Before Your First Visit: What to bring and what happens at check-in (Indiana facilities)

Before you can schedule a visit, you need to register for a ViaPath account and get approved. Don't skip this - trying to schedule before approval just leads to a dead end. One detail that trips people up: ViaPath displays all visit times in Eastern Time, even for facilities in Central Time zones. Double-check the time before you confirm.

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before check-in for an on-site video visit. Check-in isn’t instant, and arriving late can put your visit at risk. When you get there, you’ll need to present a valid photo ID - no ID, no entry.

• ✓ A valid photo ID for check-in
• ✓ Enough time to arrive at least 15 minutes early
• ✓ Any supplemental documentation you were asked to provide during registration (if applicable)

Expect to be searched. IDOC facilities can search both visitors and the person you're visiting. Refuse the search, and your visit will be denied - no exceptions.

IDOC takes trafficking seriously. Controlled substances, tobacco, electronic devices, and weapons are all prohibited on Department property. If trafficking is discovered, evidence goes to the Indiana State Police with a recommendation for prosecution. The consequences go beyond losing that day's visit - you can be permanently banned from visiting any offender at any IDOC facility.

If your registration requires supplemental documentation, submit it right away. Approval has to happen before you can schedule, so any paperwork delay means a delay in getting your visit on the calendar.

1. Create your ViaPath account - registration is required before anything else.
2. Submit any requested supplemental documents - missing paperwork can slow approval.
3. Wait for approval - you must be approved before you can schedule.
4. Schedule your visit - confirm the time shown (ViaPath uses Eastern Time).