He's been given inmate No. 40892-424 and will begin serving his 14-year sentence on charges including attempting to sell or trade an appointment to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created when Barack Obama was elected president.
Blagojevich requested to serve his time at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood, a minimum security facility in Jefferson County.
The all-male prison was once listed as one of the 12 nicest prisons in America by Forbes.com because prisoners "can blow off steam by playing pool, ping-pong or even foosball."
The prison's handbook (Warning: this document contains graphic discussions of prison sexual assault policies) sheds light on what life inside can be like.
One aspect of prison most people don't think about is the work. If prisoners are fit to work, they are required to have jobs at Englewood.
The best job a prisoner can get is working in the facility's customer support call center, run by Federal Prison Industries.
The job pays $.23 - $1.15 per hour, which makes the maximum annual salary about $2,400.
If Blagojevich is assigned a lesser job like plumber or landscaper he can earn between $.12 and$.14.
Prisoners don't have a lot of use for money - they are only allowed to spend a maximum of $320 a month in the prison store.
The prison offers free recreational programs including sports leagues, a gym, arts and crafts, a music room and a well-stocked library.
On Saturdays, the prison serves a 10:30 a.m. brunch. Mimosas will not be on the menu, drinking alcohol and smoking are forbidden.
The former governor will be able to reach the outside world. The prison has its own email system, and a phone plan that allows a maximum of 300 minutes per month.
The prison also has a policy encouraging visitors, who can only see prisoners under supervision.
Prisoners do have cellmates and a strict schedule to follow.
While there are views of the Rocky Mountains and a golf course from the compound, former prisoner have told Chicago reporters it only serves as a reminder of things that can't be enjoyed behind bars.
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)