Mail, photos, and publications: addressing, allowed items, and new IDOC rules
Mail rules in Illinois depend on whether your loved one is in an IDOC facility or a county jail. IDOC is now scanning and/or photocopying incoming non-privileged mail at its facilities. Starting September 30, 2025, publications for individuals in custody must be mailed directly from the publisher. Publications postmarked September 30 or earlier will be accepted; those postmarked after will be returned to sender.
- ✓ Allowed: standard or printed photographs, letters written/printed on common household stock, and standard cards (no musical/electronic cards)
- ✓ Not allowed: stamps, stickers, magazines, newspaper clippings (including photocopies), cash, personal property, and photos depicting sexual situations or behavior
- ✓ Addressing example: some jails require the sender’s name and return address, and require the envelope be addressed to the jail in care of the inmate’s name at the facility address
IDOC facility pages spell out the correct address format. For Western Illinois Correctional Center, mail to individuals in custody goes to: Individual in Custody Name & IDOC# at 2500 Rt. 99 South, Mount Sterling, IL 62353. Business mail uses the same street address.
Common Questions
Q
What can I send by mail and are photographs allowed?
Some facilities allow letters and standard photos, but they can also ban common extras. One Illinois jail says mail may contain standard or printed photographs and letters on common household stock, and it says mail may not contain items like stamps, stickers, cash, and certain photos. IDOC also states it is scanning and/or photocopying incoming non-privileged mail.
Q
How do I address mail to someone at Western Illinois Correctional Center?
Use the “Individual in Custody Mail” format listed by the facility: “Individual in Custody Name & IDOC#” on the first line, then “2500 Rt. 99 South,” then “Mount Sterling, IL 62353.” Western also lists its business mail address at the same street address in Mount Sterling.
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