How Many People Can Visit an Inmate at Once (understanding the 20-person list and five-person rule)

Under Oklahoma Department of Corrections visitation rules, an inmate can have up to 20 approved visitors on their list. Think of this as the master roster of people cleared to visit.

That 20-person cap only matters if people can actually get approved. If you're 18 or older, expect a background check as part of the approval process, and know that approval can take up to eight weeks. Once you're cleared and show up for a visit, you'll also need a photo ID.

No. Children under 18 do not count toward the 20-person approved visiting list limit. That's good news if you're trying to keep close family on the list without using up spots for kids who are coming along with an adult.

• ✓ Bring documentation to verify guardianship when you are bringing a minor (for example, a birth certificate or court or adoption papers).
• ✓ Plan ahead for birthdays: once a child turns 18, they must complete a visitor application to be placed on the inmate’s visiting list.

Even if multiple people are approved, no more than five approved visitors can see an inmate at the same time. Bigger group? You'll need to rotate who goes in together.

1. Start with your “core” adults: Because the approved list is capped at 20, focus first on the adults most likely to visit regularly.
2. Build in rotation from the beginning: Since only five approved visitors can be in a visit at once, decide ahead of time who will visit together, and who will switch out on future trips.
3. Use the child exception to your advantage: Children under 18 do not count toward the 20-person limit, so you can plan family visits without sacrificing limited adult spots.
4. Leave space for changes: Families shift. If you already have 20 adults approved, adding someone new later can be harder than keeping a couple of spots open for emergencies or important events.

• ✓ If you are bringing minors, gather documentation that verifies guardianship (for example, birth certificates or court or adoption papers).
• ✓ If you are 18 or older, plan for the required background check and the fact that approval can take up to eight weeks.
• ✓ If you are 18 or older, bring photo identification when you go to visit.
• ✓ If a regular visitor is about to turn 18, plan for them to complete a visitor application so they can stay eligible to visit.