This page helps users handle an inmate search in Illinois and understand the official paths for custody information, facility details, contact, visitation, deposits, and mail.

The Illinois Department of Corrections provides the Individual in Custody Search and related pages for people looking for custody status, facility placement, and next steps.

Use the Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search to look up people in IDOC custody. The search result can help identify the person’s IDOC number and the facility where the person is housed.

That IDOC number is useful for mail, deposits, phone account setup, and other IDOC-related steps. Keep the number with the person’s name when using other custody services.

Tip: If you are trying to write to someone in custody, place the IDOC number near the person’s name on the envelope.

IDOC keeps several custody-related resources under its Individuals in Custody section. These include the Individual in Custody Search, Wanted Fugitives, Illinois Sex Offender Information, Parolee Sex Registrant Search, and Community Notification of Individual in Custody Early Release.

Use these pages when the inmate search leads to a related need, such as checking facility information, reviewing release-notification resources, or finding other public IDOC custody information.

Facilities and location details

The inmate search can show the facility where an individual in custody is housed. To review IDOC facility names and facility information, use the All Facilities page.

IDOC lists correctional centers, work camps, adult transition centers, reception and classification centers, life skills re-entry centers, and other facilities across Illinois.

Phone, mail, and electronic messaging

Individuals in custody cannot receive telephone calls, but they can make calls to people on their approved calling list. Friends and family who want to receive calls must ask the individual in custody to add them to that list.

IDOC uses ICSolutions for phone services. Friends and family can fund calls through a prepaid account or by funding the individual’s trust account so the individual can buy phone minutes through commissary.

For written contact, individuals in custody may receive mail during incarceration. IDOC recommends including the person’s IDOC number near their name on the envelope. Facility addresses are listed through IDOC facility information.

Electronic messaging is available for loved ones in all IDOC facilities except ATCs through the ICSolutions CorrLinks system. Messages are screened and monitored. Messages sent through GTL will not be delivered.

Visitation rules and scheduling

For in-person visits, identify the individual and facility with the IDOC search tool, confirm your approved visitor status by writing to the individual, and schedule the visit online through the official visitation process.

Adult visitors must bring two forms of identification, including one state-issued photo ID, and provide vehicle information. Electronic devices, food, drinks, smoking materials, currency, packages, bags, and many personal items are not permitted inside the visiting room.

Video visitation is handled through ICSolutions for all IDOC facilities except ATCs. Video visits must be scheduled at least 7 days in advance and may be scheduled up to 30 days in advance. No video visitation visits are scheduled between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm because of institutional count procedures.

Deposits for individuals in custody

Individuals in custody may receive money through JPAY, Western Union, MoneyGram, or money order. For electronic transfers, the sender must use the individual’s IDOC number and incarcerated last name.

Electronic payments may be sent up to $5,000, except MoneyGram transactions, which have a maximum limit of $3,000. JPAY and Western Union funds are anticipated to apply within 24-48 business hours. MoneyGram funds are anticipated to apply within 72-96 business hours.

Money orders may not exceed $999.99 and must be sent with the lockbox deposit slip. Money orders must be made payable to JPay and mailed to PO Box 260250 Hollywood, FL 33026.

Incoming mail rules

IDOC allows correspondence, privileged mail, and publications in accordance with department policies and procedures. Incoming and outgoing mail, including privileged mail, is opened and inspected for contraband.

Non-privileged mail may be scanned or photocopied in color and then distributed digitally or by printed copy. IDOC strongly recommends writing in black ink because light-colored ink or pencil may reduce image quality when scanned.

Unauthorized mail can include items such as glued pages, oversized paper, certain photos, maps, cash, personal checks, lottery materials, stickers, glitter, tape, medication, clothing, electronics, jewelry, and other physical items not allowed by IDOC rules.

IDOC contacts for custody questions

Use these contacts for IDOC custody questions, facility concerns, phone service help, and family liaison support.

  • Illinois Department of Corrections, 1000 East Converse Avenue P.O. Box 19277 Springfield, IL 62794-9277. Phone: (217) 558-2200.
  • Illinois Department of Corrections Chicago office, 555 West Monroe, 6th Floor Suite 600-S Chicago, IL 60661.
  • IDOC Parole Office. Phone: (800) 666-6744.
  • ICSolutions Customer Service. Phone: (888) 506-8407. Email: [email protected].
  • IDOC Office of Constituent Services, 1000 E. Converse Ave P.O. Box 19277 Springfield, IL 62794-9277. Phone: (217) 558-2200. Email: [email protected].

Common questions

Where can I search for someone in IDOC custody?

Use the Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search to look up custody information and locate the person’s IDOC number and facility.

Can I call an individual in custody?

No. Individuals in custody cannot receive telephone calls, but they may make calls to people on their approved calling list through IDOC’s phone service system.

How do I find the facility address for mail?

Use the inmate search to identify the facility, then check IDOC’s facility information for the facility address. Include the person’s IDOC number near their name on the envelope.

Can IDOC staff tell me if I am on someone’s visitation list?

No. IDOC staff cannot verify that by phone. You should write to the individual in custody and ask whether you are on the approved visitation list.

Who should I contact for a facility emergency?

For an emergency involving an individual in custody or a prison facility issue, IDOC directs users to contact the prison facility. For public safety issues, contact local law enforcement immediately.

Choose a County in Illinois

Find local search steps and office contacts for your area below.