Video Visits from Home: How to Register, Log In, and What You Can (and Can’t) Show on Camera
Remote video visits can feel stressful the first time, mostly because the timing and camera rules are enforced strictly. Here's how MDOC's ViaPath video visiting works, from registration and scheduling to ID checks, clothing, and what you're allowed to show on screen.
To schedule an MDOC video visit, you need to register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website, which is hosted by ViaPath. One thing to know upfront: you can't create or schedule a visit until your visiting application has been approved. If you're still waiting on that approval, the scheduling system won't open up for you yet. Once you're registered and approved, there's a tight scheduling window. You must book at least 48 hours ahead, but no more than 7 days in advance. Each video visit runs 20 minutes and costs $3.20. You pay in advance when you schedule.
- Log into the ViaPath Visitor Website 10 minutes early - MDOC requires registered, approved visitors to sign in 10 minutes before the scheduled visit so staff can complete verification and approve the session.
- Complete the verification check on camera - be ready to show your pictured ID and follow the prompts for approval.
- State who is on the visit - you may be required to state the name of each person who will appear on the video visit.
Note: MDOC's Video Visiting Standards memorandum (effective May 5, 2025) is meant to be posted where visitors can review it, and the standards apply uniformly at each facility. Any deviation requires authorization from the CFA Deputy Director.
Plan to show your ID on camera before every video visit. MDOC requires registered, approved adult visitors to log into the ViaPath Visitor Website 10 minutes before the scheduled visit for verification. Part of that process means holding up an acceptable photo ID on video. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license with photo, state identification card, military ID, passport, or other government-issued photo identification. Keep yours within reach before you log in so you're not scrambling during the verification check.
During an MDOC video visit, you can't hold items up to the camera or "show" things on screen. The rule is straightforward: no items allowed on camera during a video visit. There's one narrow exception worth knowing about. Immediate family members may show and discuss legal documents on a video visit, which can matter if you're dealing with court issues or deadlines.
Visitor attire rule: You must be fully dressed for a video visit. Underwear, bathing attire, or lingerie cannot be worn as outer garments, and you cannot remove clothing during the visit. Breastfeeding is permitted as long as the breastfeeding child is on the prisoner’s approved visitor list.
Assume your video visit is being recorded, because it is. MDOC records all video visits except those between an attorney (or a representative working on behalf of an attorney) and their incarcerated client. That recording policy matters for what you discuss on camera. If a topic is sensitive, personal, or could create problems down the line, consider saving it for an unrecorded legal visit (if you qualify) or finding another appropriate way to discuss it.
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- ✓ Register on the ViaPath Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling site, and make sure your visiting application is approved before you try to schedule.
- ✓ Schedule the video visit at least 48 hours ahead, and no more than 7 days ahead.
- ✓ Log into the ViaPath Visitor Website 10 minutes before the visit for verification.
- ✓ Have an acceptable pictured ID ready to show on video.
- ✓ Be fully dressed for the entire visit. Do not wear underwear, bathing attire, or lingerie as outer garments, and do not remove clothing (breastfeeding is allowed if the child is on the approved visitor list).
- ✓ Do not show any items on camera unless you are immediate family and you are showing legal documents.
Have your payment method ready when you schedule. Video visits cost $3.20 per 20-minute session, and you pay in advance.
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