Free · Nothing saved
Illinois prison mail & photo rules checker
Tick what you plan to send and see IDOC's official rules for it before it gets rejected. Pick a prison for its mailing address.
All official mail rules we have for Illinois
- Mail is sent to the facility. Personal letters, cards and photos are scanned or photocopied in color, and the person receives the copy. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- 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. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- Publications must be mailed directly by a publisher, bookstore or distributor. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- Unauthorized items are not delivered; IDOC notifies the sender, who can appeal. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- Using glue, glitter, paint, crayon, adhesives, ribbon, cloth, or string on correspondence is discouraged as it could damage the scanners and therefore may not be able to be processed. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- Individuals in custody may receive new or used publications, including but not limited to any hard or soft-covered book, booklet, magazine, newsletter, or newspaper that is mailed directly to them by a publisher. (official source) (opens in new tab)
Write the person's name and ID number only on the envelope; this page never asks for them. Rules change and can differ by prison; the prison's posted rules win. Not legal advice. No sponsors or affiliate links. Last checked .
Other states · Illinois visit-day checklist · Illinois prisons and family guide
Sources: How we source and verify · Last verified: · Corrections