How to visit someone in jail or prison

Types of visits

• Video visits are now the main option at many county jails. Some are held from a kiosk in the jail lobby, others from home through an app, often for a fee.
• In-person visits may be through glass by phone, or in a shared room (contact visits), which are more common in prisons.
• Attorney and clergy visits follow separate rules.

Steps to set up a visit

1. Find the facility and the person's booking or ID number.
2. Get approved. Jails often need you to register or schedule in advance. Prisons usually require the person to add you to a visiting list and you to fill out an application, which can include a background check and take several weeks.
3. Schedule. Many facilities require booking the visit online or by phone, sometimes a day or more ahead. New arrivals often cannot have visits for the first days while they are classified.
4. Arrive early with a valid government photo ID. Minors must come with a parent or legal guardian, and may need a birth certificate.

Common rules

• A dress code: no revealing clothing, no clothing that looks like inmate or staff uniforms, and often no hats, hoodies or gang-related colors.
• Leave phones, bags and most items in your car or a locker.
• You and your belongings may be searched.
• Late arrivals are often turned away.
• Visits can be cancelled at short notice because of lockdowns or staffing. Call ahead on the day.

Rules change often and differ from one facility to the next, so confirm anything important with the facility before you act on it.

Questions