How to Schedule an In-Person Visit at an IDOC Facility: Step-by-Step

Before you try to schedule anything, make sure you’re looking at the right person and the right prison. IDOC’s inmate search tool is the starting point for this - it helps you identify the incarcerated person and confirm which facility they’re currently assigned to. That facility assignment matters because you’ll use it when you schedule your in-person visit. If you skip this step and pick the wrong location, you can end up booking a slot you can’t use, or showing up at the wrong place.

You can't visit until you're on the incarcerated individual's approved visitation list. The usual way to get added? Write them a letter and ask. Here's something that trips people up: IDOC staff can't verify whether you're on someone's approved list. Calling a facility to "check your status" won't get you a yes or no. You'll need to confirm through your loved one directly - and give the process time to work on their end.

1. Confirm the facility and your visitation-list status - use the IDOC inmate search to confirm where your loved one is housed, and make sure you’ve been added to their approved visitor list.
2. Open IDOC’s online visit sign-up system (SignUpGenius) - this is where in-person visits are scheduled.
3. Reserve an available visit slot - select an open time and complete the sign-up so your visit is officially scheduled.

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• ✓ Two forms of identification (for adults)
• ✓ One of your IDs must be a current state-issued photo ID
• ✓ Vehicle information (adult visitors are required to provide this at check-in)