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

IDOC facilities now scan or photocopy all incoming non-privileged mail. Your original letter or card won't arrive as paper - instead, your loved one receives a scanned copy through IDOC's digital system.

The mailroom scans both sides of your envelope in color, plus everything inside - letters, greeting cards, photos. The full contents get captured as images rather than delivered as the original paper.

Once scanned, IDOC uploads PDF images to the person's Bulletin Board, where they can download and view everything on their tablet. Your loved one reads a digital copy of what you sent - they won't hold the original letter or card.

Some items skip the scanning process entirely. IDOC handles publications, photos sent directly from photo-printing services, and certain official government documents differently. Other mail may be flagged as unauthorized or processed outside the standard workflow under IDOC's mail policies.

Books and magazines face a separate change. Starting September 30, 2025, publications must come directly from the publisher - no exceptions. After that date, visitors can't drop off books or magazines at any facility for a specific person. IDOC defines "publisher" broadly: it includes traditional publishers, book clubs, bookstores, distributors, and certain organizations that deliver publications to readers.

Practical Advice

• ✓ Assume your non-privileged mail will be scanned/photocopied and delivered as a digital/duplicate version, not as the original paper you sent.
• ✓ If you’re sending something you can’t replace, consider keeping the original at home and mailing a copy instead (because the mailroom is scanning the envelope and the contents, including letters, cards, and photos).
• ✓ Keep your letters, cards, and photos simple and easy to scan - everything inside the envelope is part of the scanned packet.
• ✓ Plan for the person in custody to view the mail as PDFs on their Bulletin Board/tablet, since that’s how scanned documents are delivered.

Here's what matters most: the mail scanning change is already in effect. When you write, expect your letter to be digitized and delivered through the Bulletin Board on their tablet. Plan accordingly to avoid delays or confusion.