How to Apply for Visitation at Deerfield Correctional: What You Need and How Long It Takes

This guide is for you if you're applying to visit someone at Deerfield Correctional through the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) online system. Bringing a minor? They'll need to be included on an adult's application, so this covers that too. If your loved one is in a local or regional jail rather than a VADOC facility, that facility will have its own separate process.

Needed Docs

• ✓ The inmate’s first and/or last name, or the inmate ID number
• ✓ A form of picture ID (for example, a driver’s license or passport)
• ✓ Your Social Security number
• ✓ If you’re applying for a minor: plan to attach the minor’s application to an adult application

Plan for about 20–30 minutes to complete the application. There's no save-as-draft option, so wait until you have uninterrupted time to finish and submit in one sitting.

Expect to wait weeks, not days. Processing takes about 45 days for Virginia residents and about 90 days for out-of-state applicants. Some cases take longer. If you're hoping to visit for a birthday, graduation, or other milestone, apply as early as possible.

Approval lasts three years from the approval date - not forever. To avoid a gap in visitation, submit a fresh application well before yours expires: at least 45 days ahead if you're in Virginia, or 90 days if you're out of state.

Common Pitfalls

• ✓ Make sure the inmate’s name or inmate ID number is entered correctly before you submit
• ✓ Enter your picture ID details carefully (for example, don’t mix up numbers or names)
• ✓ Don’t leave your Social Security number incomplete

Getting approved is just step one. After that, you'll schedule each visit through the Visitation Scheduler, booking up to 14 days in advance. Keep in mind there's a limit of one visit per weekend. And a reminder: this online system is only for VADOC facilities - not local jails or detention centers. Make sure you're using the right system for where your loved one is housed.