Why Bent County Visiting Approval Can Take About 45 Days — What to Submit and What You Can Do While You Wait

Bent County's visitor approval process takes approximately 45 days. Even if you submit everything right away, expect a waiting period. "Complete and accurate" is the fastest path forward - missing information can send you back to square one.

Start by downloading the visiting application from the CDOC Visiting Applications page. You'll need to complete and sign Visitor Application AR 300-01A, then return it to the facility where the person you're visiting is housed. For Bent County, CDOC also lets you submit applications to the CDOC Private Prison Monitoring Unit by mail or email - check Bent County's facility instructions for those addresses.

• ✓ Get the visiting application from the CDOC Visiting Applications page
• ✓ Complete Visitor Application AR 300-01A and make sure it’s signed
• ✓ Submit the completed application following Bent County’s instructions (return it to the facility where the offender is housed)
• ✓ If you’re using the CDOC Private Prison Monitoring Unit option for Bent County, submit by mail or email to the addresses provided for that unit

Include a copy of your current, valid photo ID with your application. This is one of the easiest places for things to stall. If the ID copy is missing, expired, or the packet is incomplete, expect a rejection.

Bringing a minor who won't be accompanied by their legal guardian? You'll need written approval from the parent or guardian using AR Form 300-01F (Authorization for Minor Child Visitation). Get this completed and included upfront - missing it can mean a denial or starting over.

One reason approvals take time: CDOC runs a background check on every visitor, starting when your application comes in. These checks also happen annually, so staying eligible isn't a one-time thing. Your status can be reviewed again later.

Approval isn't permanent if you don't use it. Go a full year without visiting, and you'll be placed on inactive status. Getting reactivated means reapplying and clearing the background check again - so keep track of your last visit date if long gaps are likely.

1. Fill out AR 300-01A completely and sign it - This is the required Visitor Application, and incomplete applications may be rejected.
2. Make a clean copy of your current, valid photo ID - Adult applications must include it, and it needs to be current.
3. Double-check your address before you submit - The address on your ID should match the address on your application to avoid a denial.
4. If a minor will visit with a non-guardian adult, prepare AR 300-01F - Get the parent/legal guardian’s written authorization in place so it can be submitted with the rest of your paperwork.
5. Submit using the facility’s instructions from the CDOC Visiting Applications page - For Bent County, that includes the option to submit by mail or email to the CDOC Private Prison Monitoring Unit addresses provided, depending on the instructions you’re following.