Requirements for legal mail sent to prisoners to be enforced starting Jan. 5

Beginning January 5, 2026, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) will require all mail sent to inmates by attorneys to include a QR code provided by TextBehind, a verification system that confirms legal mail is sent from legitimate and verified sources and reduces the risk of contraband entering facilities.

After January 5, attorney mail that does not contain a valid and scannable QR code will be returned to sender unopened to avoid any risk of breaching attorney-client privilege.

Attorney mail receives special handling, meaning it is not read or skimmed and must be processed in front of the prisoner.

To ensure there is no interruption in legal mail delivery, attorneys should register and complete verification with TextBehind as soon as possible. Once registered, attorneys can begin using the system immediately.

There is no cost to use TextBehind.

QR codes must appear on the outside of envelopes so staff can scan it before processing. The codes can be printed directly on envelopes or placed on as an exterior label.

To obtain a TextBehind QR code:

1. Register for an account on the TextBehind website, https://docs.textbehind.com.
2. Add prisoner contact(s). Additional contacts can be added in the future.
3. Provide any required identification that may include a state-issued ID card, State Bar of Michigan attorney card, letterhead, or telephone verification.
4. Download a unique, single-use QR code and affix it to the outside of each individual envelope.

MDOC initially rolled out the TextBehind program in 2025 but delayed it as a mandatory requirement until 2026 to make adjustments.

Learn more about TextBehind and legal mail requirements here.

Posted: December 16, 2025