What Happens to Mail and Publications at Illinois DOC — Scanning, Tablets, and the September 30 Publisher Rule

Illinois DOC facilities have begun scanning and/or photocopying incoming non-privileged mail immediately. Practically, that means the letter you send may be converted into a scanned or copied version as part of normal mail processing, instead of being handed over as the original piece of paper.

For incoming non-privileged mail, the mailroom scans in color the front and back of the envelope and each item inside - including letters, greeting cards, and photographs. Those scans are turned into PDF images and uploaded to the individual’s bulletin board, where they get a notification and can download and view the documents on their tablet.

Exceptions Not Scanned

• ✓ Privileged/legal mail
• ✓ Publications (books, magazines, newspapers)
• ✓ Photos sent directly from photo printing service companies
• ✓ Official documents (for example, birth certificates or Social Security cards) mailed from a government entity

Starting September 30, 2025, publications intended for individuals in custody (books, magazines, and similar items) will only be accepted if they come through the mail and are mailed directly from the publisher to the individual. IDOC’s definition of “publisher” is broad - it includes publishers, book clubs, bookstores, and other book/magazine/newspaper distributors, as well as religious organizations or ministries, educational institutions, and units of government that do mail-order business or otherwise deliver publications to readers.

Because non-privileged mail is scanned/photocopied, your loved one will typically be reading a PDF version of what you sent rather than holding the original letter or card. Scans are uploaded to the individual’s bulletin board and can be downloaded and viewed on their tablet, so it’s worth writing with the expectation that what matters most is how it looks when scanned and read on a screen.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Assume your non-privileged mail will be scanned/photocopied, and send copies (not irreplaceable originals) when you can.
• ✓ Keep letters and cards easy to scan and read - clear handwriting, high-contrast ink, and uncluttered pages.
• ✓ For books and magazines after September 30, 2025, order or arrange shipping so the publication is mailed directly from the publisher to the person in custody (not handed in or dropped off).
• ✓ Don’t plan on bringing publications to the facility for drop-off after September 30, 2025 - they won’t be accepted for a specific individual.