Visiting Checklist - Erie County Holding Center (sign-up times & what to bring)
A visit goes a lot smoother when you show up during the right sign-up window with the right ID in hand. Use the times and checklist below to plan your trip to the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo.
On Tuesdays, the Erie County Holding Center has four sign-up windows: 7:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Miss a window and you'll be waiting for the next one. Build in extra time for travel and check-in so you're not cutting it close.
Wednesday sign-up windows are 7:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Before heading out, double-check the current status of onsite visitation (see the update info below). Changes can affect what's actually available that day.
Schedule text (verbatim): "Erie County Holding Center - Buffalo, NY [UPDATED 01/06/2026] TUESDAY Sign Up times for Visiting Hours: 7:30 am – 11:00 am 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm ... WEDNESDAY Sign Up times for Visiting Hours: 7:30 am – 11:00 am 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm"
You'll need an acceptable photo ID. The facility accepts: a state driver's license, a state non-driver's license, a military identification card, a valid passport or passport card, or a Social Services card with picture. Show up without one of these and you can be turned away before you ever reach the visiting room.
You'll go through a metal detector before entering the visiting room. The facility strongly suggests wearing sneakers. If you know something on you might trigger the detector, plan ahead so you're not stuck at the checkpoint.
The address is 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. Use that when mapping your route so you can time your arrival to your sign-up window.
For video visitation scheduling and updates on whether onsite visits are running, the Sheriff's Office directs visitors to the ICS/The Visitor scheduling page. Checking before you leave can save you a wasted trip if something has changed.
Arrival Tips and Reasons Denied
- ✓ Aim to arrive early enough to make your sign-up window (Tuesday: 7:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm).
- ✓ For Wednesday, use the published sign-up times (7:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm) when planning your arrival.
- ✓ Bring one of the listed acceptable photo IDs (state driver's license, state non-driver's license, military ID, valid passport or passport card, or Social Services card with picture).
- ✓ Be ready to clear the metal detector to enter the visiting room.
- ✓ Wear sneakers (the facility strongly suggests them).
Note: The info above covers sign-up windows, acceptable IDs, and the metal detector requirement (including the sneaker tip). A full list of what you can and can't bring isn't included here, so check the official visitation updates before you go.
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