Erie County Holding Center (ECHC) visitation checklist: sign‑up windows, ID, and what to wear
Visiting someone at the Erie County Holding Center goes smoother when you plan around sign-up windows, bring the right ID, and dress for screening. Use this checklist before you leave home.
Tuesday visits require signing up during specific windows - this is when you put your name in for visiting hours. The sign-up times are 7:30 am–11:00 am, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm, 3:30 pm–4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm–9:30 pm. Miss a window and you'll wait for the next one. Pick a time that works for your schedule and give yourself extra time for travel and check-in.
Wednesday follows the same pattern with multiple sign-up windows: 7:30 am–11:00 am, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm, 3:30 pm–4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm–9:30 pm. Arrive early in your chosen window to avoid rushing through check-in.
ID Requirements
- ✓ State Driver’s License
- ✓ State Non-Driver’s License
- ✓ Military Identification Card
- ✓ Valid Passport or Passport Card
- ✓ Social Services Card with Picture
Sending mail or confirming you have the right person? Use the incarcerated person's name and ICN number. Address mail to: Erie County Holding Center, 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14202.
You'll go through a metal detector before reaching the visiting room. Think ahead about anything that might set it off - belt buckles, underwire bras, jewelry - and leave it at home or in the car.
Tip: The Erie County Sheriff's Office recommends wearing sneakers for visitation - an easy way to avoid issues at the metal detector.
Got turned away? Focus on what you can fix quickly: make sure you have an acceptable photo ID and come back during the next sign-up window. Need to handle something by mail instead? Address it with the inmate's name and ICN number: Erie County Holding Center, 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14202.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Pick a sign-up window (Tuesday): 7:30 am–11:00 am; 1:00 pm–1:30 pm; 3:30 pm–4:30 pm; 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
- ✓ Pick a sign-up window (Wednesday): 7:30 am–11:00 am; 1:00 pm–1:30 pm; 3:30 pm–4:30 pm; 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
- ✓ Bring an acceptable photo ID: state driver’s license, state non-driver ID, military ID, valid passport/passport card, or Social Services card with picture
- ✓ Wear sneakers (strongly suggested)
- ✓ Be ready to clear the metal detector to enter the visiting room
- ✓ If you’re mailing something: include the inmate’s name and ICN number; send to Erie County Holding Center, 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
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