How to Schedule Your First Visit with a Georgia Inmate (Step‑by‑Step)
Your first visit is easier than you might expect once you know the steps. In Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), you'll get approved first, then request a scheduled visit through the state's online form.
Before you can schedule an in-person visit, you need to become an approved visitor. GDC handles this through the Visitation Request Form - fill it out and submit it to the facility where your loved one is housed. You can download the form from GDC's visitation information pages. Take your time completing it. Small errors can delay your approval and push back your first visit.
Once you're approved, request your visit through GDC's online form. This is the official way to book a time slot - don't plan on walking in or showing up without a reservation. Already have a visit scheduled and need to add someone? GDC's online tools let you find your existing reservation and add visitors.
- Open the GDC visit request form - use the state’s “Request a Scheduled Visit” form to start your request.
- Fill in the requested details - enter the information the form asks for so your request can be matched to the correct person and visit.
- Submit the request - once it’s submitted, you’ve officially requested a scheduled visit through GDC’s system.
- If needed, add visitors to an existing scheduled visit - use the option provided by GDC to locate your scheduled visitation and add additional visitors.
Note: GDC visits are by appointment only. Walk-ins won't be accepted, so schedule ahead.
When filling out the online visit request, watch the ID-type section. You must be 18 years or older to select Driver's License or State ID. If you're helping a younger family member get set up, this is where people often get stuck.
The biggest mistake first-time visitors make? Waiting too long to submit. For weekend visits, GDC's cutoff is 5:00 PM on the Wednesday of that same week. Miss it, and you're looking at a later date. State holidays have their own deadline: 5:00 PM, three days before the holiday. If you're planning a visit around a long weekend, treat these cutoffs as firm and submit early.
- ✓ For weekend visits, submit your request by 5:00 PM on Wednesday of the same week.
- ✓ For state-holiday visits, submit your request by 5:00 PM three days before the holiday.
- ✓ If you’re close to either cutoff, submit sooner rather than later so you don’t miss the window.
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- ✓ Save a copy or screenshot of what you submitted (and any confirmation you receive).
- ✓ Double-check that everyone who plans to visit has completed the required approval step before trying to schedule.
- ✓ Review the information you entered for typos (names, dates, and other basic details).
- ✓ If you’re scheduling around a weekend or state holiday, submit early so you don’t run into the cutoff time.
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