Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Visit Facility

Visiting starts online. CDCR uses a visitation portal where you sign in, schedule visits, and manage any you already have on the calendar.

• 2 min read Based on general CA policies
How to Visit Facility

You'll schedule visits through the CDCR visitation portal. Sign in there to book a new visit or check what you already have scheduled.

Want to understand broader changes that might affect how you stay in touch? CDCR's Family Resources tablets rollout page covers the communications transition schedule and FAQs, so you can track what's changing and when.

Note: This guide doesn't include facility-specific visiting hours, ID requirements, dress code, or on-site rules. Confirm those details directly with the facility before you travel.

How to Visit Facility
  1. Sign in to the CDCR visitation portal - This is where you schedule a visit and manage upcoming visits.
  2. Choose your visit details - While scheduling, you can select the date, time, and location for the visit.
  3. Look for your confirmation - Visits scheduled through the portal are confirmed instantly.

Tip: The portal confirms instantly. Double-check the date, time, and location right after you schedule so you don't show up for the wrong slot.

What to Verify

  • ✓ Your portal login access (and that you can see and manage upcoming visits once you’re signed in)
  • ✓ The visit date, time, and location you selected in the portal, specific to this facility
  • ✓ Any additional on-site requirements the facility expects visitors to follow
  • ✓ Whether anything on the CDCR Family Resources tablets rollout page affects your planning (rollout schedule and FAQs for the communications transition)

Where to check: Visit the facility's official page, the CDCR Family Resources tablets rollout page, or call the facility directly to confirm current visitation rules and schedules.

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