How to Visit Facility

The approval process starts with the incarcerated person, not you. The inmate must send you the Application for Visiting Privileges. Once you have it, complete every section and mail it to the MDOC address listed in the visitor application package.

ID and age rules are strict. If you're 16 or older, bring a picture ID that shows your date of birth, and make sure you're on the offender's approved visitation list. For children 15 and under, bring a legible birth certificate. If a birth certificate isn't available, a photo ID showing the child's date of birth will work.

Bringing an infant? You're allowed one diaper bag with limited contents: up to four diapers, two bottles, one change of baby clothes, one pacifier, diaper wipes in a zip lock bag, and any necessary medication for the infant. There are also special rules for MDOC employees. Former employees need superintendent permission to visit. Current employees may visit only if the inmate is immediate family, and the employee must provide verifiable proof and get superintendent approval.

1. Wait for the application to come from the inmate - The inmate must initiate the process by sending the Application for Visiting Privileges to the people they want to see.
2. Fill out the visitor application completely - Review the packet carefully and complete all parts of the application.
3. Mail the application to the MDOC address listed in the packet - Use the MDOC mailing address shown in the visitor application package.

• ✓ If you are 16 or older: a picture ID that shows your date of birth (and you must be on the offender’s approved list)
• ✓ If the visitor is 15 or younger: a legible birth certificate, or a photo ID that shows the child’s date of birth
• ✓ If you are visiting with an infant: one diaper bag with up to four diapers, two bottles, one change of baby clothes, one pacifier, diaper wipes in a zip lock bag, and any necessary medication for the infant

If you're a current or former MDOC employee, plan ahead. Former employees need permission from the superintendent (or designee). Current employees can visit only when the inmate is immediate family, and only with verifiable proof and superintendent approval.

Before making travel plans, double-check that you're using the correct visitor application and the correct mailing address from the visitor application package. Remember: the inmate initiates the process by sending you the Application for Visiting Privileges. You then complete it and mail it to the MDOC address shown in that packet.

• ✓ For visitors 16 and older: confirm your picture ID is acceptable and that it shows your date of birth, and confirm you are on the approved list
• ✓ For visitors 15 and younger: confirm whether a birth certificate is required in your situation, and what photo ID is acceptable if a birth certificate is not available
• ✓ If you are bringing an infant: confirm the permitted diaper bag items and limits (diapers, bottles, change of clothes, pacifier, wipes in a zip lock bag, and necessary infant medication)
• ✓ If you are a current or former MDOC employee: confirm the superintendent approval process and what counts as verifiable proof of immediate family relationship