Visiting Dakota County Jail with Children: Age Rules, ID, and Required Proof of Relationship

Visitors must be at least 18 to enter Dakota County Jail alone. Kids under 18 can visit, but only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Bring a government-issued photo ID - everyone needs one. If you're bringing a child, there's an extra step: you'll need to prove you're the child's parent or legal guardian before they'll be admitted.

• ✓ Government-issued photo ID for every adult visitor
• ✓ Proof of the parent/guardian relationship for any minor visitor (for example, a birth certificate)
• ✓ Court-ordered guardianship paperwork (if that’s the proof you’re using)

1. Call ahead to schedule the visit - Visits must be scheduled in advance, and the days/times depend on which pod the inmate is housed in.
2. Confirm the pod-based schedule when you call - A schedule is posted in each pod, and staff will schedule you based on that.
3. Show up ready for check-in - Having your ID and the child’s relationship paperwork ready can help the process go smoother.

Searches are standard. Anything you bring can be searched, and so can you. The inmate gets searched before entering the visitation area too, which may add a short wait before your visit begins.

Forget the paperwork proving your relationship to the child? The jail can turn you away. If your situation is complicated - say, you're a legal guardian rather than a parent - bring the court-ordered guardianship documents so you don't make the trip for nothing.