What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Visitation at Dane County Jail

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID or a passport. You’ll need it at check-in, and without it you can be turned away before you ever reach the visitation area.

Everything you bring gets locked up before you enter. Dane County Jail stores all personal items in lobby lockers, so leave non-essentials at home or in your car. Walk in with only what you truly need.

Dress with coverage in mind. For in-person visits, clothing must cover you from the collar bone to mid-thigh. When in doubt, go more conservative - getting turned away over an outfit is a frustrating way to lose a visit.

• ✓ Transparent or translucent clothing
• ✓ Exposed undergarments
• ✓ Clothing with images or slogans that represent drugs, violence, nudity, or profanity

Don't pass anything to the resident during your visit. No papers, no photos, no food - nothing. Passing any item is prohibited at Dane County Jail and can end the visit immediately.

Show up sober. Visitors who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol aren’t allowed to visit, and a visit can be denied or terminated if staff believe you’re impaired.

1. Schedule your visit at least 48 hours ahead - Dane County Jail only honors scheduled visits, and you’ll set yours up through the GTL VisitMe site.
2. Arrive early enough to be on time - if you arrive after your scheduled start time (even for a reason outside your control), you’ll be denied entry.
3. Plan around the weekly limit - residents are allowed two 45-minute non-contact visitation slots per week, so pick times that you’re confident you can make.

• ✓ Valid government-issued photo ID or a passport
• ✓ As few personal items as possible (everything you bring will be secured in lobby lockers before you enter)
• ✓ Clothing that covers from collar bone to mid-thigh
• ✓ Outfit check: no transparent/translucent fabric, no exposed undergarments, and no drug/violence/nudity/profanity images or slogans