Before Your First Virginia DOC Visit: Security Screening Checklist
Your first Virginia DOC visit goes a lot smoother when you treat it like airport security: arrive early, bring the right ID, and expect staff to verify everything at check-in.
General population in-person visiting hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Even if your visit time is set, don't plan to walk in at the last minute. Get there about one hour before your scheduled visit to leave enough time for security screening and check-in.
Required before you go: Every visitor, including minors, must apply online and be pre-approved by the Central Visitation Unit (CVU) before attempting to visit.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to every visit if you’re an adult or an emancipated minor. Common examples include a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport. Your ID is what staff use to confirm you are the approved visitor, so the information should line up with what you submitted on your visitation application.
During check-in, staff use your ID as part of the facility's visitor tracking process. Your ID may be scanned into VACORIS, and you may be issued a visitor pass in exchange for your card while you're inside. This is also why pre-approval matters. Staff are checking that your identity matches an approved visitor record before letting you proceed.
Minors still need to be approved visitors through the same online application and CVU pre-approval process as adults. If you're bringing a child, plan on the child being tied to an approved adult visitor for the visit. Emancipated minors are treated more like adults at the door. They must present valid government-issued photo ID and should have emancipation documentation available in case staff request it at check-in.
Emancipated minor reminder: Bring your government-issued photo ID, and keep your emancipation paperwork with you for check-in.
Food and drinks aren't allowed inside the facility. There are no vending machines available to visitors either, so eat beforehand and plan for the time you'll be inside.
Checkin Tips
- ✓ Make sure your online visitor application is submitted and you are CVU pre-approved before you show up.
- ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (adults and emancipated minors need it at each visit).
- ✓ Be ready for your ID to be scanned into VACORIS at check-in.
- ✓ Expect that staff may issue you a visitor pass and hold your ID card until you check out.
- Confirm your visit timing. Keep general population visiting hours in mind (8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) so you can arrive and check in on time.
- Arrive one hour early. Plan to be at the facility about 60 minutes before your scheduled visit for security screening.
- Complete check-in with staff. Present your ID when asked and follow instructions as your information is verified during the screening process.
Don't risk a wasted trip: If you haven't been pre-approved through the CVU online application process, you can be turned away at the facility.
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