What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your GBCI Visit

If you’re age 16 or older, bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. GBCI accepts a state driver’s license, a state ID (including a DMV/Department of Transportation ID card), a passport or visa, a military ID, or a tribal photo ID.

GBCI uses a metal detector at entry, and the rule is strict: you get three attempts to clear it. Fail all three, and you won't be allowed into the visiting room.

The detector picks up all types of metal, not just obvious items like keys. Jewelry, belt buckles, snaps, bib overalls, and even wire undergarments can set it off.

• ✓ Remove metal jewelry before you enter screening to cut down on alarms.
• ✓ Avoid outfits with lots of metal attached or sewn on (buckles, snaps, bib overalls, wire undergarments).
• ✓ Pack light and keep metal items out of your pockets so you don’t burn an attempt.
• ✓ If you have a medical device that may prevent you from clearing the detector, handle the medical exemption paperwork ahead of time (see the exemption section below).

GBCI only allows three medications for visitors: nitroglycerin, inhalers, and epi-pens. If you need to bring one, let the Visits Officer know and turn it in at their desk when you arrive.

Even with an approved medication, you can't carry it with you during the visit. You'll need to use it at the Visits Officer's desk, with security staff present.

Leave tobacco at home - and out of your car. GBCI is completely tobacco-free. Tobacco products, matches, lighters, and other incendiary devices aren't allowed anywhere on facility property.

Leave electronics behind. GBCI prohibits anything that can record audio or video - cameras, dictation equipment, cell phones, and pagers are all banned.

Have a medical device or condition that might prevent you from clearing the metal detector? You'll need a medical exemption approved before your visit. GBCI requires form DOC-2424 specifically - no substitutes. Complete it with your medical professional and fax it to (920) 432-5388. The exemption must be on file and approved before you show up.

1. Get the DOC-2424 form - this is the only medical exemption form GBCI accepts.
2. Fill out your portion and have your medical professional complete theirs - the form needs to be detailed about the device (location, type, and whether it’s permanent).
3. Fax the completed form to (920) 432-5388 - submit it before you plan to visit.
4. Wait for approval before you go - exemptions must be filed and approved prior to visiting, and approval matters because you’re otherwise limited to three attempts at the metal detector.
5. Bring your paperwork on visit day - have it with you in case staff need to verify your approved exemption during entry.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Valid government-issued photo ID (if you’re 16+)
• ✓ Minimal metal: skip excessive jewelry and avoid metal-heavy clothing (buckles/snaps/wire undergarments)
• ✓ If needed: only nitroglycerin, an inhaler, or an epi-pen - and be ready to notify staff and turn it in at the Visits Officer desk
• ✓ No tobacco or tobacco products; no matches, lighters, or other incendiary devices
• ✓ No recording devices or electronics: no cell phones, cameras, dictation equipment, or pagers
• ✓ If you need a metal-detector medical exemption: DOC-2424 completed, faxed to (920) 432-5388, and approved before your visit

Arrive no more than 15 minutes before visiting hours start. In the lobby, you may need to fill out a DOC-176 Request to Visit Offender form. Security staff may stamp your hand and check it when you enter and exit secure areas.