How to schedule your first in-person visit at Centralia Correctional Center
Your first visit goes smoother when you handle the paperwork first, confirm you're approved, and show up with only what Centralia allows in the Visiting Room. Here's how to schedule and prepare.
Centralia Correctional Center requires you to sign up in advance for in-person visits using their SignUpGenius page. Complete that online sign-up before you travel - showing up without a scheduled slot can mean no visit.
Driving a long distance? Take a minute to double-check your visit details on SignUpGenius before you leave. A quick look can save you a wasted trip if the calendar changed.
Before you sign up, make sure you're eligible to visit. At IDOC facilities, visitors need to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list - this applies to everyone except government officials and legal visitors.
To confirm you're on the approved list, write to your loved one and ask. IDOC staff won't tell you over the phone whether you're on someone's visitation list, so the incarcerated person is the one who can verify your status.
If you're 18 or older, plan to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before your first visit. This applies to all adult visitors except legal visitors and government officials. The form can be waived only if you've already been approved through the electronic PVI process.
- ✓ Two forms of identification
- ✓ One current state-issued photo ID (as one of your two IDs)
- ✓ Your vehicle information (be ready to provide it when you arrive)
Step3 Day of Reminders
- ✓ Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices
- ✓ Food or drinks
- ✓ Smoking materials
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Packages
- ✓ Purses, bags, or sacks
- ✓ Books or magazines
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Personal keys
- ✓ Use the small lockers available at the facility to store personal items
Medication rules in the Visiting Room are strict. No pills or medication are allowed except physician-prescribed heart medication or an asthma inhaler. Heart medication must be in a properly labeled container - bring it to the Visiting Room Officer's attention when you arrive, and they'll store it at the officer's desk.
Reminder: You must be on the approved visitation list to visit. Centralia limits what you can bring into the Visiting Room, so leave prohibited items behind. If you need heart medication or an inhaler, follow the medication procedure.
Traveling far? Don't rely on an old screenshot or verbal plan. Confirm your sign-up on Centralia's SignUpGenius page and double-check the details right before you head out.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Visit slot scheduled in advance on Centralia’s SignUpGenius page
- ✓ PVI (DOC 0148) completed if you’re an adult visitor (unless you were approved through the electronic PVI process)
- ✓ Two forms of ID, including one current state-issued photo ID
- ✓ Vehicle information ready to provide on arrival
- ✓ Phone, purse/bag, cash, keys, books/magazines, sunglasses, and other prohibited items left behind (or ready to store in a small locker)
- ✓ If needed: physician-prescribed inhaler or properly labeled heart medication, and you’re prepared to notify the Visiting Room Officer (heart medication will be stored at the officer’s desk)
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