How to Get on Someone's Approved Visitor List at an Illinois DOC Facility

Being approved isn't a formality - it's the gate you have to pass through. IDOC requires visitors to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list before any in-person visit (government officials and legal visitors are exceptions). The key thing to understand: the incarcerated person is the one who arranges visits and lets people know their status. So your first step is reaching out to them directly.

Not sure if you're on the list - or whether you can be added? Write to the incarcerated person. IDOC staff won't confirm visitor-list status over the phone, so calling the facility won't get you a straight answer. A short letter asking them to add you (and to let you know once it's done) is the most reliable way to avoid showing up and getting turned away.

1. Send a letter asking to be added - include your full name and ask them to put you on their approved visitation list.
2. Ask them to confirm your status - request that they write back letting you know you’re approved.
3. Don’t rely on phone verification - IDOC staff can’t verify by phone whether you’re on the list.

If you're 18 or older, there's a second requirement: completing a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form, officially called DOC 0148. This applies to all adult visitors, with exceptions for legal visitors and government officials.

You can complete the PVI on your first in-person visit - unless you've already gotten prior approval through the electronic PVI process. Just know that filling out paperwork on arrival can slow things down, especially if you're on a tight schedule.

• ✓ DOC 0148 (Prospective Visitor’s Interview) is available online in English.
• ✓ DOC 0148 (Prospective Visitor’s Interview) is available online in Spanish.

The fastest way to run into problems? Treating approval like a casual checklist item. If you're an adult, the PVI (DOC 0148) is part of the screening process - you'll need to complete it on your first visit unless you already have electronic approval. Show up without everything in order, and you could spend time at the door only to be turned away that day.

Getting turned away is frustrating, especially when you thought you did everything right. Go back to the two things IDOC ties directly to approval: Are you on the incarcerated person's approved visitor list? And if you're 18+, have you completed the PVI (DOC 0148)? Since staff can't verify your list status by phone, the incarcerated person is your best source - a written confirmation from them is the clearest way to know you're set before trying again.

1. Ask the incarcerated person to confirm you’re on their approved list - do this in writing, since staff can’t verify your status by phone.
2. Complete the PVI (DOC 0148) or confirm prior electronic approval - adult visitors (18+) must complete the PVI unless they already have electronic PVI approval.
3. Try again only after you have confirmation - once your status and PVI are settled, you’re in a much better position to schedule and show up confidently.