How to Schedule Your First In-Person Visit with IDOC (step-by-step)
Your first in-person IDOC visit is straightforward once you know the steps: find the person and their current facility, get on the approved visitor list, complete the required first-time visitor form, and book your slot online—just don't let the system time out on you.
Start with the IDOC inmate search tool. Look up the person you want to visit and confirm which facility currently houses them. This matters - you'll schedule your visit based on where they are now, not where they were sentenced or previously held. Once you have the right facility, you're ready for the next steps.
Before scheduling anything, make sure you're on the person's approved visitation list. The process starts with you writing them a letter so they can add you. Here's the catch: IDOC staff can't verify whether you're on someone's list. Handle this step first, before you invest time in scheduling and travel.
If you're 18 or older, you'll need to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form before your first visit. The form is DOC 0148. Legal visitors and government officials are exempt, but most first-time family and friends need to do it. There's also an electronic PVI option - if you've already been approved through that process, you won't need to complete it again.
IDOC provides the DOC 0148 form online in English (https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/aboutus/Documents/Prospective_Visitor_english.pdf) and Spanish (https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/aboutus/Documents/Prospective_Visitor_spanish.pdf). Download the version you need and complete it before you arrive.
With the facility confirmed and approval handled, you're ready to book. Schedule your visit through IDOC's SignUpGenius system at http://www.signupgenius.com/org/visitidoc. You'll pick from available appointment slots there.
Timeout warning: SignUpGenius times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. Once you start, finish the sign-up in one sitting.
- ✓ Go to http://www.signupgenius.com/org/visitidoc to schedule your in-person visit.
- ✓ Set aside a focused window to complete the sign-up in one sitting (the system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity).
- ✓ Have what you’ll need for the visit ready before you begin, including your identification details and your vehicle information.
- ✓ If your session times out, restart the sign-up and complete it promptly so your slot is actually booked.
On visit day, arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. That buffer gives you room to handle check-in without rushing - and keeps you from missing your window.
- ✓ Two forms of identification (one must be a current state-issued photo ID)
- ✓ Vehicle information (be ready to provide it during check-in)
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