How to Visit Illinois River C.C. (IL)

Illinois River Correctional Center offers video visitation every day, Sunday through Saturday, during two windows: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Log on 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. That buffer gives you time to get connected and avoid missing your slot.

If you're 18 or older, expect two checkpoints on your first visit: paperwork and identification. Adult visitors must complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview form (DOC 0148) unless prior electronic approval is already on file. You'll also need two forms of ID, and one should be a current state-issued photo ID. The second form must verify your date of birth. Visitors under 18 don't need photo ID.

Keep your clothing conservative. Visitors must wear underwear, and female visitors must wear a bra. Nothing that reveals breasts or buttocks. Clothing with Security Threat Group imagery or other offensive images is not allowed.

Don't plan on dropping off books, magazines, or other publications for your loved one. The facility doesn't accept them from visitors. Starting September 30, 2025, all publications must be mailed directly from the publisher to the incarcerated individual.

Want to add commissary funds? Illinois Department of Corrections deposits can be made through ViaPath 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Electronic deposits (via website, mobile app, or phone) are typically transmitted to the facility within one business day.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Confirm your video visitation time within the daily windows (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.), then log on 15 minutes early.
• ✓ If you are 18 or older and it is your first visit, be ready to complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview form (DOC 0148) unless you already have prior electronic approval.
• ✓ Bring two forms of ID if you are an adult. One should be a current state-issued photo ID.
• ✓ Leave prohibited items out of the Visiting Room, including phones and other electronic devices, food and drinks, smoking materials, currency, and bags.
• ✓ Follow the dress code: underwear required, females must wear a bra, and clothing cannot reveal breasts or buttocks or display Security Threat Group or offensive imagery.
• ✓ Do not try to drop off books, magazines, or other publications. Publications must be handled through the mail (and starting September 30, 2025, directly from the publisher).
• ✓ Use ViaPath if you want to deposit money for commissary. It is available 24/7, and electronic deposits are typically transmitted within one business day.

1. Pick a time and log on early: Video visitation runs Sunday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Log on 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
2. Handle first-visit approval: If you are 18 or older and it is your first visit, complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview form (DOC 0148) unless you already received prior electronic approval.
3. Have your IDs ready: Adult visitors must show photo ID and verify date of birth. Bring two forms of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID.

Before your visit, confirm the current video visitation hours and make sure you know how to log in. The published windows are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Remember to log on 15 minutes early.

First-time visitor? Check whether your electronic approval is already on file or if you still need to fill out the Prospective Visitor's Interview form (DOC 0148). Also confirm what counts as your second form of ID. Adults need two, and one must be a current state-issued photo ID. Minors don't need photo ID.

Planning to send reading material? Double-check the publication rules. Visitors can't drop off publications, and starting September 30, 2025, they must be mailed directly from the publisher. For commissary funds, ViaPath deposits are available 24/7 and electronic deposits typically go through within one business day, but planning ahead never hurts.