What Happens to Your Mail Now: IDOC's New Scanning and Publications Rules Explained

IDOC facilities now scan or photocopy all incoming non-privileged mail. The mailroom no longer delivers your original letter as-is - instead, it may be converted into a scanned or photocopied version before reaching your loved one.

Exclusions

• ✓ Publications (these will not be scanned or photocopied)

• ✓ Photos sent directly from photo-printing service companies (these will not be scanned or photocopied)

• ✓ Official documents mailed from a government entity, including (but not limited to) birth certificates and Social Security cards (these will not be scanned or photocopied)

• ✓ Correspondence from IDOC staff sent to an individual in custody (this will not be scanned or photocopied)

• ✓ Mail identified as “unauthorized mail” under IDOC’s incoming mail policies and procedures (this will not be scanned or photocopied)

• ✓ Mail addressed to the facility that will be returned to the sender (this will not be scanned or photocopied)

When non-privileged mail gets scanned, IDOC uploads PDF images to the incarcerated person's Bulletin Board. Your letter becomes a digital file they can access through the facility's system.

They'll get a notification when new scanned documents arrive and can download and view them on their tablet. So if your loved one mentions getting a "new mail" alert but never received paper in hand - this tablet-based PDF delivery is the reason.

Starting September 30, 2025, publications will only be accepted if they're mailed directly from the publisher to the individual. Want to send books, magazines, or other reading material? That "direct from publisher" requirement is what determines whether it gets through.

After September 30, 2025, visitors can no longer drop off books, magazines, or other publications at any facility. If you've been bringing reading material during visits, you'll need to switch to ordering directly from the publisher instead.