IDOC Inmate Search
The IDOC Inmate Search is provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) as a database service that allows users to search for detailed information about all individuals incarcerated in the state's prison system. The Inmate Search may not be available periodically when the IDOC maintains the server and updates the inmate information. For any questions or help, the general public and private groups (non-state and governmental) can contact the Department of Corrections at 217-558-2200. Only government and law enforcement may contact 1-888-446-9103.
How to Use Inmate Search to Find Inmates in Illinois Prisons?
To locate an inmate by the Inmate Search, please visit the website.
There are three search options on the website: Search by Last Name, Search by IDOC Number, and Search by Birthdate.
To search by last name, you need to enter the last name or at least the first initial of the last name in the search field. If you know the exact spelling of the inmate's name, you can enter both the last name and first name in the search field. For example, Smith, John, or Smith, or Smi, or S are all accepted.
To search by IDOC Number, you need to enter a six-digit number such as K01234 in the search field.
To search by birthdate, you need to enter the inmate's date of birth in the search field, e.g. 01-01-1998. Then click on the "Find" button.
A new page will appear on which a listing of inmates that matches your search query is displayed in a drop-down box. Select the inmate you want to search for and then click on "Query A Highlighted Inmate".
You will get detailed information about the inmate, including photo, parent institution, offender status, location, physical profile, marks, scars, & tattoos, admission/release/discharge information, and sentencing information.
Contact the Illinois Department of Corrections
Illinois Department of Corrections - Springfield
Address: 1301 Concordia Court, Springfield, IL 62794-9277
Phone Number: (217) 558-2200
Illinois Department of Corrections - Chicago
Address: 555 West Monroe, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone Number: (217) 558-2200
To contact an IDOC facility, please visit the Facilities page.
IDOC Visitation
To visit an inmate, you need to identify the facility where the inmate is housed by using the Inmate Search tool. Then write a letter to the inmate to ensure you are on the incarcerated individual's approved visitation list.
Visits must be scheduled on the Visitor Signup page. Please complete the sign-up within 30 minutes or the system will timeout.
Visitors should arrive at the facility at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled visit to check in. Upon arrival, visitors must call the facility for guidance and provide two forms of identification (one must be a state-issued photo ID) and vehicle information. Please do not take electronic devices to the visiting room.
Video visitation is also available via GTL using iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Mac Computer, and Windows computer. Two free messages and one free video visit for one inmate per week are provided by GTL. To view more specific information about visitation, please visit the Visitation Rules page.