How to Get on Someone's Approved Visitor List at Centralia Correctional Center

You can't just show up at Centralia Correctional Center and request a visit. You must be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list first. The only exceptions are government officials and legal visitors - they don't need prior approval.

1. Write the incarcerated person - Ask them to add you to their approved visitation list, and include your full name and any other identifying details they may need.
2. Wait for them to handle the add-on process - Getting you on the list is something the incarcerated person initiates and follows through on from inside the facility.
3. Get confirmation directly from them - Because IDOC staff cannot verify whether you’re on the list, rely on the incarcerated person to tell you when you’ve been approved before you plan a trip.

Want to avoid a wasted trip? Unfortunately, IDOC staff won't tell you over the phone whether you're on someone's list. Your best bet: write to the incarcerated person and wait for them to confirm you've been added.

Tips Avoid Delays

• ✓ Ask to be added well ahead of the date you hope to visit, since the incarcerated person has to initiate the request and you’ll need their confirmation before you make plans.
• ✓ If you haven’t heard back, write again and ask them to confirm whether you’re on their approved list yet.

• ✓ Plan to complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) on your first visit unless you already received prior approval through the electronic PVI process.

• ✓ Bring two forms of identification, and make sure one is a current state-issued photo ID.
• ✓ Be ready to provide vehicle information when you arrive.

1. Confirm you’re actually required to be on the list - For most visits, you must be on the incarcerated person’s approved visitation list (legal and government visits are handled differently).
2. Write the incarcerated person and ask for a clear yes/no - Ask them to confirm whether you’re on their approved list and, if not, to add you.
3. Ask them to try again if needed - If they believe you should be approved but you’re still not able to visit, have them re-check what they submitted and re-submit the request from their side.
4. Don’t rely on phone confirmation from staff - Since IDOC staff can’t verify visitor-list status by phone, the incarcerated person is your source for status updates.