How to Get on Someone's Approved Visitation List at Illinois DOC Facilities
Getting approved to visit someone at an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facility comes down to a few specific steps done in the right order. Here's what you need to know to get on the approved visitation list and prepare for your first in-person visit.
At Illinois DOC facilities, the approved visitation list is the gatekeeper. If you're not on it, you won't get in. The only exceptions are government officials and legal visitors - they don't need to be on the list.
Want to know if you're already approved - or need to be added? Write to the person you want to visit. IDOC staff won't tell you whether you're on someone's list, even if you call. Only the incarcerated person can confirm your status and let you know what they need from you to get added.
Note: If you call the facility, staff can’t tell you whether you’re on someone’s approved visitation list. Write the incarcerated person to check your status and request to be added.
Before your first in-person visit, you'll need to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) if you're 18 or older. This applies to all adult visitors except legal visitors and government officials. Some visitors receive prior approval through an electronic PVI process; otherwise, completing the PVI is a required step before you can visit.
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older, plan to complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before your first visit.
- ✓ Legal visitors and government officials are exempt from the PVI requirement.
- ✓ If you receive prior approval through the electronic PVI process, you may not need to complete the form at the facility on your first visit.
For your first visit, bring proof of identity and be ready to share how you got there. Adult visitors need two forms of ID - one must be a current state-issued photo ID. You'll also provide vehicle information at check-in, so have your license plate and vehicle details ready before you arrive.
- Bring two forms of ID - you’ll need two forms of identification for an in-person visit.
- Make sure one ID is a current state-issued photo ID - this is required for adult visitors.
- Have your vehicle information ready - you must provide vehicle information upon arrival.
Even after you're approved, visits aren't always guaranteed. If the facility - or part of it - is on lockdown, in-person visits can be denied. Since staff can't verify your list status over the phone, confirm your approval through the incarcerated person before making the trip.
Warning: Being on the approved visitation list doesn’t override a lockdown - visits may still be denied if the facility (or part of it) is restricted.
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