What ID You Must Bring to Visit Someone at Cook County Jail
Show up without the right ID and you'll be turned away at the door. Here are Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) rules, in plain language.
To visit at the Cook County Department of Corrections, you need a CURRENT/VALID photo ID that shows your address. The ID you present at entry must match the one you used on your visitation application. Staff check this to confirm you're the approved visitor tied to that application.
Examples
- ✓ State ID card
- ✓ State driver’s license
- ✓ Passport/visa
- ✓ Recognized foreign consulate documentation
- ✓ Other government ID
Cook County ties your entry ID to your visitation application. The ID you hand over at check-in needs to be the same one you used when you applied, not just another valid ID from your wallet. Before you head out, double-check your application details and make sure you're bringing that exact ID. If you renewed, replaced, or switched IDs after applying, sort that out before visiting. Otherwise, you'll get stopped at the front desk.
Tip: Bring the same photo ID you used on your visitation application. A mismatch is an easy way to lose your visit.
CCDOC's published rules are clear: visitors must have a CURRENT/VALID photo ID. There's no standard alternative listed for someone without one. Your best move is to call the jail's visitation staff before making the trip.
- Check what you used on your application: Confirm the exact photo ID tied to your visitation application.
- Contact visitation staff before you go: Ask what your options are if you do not have a current, valid photo ID that matches your application.
- Get a current photo ID if you can: Plan to visit after you have valid photo identification in hand.
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