Illinois state prisons: visiting, mail, money and status
28 IDOC prisons from the official IDOC facility list, checked 2026-10-20.
IDOC Individual in Custody Search (official) (opens in new tab) Illinois facility status
This guide covers IDOC's correctional centers. Adult transition centers, work camps, impact programs and re-entry centers are listed on IDOC's All Facilities page.
How to search: enter the person's legal last and first name, or their IDOC ID number if you have it. Nicknames and misspellings usually return nothing; try fewer letters or a different spelling of the name. IDOC uses the IDOC number; electronic deposits need that number and the person's last name.
What the dates mean: any dates shown, such as admission, sentence or projected release dates, come from IDOC's own records. Projected dates can change (for example with earned credits, discipline or parole decisions) and are not a guarantee. Ask IDOC or the facility before making plans around a date.
OutSooner does not store or list anyone's name, date of birth or ID number. The search runs on the official site.
Family guide: money, calls, visits and mail
From official IDOC pages. Vendors are named only as the state's approved provider. OutSooner has no affiliate or sponsor links. Our promise and how we check facts.
Sending money
- Deposits go through the state's approved providers, which IDOC lists as JPay, MoneyGram (receive code 7364, blue Express Payment form) and Western Union's Send2Corrections. Use the person's IDOC number and last name.
- Electronic deposits can be up to $5,000 ($3,000 for MoneyGram). JPay and Western Union deposits usually post in 24-48 business hours; MoneyGram in 72-96.
- Money orders (up to $999.99) are payable to JPay and go with IDOC's lockbox deposit slip to: PO Box 260250, Hollywood, FL 33026. Do not send money orders to the facility.
- IDOC no longer uses GTL/ConnectNetwork for deposits.
Fees change. Check the official IDOC page (opens in new tab) for current fees before you pay.
Official pages: JPay (approved provider) (opens in new tab)
The state's approved app (JPay): App Store (opens in new tab) Google Play (opens in new tab)
Source: IDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Phone calls and video visits
- Phone service is from the state's approved provider, which IDOC lists as ICSolutions. People in custody can only call numbers on their approved list, so write and ask to be added.
- To get calls on a cell phone, set up a prepaid ICSolutions account first (888-506-8407). Calls can also be paid from the person's own trust account through commissary.
- Calls may show varying caller-ID numbers so they aren't flagged as spam.
- Video visits are scheduled through ICSolutions at least 7 days and up to 30 days ahead; up to 2 a week, 1 a day, up to 3 approved visitors. All video visits are recorded.
Official pages: ICSolutions (approved provider) (opens in new tab)
The state's approved app (ICSolutions): App Store (opens in new tab) Google Play (opens in new tab)
Source: IDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
In-person visiting
- Schedule in-person visits online through the facility sign-up linked from IDOC's visiting page; finish within 30 minutes or the sign-up times out. Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
- On arrival, call the facility for guidance. Adults need two forms of ID (one a state-issued photo ID) and vehicle information.
- Phones, smart watches, food, bags, keys and most medications are not allowed in the visiting room; small lockers are available. All people, vehicles and items are subject to search.
- Visits can be denied during a lockdown. Check IDOC's lockdown information before you travel.
Source: IDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Becoming an approved visitor
- All visitors except government officials and legal visitors must be on the person's approved visitation list.
- To find out if you are on the list, write to the person. IDOC staff cannot tell you by phone.
- IDOC does not publish a typical approval wait time.
Source: IDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
- Mail is sent to the facility. Personal letters, cards and photos are scanned or photocopied in color, and the person receives the copy.
- Envelopes need a complete return address. Don't send stamps, blank paper or cards, stickers, money orders, checks or cash, or mail with stains, glitter or perfume.
- Publications must be mailed directly by a publisher, bookstore or distributor.
- Unauthorized items are not delivered; IDOC notifies the sender, who can appeal.
Source: IDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Facility list from IDOC (opens in new tab).
Sources: IDOC facilities (opens in new tab) · Last verified: · Corrections