How to Get on Someone’s Approved Visitation List (Illinois DOC)
Before you make the trip for an in-person visit at an Illinois DOC facility, you need to be on the approved list. The process is straightforward, but a few rules catch first-time visitors off guard.
You can't just show up at an Illinois DOC facility and expect to get in. Every visitor - except government officials and attorneys - must be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list before the facility will admit you.
Here's another reason the approved list matters: Illinois DOC generally limits you to visiting one incarcerated person at a time. Want to visit more than one person? You'll need prior written approval from the facility's Chief Administrative Officer.
- Write the person you want to visit - Ask them to confirm whether you’re on their approved visitation list (or to add you if you aren’t). This is the key step because facility staff can’t verify for you whether you’re on someone’s list.
Adult visitors (18 or older) must complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview form (DOC 0148) before their first visit - unless you've already been approved through the electronic PVI process. Legal visitors and government officials don't need to do this.
The PVI form (DOC 0148) is how Illinois DOC processes prospective visitors before allowing entry. If you're filling it out at your first visit, take your time. Complete and accurate answers speed up processing - mistakes slow it down.
One more thing to prepare: adult visitors must provide vehicle information when they arrive. Even if someone else is driving, know the vehicle details before you reach check-in.
Can't get a clear answer about whether you're approved? Write the incarcerated person directly. IDOC staff won't verify your status on someone's approved visitation list - only the person you're visiting can confirm it.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the incarcerated person’s approved visitation list (required for in-person visits, unless you’re a government official or legal visitor)
- ✓ Complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before your first visit if you’re an adult visitor - unless you already have prior electronic PVI approval
- ✓ Bring two forms of identification if you’re an adult visitor; one must be a current state-issued photo ID
- ✓ Have your vehicle information ready to provide when you arrive (adult visitors)
- ✓ If you’re trying to visit more than one incarcerated person, get prior written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer - otherwise you’re limited to visiting one person at a time
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