If you're trying to confirm whether someone is currently incarcerated in Illinois, where they're being held, or basic case details, the fastest and most reliable source is the state's own official lookup tool — not a third-party "inmate search" site that charges a fee or resells the same public data.
State Agency
Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)
Official Tool
Individual in Custody Search
ID Number Used
IDOC Number
Cost
Free — official state tool
Official Illinois Lookup Tool
Individual in Custody Search
Open Illinois Department of Corrections Search →
How to Search
Search by last name, birthdate, or IDOC number to bring up location, offense details, and projected release date for anyone currently in IDOC custody.
📇 Before you search, have ready: the person's full legal name (and any known aliases or maiden names), approximate date of birth, and their IDOC Number if you have it. Having the ID number is always faster and more accurate than a name search alone, especially for common names.
⚠️ Skip paid "inmate search" sites. Every state's own locator is free and pulls from the same public record these third-party sites resell — often with a subscription fee bolted on. Go straight to the official Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) tool linked above.
Found Them? Here's What's Next
Once you've confirmed where someone is being held, you'll usually want to write to them, add money to their account, or figure out visiting rules. Those all depend on the specific facility they're in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Illinois inmate locator free to use?
Yes — the official Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) lookup tool is a free public record search. You never need to pay a third-party site for this same information.
What if I can't find the person I'm looking for?
They may be held in a county or city jail rather than a state prison, may have been released or transferred, or their name may be spelled differently in the system than you expect. Try searching with just a last name, or contact the agency's locator assistance line directly if one is listed above.
Can I find someone in a federal prison this way?
No — this tool only covers people in Illinois state custody. For federal inmates, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' own inmate locator at bop.gov instead.
Ready to Reach Someone in Illinois?
Browse verified inmate profiles from Illinois now — no account required.