Getting on the Approved Visitor List: Step-by-Step for Georgia Prisons (Includes GDCP)
If you want to visit someone in a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) prison, the first step is getting on the approved visitor list. The process is straightforward once you know which form to submit, who qualifies as "immediate family," and what to do if you need to go through a significant relationship request (including at GDCP).
Start by filling out and submitting the Visitation Request Form to the facility where the inmate is housed. This is the form that gets your name considered for approval. Double-check that you're sending it to the correct prison, not just any GDC location.
Note: Submit the Visitation Request Form to the facility where the inmate is incarcerated (not a different GDC location).
GDC defines "immediate family" as parents, brothers, sisters, spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, and children. That definition is especially important at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (GDCP), where only immediate family members are allowed to visit diagnostic offenders.
Tip: If your relationship falls under GDC's immediate family definition (parents, siblings, spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, or children), you qualify for standard visitation approval. You won't need to go through the significant relationship process.
Not immediate family? GDC may still approve you as a "significant relationship" visitor, but the offender has to start that process. They'll need to complete a Significant Relationship Visitor Application for Visitation Privilege, which then goes to the Warden/Superintendent for review.
- Start with the Visitation Request Form: Fill out and submit the Visitation Request Form to the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.
- Figure out whether you are “immediate family”: GDC treats parents, siblings, spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, and children as immediate family.
- If you’re not immediate family, have the offender initiate the request: The offender must complete the Significant Relationship Visitor Application for Visitation Privilege.
- Wait for the facility review and decision: The application is sent to the Warden/Superintendent for review as part of the approval process.
Important: Significant relationship requests are reviewed by the Warden/Superintendent, and approval is not automatic.
Once the Warden/Superintendent approves or disapproves the request, the offender gets notified. From there, the offender is responsible for letting you know the outcome.
Timing can catch you off guard, especially at GDCP. Diagnostic offenders cannot receive visits until they've been at GDCP for 60 days. For UDS & SMU inmates at GDCP, visitation hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays. If your loved one is in the TIER III STEP Program at GDCP, visitation is on Wednesdays and Fridays in three blocks (9:00–11:00am, 11:00am–1:00pm, and 1:00pm–3:00pm). Those STEP visits must be scheduled in advance.
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- ✓ If you’re visiting GDCP, use this address for directions: 2978 Hwy 36 West Prison Blvd, Jackson, GA 30233
- ✓ Keep that address handy when you’re filling out paperwork or confirming you’re working with the correct facility
Note: GDCP is located at 2978 Hwy 36 West Prison Blvd, Jackson, GA 30233.
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