How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Video visitation can be done from home if you have the right device: a computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. Don't have the tech at home? A Visitor Center option may also be available.

Know the basic eligibility rules before you schedule anything. If you're 18 or older, you'll need a valid, government-issued photo ID to participate in video visitation. Clothing matters too: everything from the neck to the kneecaps must be covered, and all visitors must wear underwear.

Timing is strict, and the expectations depend on how you're joining. For home internet video visitation, log into the GTL system at least 15 minutes before the visit start time. Using an AFOI Visitor Center? Arrive at least 20 minutes early so you don't lose your spot.

You also need to be approved before you can visit. For VADOC facilities, complete the online visitation application. Once approved, your application is good for three years. Track your expiration date and renew early to avoid a gap in visiting privileges. The recommended renewal window is at least 45 days before expiration for in-state visitors and 90 days for out-of-state visitors.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Use a compatible device for at-home video visitation (home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone).
• ✓ If you are visiting from home, log into the GTL system 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• ✓ If you are using an AFOI Visitor Center, arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit time.

• ✓ Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for every visitor who is 18 or older.
• ✓ Dress so clothing covers from the neck to the kneecaps.
• ✓ Make sure all visitors are wearing underwear.

• ✓ Treat the start time as a hard deadline. Visits run only for the exact scheduled time slot, and fees are not refunded for late arrivals or missed visits.
• ✓ Do not record, film, or take screenshots during the visit, and do not take pictures of the inmate.

1. Complete the VADOC online visitation application. Approval is required before you can visit.
2. Check your approval date and expiration. Visitor applications expire three years after the approval date.
3. Renew early to avoid interruptions. Submit a new, updated online visitor application at least 45 days before expiration if you are an in-state visitor, or 90 days before expiration if you are out of state.

To make a payment by phone through JPay, call 1 (800) 574-5729. The service is advertised as available 24/7. Policies and options can change, so confirm the current payment methods and any requirements before sending funds.

Before you rely on a plan you made weeks ago, confirm the current setup and timing rules. At-home video visitation requires logging into the GTL system 15 minutes before the start time. Visitor Center visits require arriving 20 minutes early. Also confirm how strictly the facility enforces start and end times. Visits run only for the exact scheduled slot, and late or missed visits are not refunded.

Double-check which forms of government-issued photo ID are accepted for visitors 18 and older, especially if yours is newly issued or recently updated. Also confirm whether there are additional clothing restrictions beyond the baseline rule (coverage from neck to kneecaps, plus underwear). Facilities can enforce dress standards tightly.

If you're sending money or making other paid transactions, confirm what payment methods are currently accepted and whether any fees apply. For phone payments through JPay, the advertised number is 1 (800) 574-5729, listed as available 24/7. Still, it's worth confirming availability and any facility-specific requirements before you submit a payment.

• ✓ Confirm you have a current, approved VADOC visitation application on file.
• ✓ Check the application’s expiration date (applications expire three years after approval).
• ✓ If it is close to expiring, renew at least 45 days before expiration (in-state) or 90 days before expiration (out-of-state).