How to Join Your First PA DOC Video Visit (Zoom) — Steps for Bellefonte Visitors

PA DOC video visits are free, and all inmates are eligible to receive them. If the person you're visiting is at Bellefonte, you'll still use the same statewide Inmate Visitation System (IVS) process to join the call.

There's a monthly cap on video visits. Each inmate can receive up to six per month, and only one of those can fall on a weekend. The exact limit may shift depending on custody status, so if you're trying to book more than the standard number, the system will enforce the rules based on the inmate's current classification.

Coordinating with family? You don't need separate visits to include everyone. Up to six visitors can join a single PA DOC video visit, so plan ahead for who will be on the call.

Before you can join any IVS video visit, make sure you can sign into the PA DOC Inmate Visitation System using Keystone Login. Keystone Login is the sign-in method PA DOC uses to verify your identity, and IVS requires it for access. If you haven't logged in recently, do a quick test sign-in ahead of time. You don't want to be troubleshooting passwords when your visit window opens.

Option 1: Join from inside your IVS account. Log in, find your scheduled visit, and select the Video Call URL in the visit details. That link will take you into the visit at the right time.

Option 2: Join straight from your email. Click the URL link that was emailed to you for the scheduled visit, and it will route you into the session. This is often the quickest method if you already have the visit email pulled up on your phone or computer.

Option 3: Join through the Zoom app. Open Zoom on your desktop or phone and enter the meeting ID and password from your visit email. This works well if you prefer the app experience or if joining through a browser is giving you trouble.

Device Checks

• ✓ Sign into IVS using your Keystone Login ahead of time, so you know your identity-verified login works.
• ✓ Test your camera and microphone on the device you plan to use for the visit.
• ✓ Decide whether you will join in a browser (using the Video Call URL) or through the Zoom desktop/mobile app.
• ✓ Review PA DOC’s device-specific guidance for your type of device (for example, iOS, Android, or a computer) before your first visit.

If a visit gets canceled or changed, check your inbox first. IVS sends automatic email notifications for any status changes to scheduled visits, so look at the email linked to your IVS account for the latest update. If something looks off, log back into IVS and review your scheduled visit details directly.