's name and ID number against this locator within a day of it going live.