Before Your First Visit to Chatham County Jail: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
Your first visit goes smoother when you show up with the right ID and leave anything questionable at home. Here's exactly what Chatham County Jail expects you to bring and what to skip.
You need a valid photo ID to get in. Chatham County Jail accepts a government, state, or school picture ID, but it must show your date of birth and current address. Missing any of those details? Get it fixed before you go. Staff check at check-in.
Planning to request an extended 45-minute visit because you live far away? Bring proof of your address. The facility ties this option to your residence, so have your documentation ready when you arrive. More on that rule below.
Items Allowed
- ✓ Bring only your valid ID and your keys into the visitation area.
- ✓ Leave all other items in your vehicle (recommended) or secure them in the lockers provided in the waiting area.
- ✓ Treat anything beyond ID and keys as contraband, including items like cell phones, pagers, Bluetooth headsets, and purses.
No food or drink: Food and drinks are not allowed in the waiting area or the visitation area.
Leave your phone in the car or keep it completely off. Cell phone use is prohibited in both the waiting area and the visitation area. Break this rule and your visit could end early.
Bringing kids? Keep them close the entire time. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult, and children cannot visit on their own.
Live more than 150 miles from the Chatham County Detention Center? You may qualify for a 45-minute visit instead of the standard length. Bring proof of residence to show where you live.
- Bring a valid photo ID: It must be a government, state, or school picture ID showing your date of birth and current address.
- Bring documentation of residence: To request the 45-minute visit under the 150-mile rule, have paperwork that proves where you live, in addition to your ID.
- Keep your documents with you: Since only your ID and keys are allowed in the visitation area, have everything ready to show staff during check-in, then secure the rest as directed.
Day of Checklist
- ✓ Valid government, state, or school photo ID showing your date of birth and current address
- ✓ Keys (plan for your car key, since everything else should stay in your vehicle or be placed in a locker)
- ✓ Documentation of residence, if you are requesting a 45-minute visit because you live more than 150 miles away
- ✓ Nothing else: leave phones, purses, and all other items out of the visitation area
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