Bringing a Child to a VADOC Visit: Notarized Statement & What to Bring Every Time
Bringing a child to a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) visit? Plan on showing paperwork at the door every single time. The big one is the Minor Visitor Notarized Statement (or a copy of a court order), plus a photo ID that matches your visitation application.
Every time you bring a minor to visit, an adult has to present a completed Notarized Statement or a copy of the court order. This isn't a one-time thing. You need it with you at every single visit where a child is coming onto DOC property.
The adult checking in also needs at least one valid picture ID that matches the information on their visitation application. VADOC accepts a driver's license, military ID, passport (only for people who do not reside in the United States), or another official picture ID issued by a federal or state agency.
The Minor Visitor Notarized Statement is also your sign-off on what happens at the entrance and during the visit. By completing the form, you're acknowledging that minors will be searched before entering the facility and that the child must remain under the supervising adult's care the entire time on Department of Corrections property.
Heads up: Your child will be searched before entry. Plan to stay with them the entire time you're on DOC property.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Completed Minor Visitor Notarized Statement, or a copy of the court order (bring it every visit)
- ✓ At least one valid picture ID for the adult visitor that matches the visitation application (driver’s license, military ID, passport for non-U.S. residents, or other official federal/state photo ID)
Quick reminder: Don't assume last visit's paperwork covers today. Bring the notarized statement or court order copy each time, and be ready for your child to be searched and to stay under your supervision throughout the visit.
Not the parent or legal guardian? You still need the same documentation at the door. The adult visitor must present the completed Notarized Statement, or a copy of the court order, every time they bring the minor to visit.
Your relationship to the child doesn't change what staff will ask for. The same conditions apply: minors will be searched before entering for visitation, and they must remain under the supervising adult's care while on Department of Corrections property.
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