Before You Go: ID and Dress Code for In-Person and Video Visits at Michigan Prisons
A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Here's what you need to know about acceptable ID and dress code for both in-person and video visits at Michigan prisons.
How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visiting someone at Bellamy Creek Corrections Facility starts with the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling system, hosted by ViaPath. Register first, then wait for your visiting application to be approved before trying to book anything. Once approved, you can schedule in-person or video visits through the ViaPath portal. MDOC rules allow up to two separate visits with the same prisoner on the same day. Visiting blocks typically follow MDOC patterns: longer weekday blocks and shorter weekend blocks, though visits can be restricted during medical quarantines or other operational changes. Video visits run 20 minutes and cost $3.20 per session, paid in advance. Log into the ViaPath Visitor Website about 10 minutes early and have an acceptable government-issued photo ID ready for verification.
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A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Here's what you need to know about acceptable ID and dress code for both in-person and video visits at Michigan prisons.
A first prison visit is stressful mostly because nobody wants to get turned away at the door. This checklist covers the rules Michigan visitors run into most often: ID, dress code, check-in, and what to expect in the visiting room.
Getting approved to visit someone in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison takes a few specific steps and real patience. Here's the cleanest way to get on the visitor list, submit your application, and know what to expect along the way.
Getting approved to visit someone in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison follows a set process. The key is knowing what happens first (the prisoner adds you), what you need to submit (your application), and how long each step takes.
Visiting is simpler once you understand Michigan's system and the few rules that can keep you off the schedule.
Video visits can be a lifeline—but they come with strict timing, payment rules, and on-camera expectations. Here's what Michigan prison video visits actually look like, so you can schedule smoothly and avoid a cancelled visit.
Trying to lock in a Michigan prison visit? Two rules matter most: you have to schedule through ViaPath after you're approved, and you can only book within a tight time window. Starting Oct. 25, 2025, a new morning slot-release time changes when you should hop online to grab an opening.
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.
Trying to decide between a video visit and an in-person visit at a Michigan prison? The differences come down to time, cost, how many people can join, scheduling limits, and privacy rules.
Scheduling a Michigan prison visit comes down to timing. You need to be approved, use the right scheduling site, and book within a specific window. Here's how to get it right without wasting time clicking around.
Michigan DOC uses the CAJ-334 Visitor List to control who can visit a prisoner and how many people can be in the room at once. Planning a visit that won't get turned away? Two things matter most: who's on the list, and the per-visit headcount limit.
Visiting someone in a Michigan DOC prison starts with one key requirement: the incarcerated person has to put you on their Visiting List. Once you understand the visitor categories and number limits, planning the rest of the process gets a lot easier.
Register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website (ViaPath) and wait for your visiting application to be approved before booking. After approval, use the ViaPath portal to schedule in-person or video visits.
Video visits are 20 minutes long. Each visit costs $3.20 and must be paid in advance by the visitor.
Log into the ViaPath Visitor Website about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Have an acceptable government-issued photo ID ready to present during verification or check-in.
Here are the main ways to stay in touch, plus a few details worth confirming before you get started.
If you want to help someone stay connected, the most reliable option here is funding a GTL prepaid collect (AdvancePay) phone account. Here's how to set it up, plus what to double-check before you pay.
If you want to pay for prison calls up front instead of getting billed collect, AdvancePay is the prepaid option for Michigan Department of Corrections phone calls. Once your account is set up, charges come out of your balance whenever your loved one calls the phone numbers you've registered.