CRC Visiting Application Checklist: Documents & Steps to Get Approved
CRC will turn you away without the right paperwork. Use this checklist to gather your documents, submit the correct forms, and follow up—so you actually get approved and can schedule a visit.
At a Glance
- ✓ Valid ID
- ✓ A legible copy of your government-issued photo ID
- ✓ Proof of address
- ✓ All required documentation (print what you need before you arrive)
Fill out your paperwork before you go. CRC requires a completed Visiting Application (DRC-2096) plus signed copies of the Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554) and General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274). Missing signatures or incomplete sections? That's a fast track to delays or a denied visit.
Warning: CRC’s reception visitation guidance is clear: without all required documentation, the visit will be denied.
CRC's visiting application isn't just one form. Each visitor needs to complete the Visiting Application (DRC-2096) and sign both the Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554) and General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274). Those signature pages aren't optional. They confirm you understand and will follow the visiting rules - and CRC uses them to decide whether to approve you.
Submit your CRC visiting application by U.S. mail, email, fax, or in person. Whichever method you choose, visitation isn't granted until your application is processed, approved, and you've been notified.
CRC uses your application to decide whether you're eligible, so accuracy matters. Answer every question fully, truthfully, and clearly. Leave questions blank or falsify an answer? CRC can disapprove your application. If something is complicated and you need more space, give a complete, honest answer anyway - skipping it is worse.
First Visit Prep
- ✓ A legible copy of your government-issued photo ID (bona fide identification)
- ✓ Completed Visiting Application (DRC-2096)
- ✓ Signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554)
- ✓ Signed General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274)
Reminder: Showing up doesn’t equal approval - visitation won’t be granted until your application is processed and you’re approved and notified.
After submitting, give CRC time to process your application - but don't wait forever in silence. Call 10–14 business days after submission to check your approval status. Until CRC processes your application and notifies you of approval, you won't be granted visitation. Planning ahead and following up helps you avoid wasted trips.
- Register with ViaPath after you’re approved - CRC requires approved visitors to register with ViaPath.
- Use ViaPath to schedule your visit - once registered, you can schedule in-person or video visits through the ViaPath system.
A few CRC reception rules affect when you can visit, even after starting the approval process. Reception incarcerated persons can't receive visits during their first eight (8) days at CRC. After that initial period, reception visits are limited to two (2) sessions per calendar month from each approved visitor, with no more than five (5) visitors at one time (including walking children). CRC's daily reception sessions run 8:30am–11:30am (AM) and 12:00pm–3:15pm (PM). Visitor processing happens 8:00am–9:15am and 11:00am–1:00pm - you must be processed by 9:15am for the AM session and by 1:00pm for the PM session.
Find an Inmate at Correctional Reception Center
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.