The Check-In Process at Allegheny County Jail: Arrive Early and Bring Proper ID

Allegheny County Jail requires you to be checked in no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. Don't cut it close - give yourself extra time to get through the lobby without rushing. Arriving early also helps if there's a line or staff need a moment to confirm your visit.

Before worrying about check-in, make sure your visit is actually on the schedule. Allegheny County Jail requires all visits to be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance - last-minute planning won't work. Once you're approved as a visitor, you can book online or call 855-208-7349. If you're coordinating travel, childcare, or time off work, that 48-hour lead time is the piece that keeps everything else from falling apart.

Every adult visitor - including professional visitors - must show ID to the visitation officers in the lobby before the visit gets approved. Have your ID ready when you reach the counter. Not sure if your ID will be accepted? Call ahead and ask what to bring. Better to sort it out now than make the trip and get stuck at check-in.

In the visitation lobby, officers verify your identity before approving the visit. This is the gatekeeping step - no ID means no approval and no visit.

Not registered yet? You can sign up in person at the Allegheny County Jail lobby or by calling 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035, or 412-350-2036. Getting approved ahead of time makes the day-of lobby check much smoother.

Late or Missed Checkin

• ✓ Call for guidance as soon as you realize you’ll be late, using the visit scheduling line at 855-208-7349.
• ✓ Be ready to re-schedule if needed - visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
• ✓ If you haven’t registered as an approved visitor yet, register in person at the jail lobby or call 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035, or 412-350-2036.