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Visiting an offender

silhouette visiting over coffee Visits help to preserve healthy relationships between offenders and their family and friends. The Department strives to make these visits comfortable and pleasant.

Please be advised: Unforeseen security problems may interfere with visiting, causing delayed, shortened, suspended or cancelled visits. This is unusual, but it does occasionally occur.

Each facility also has it’s own visiting guidelines. Go to the individual facility to see important notices, visiting rules, visit guidelines, family friendly events and visit schedules.

Extended Family Visiting Program

The Department recognizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and provides opportunities for Extended Family Visits (EFVs).

Special Visits

Special visits may be permitted per DOC policy 450.300 Visits for Prison Offenders, for persons traveling long distances, hospitalized offenders and professional visitors. Special visits must be requested on form DOC 21–787 Special Visit Request. Also, fill out the Criminal History Records check and submit them to the offender’s counselor.

Visits in Prison – FAQ

What are the scheduled visiting hours?

Visiting schedules vary among the facilities. Check the specific facility pages for visiting rules and schedules. Ensure a positive visit, be aware of the dress code and all of the rules.

What are the requirements for minors as visitors?

Get more information about bringing minors to visit.

What are the requirements for adult visitors?

Before being placed on the offender’s visiting list, the approval process must be complete. It takes an average of 3 to 6 weeks for final approval. This process begins by completing the forms:

visiting application form 20.060(PDF) for prison(s)
the Criminal History Records check
Visitor Medication Questionnaire 16–102 (PDF) if applicable

You must bring current photo identification (ID) to the visit: Driver’s license, military ID, Indian tribal ID, state ID card, state or federal agency ID, or passport.

What items can I bring to a visit?

Bringing money (for vending machines or cards) is limited per facility. Please refer to the local facility pages for the specific visiting rules regarding cash.
Life sustaining medication needed during the visiting period (if the visitor provides proof of prescription). The Visitor Medication Questionnaire 16–102 (PDF) form must be completed and sent in prior to the visit.

Will I be searched?

Please be prepared. All visitors, their belongings, vehicles, and any container and/or bag that are brought onto the institution grounds are subject to DOC policy search.

Do you need help with transportation?

Several not–for–profit services are available to help you get to the institution.

Who should I contact if I have questions about visiting?

You should contact the facility where you plan to visit and ask to speak to visit staff. Please be aware that visit staff often work a non–traditional work schedule so they are available at the facility during visit hours. A voice message may be left for visit staff. Please be sure to include your loved one’s DOC number and a brief summary of your concern, and visit staff will return your call as soon as they are able.

If your question or concern cannot be resolved by the facility, you may email the family services unit. Please be sure to include your loved one’s name and DOC number in the subject line.

Visits in Work Release – FAQ

NOTE: Because work release facilities do not have access to the same visit records as in the prisons, a new application must be submitted when an offender transfers to or from a work release.

What are the requirements for visitors over the age of 18?

Before being placed on the work release offender’s visiting list, the approval process must be complete. This process begins by completing the Work Release Visitor and Sponsor Application 20–169 (PDF) form and the Criminal History Records check. If you are approved, you will be added to the visiting list and the offender will be notified.