Getting Approved to Visit: Understanding the 18-Person Visitor List
Getting approved to visit starts with paperwork—and it has to be done right. Here's how the visitor application works, what the 18-person limit actually means, and how to avoid common delays.
Before you can visit, the facility has to approve your visitor application. This approval is the gatekeeper - no matter how far you travel or how carefully you plan, a visit won't happen until staff have your completed application on file and have signed off on it. Once approved, you can schedule an appointment for the actual visit.
Heads up: If your application is missing information or required attachments, it can be delayed or disapproved. A quick double-check before you submit can save a lot of time.
Your loved one can have up to 18 approved visitors total - adults and minors both count toward that number. Think of it as a slot system: every person added takes up one of the 18, whether they're a parent, friend, spouse, or child. If your family is large or you're coordinating across multiple households, talk early about who needs to be on the list now versus later. Hitting the cap forces difficult choices.
Tip: Before anyone submits paperwork, make sure your loved one’s list won’t go over 18 people. It’s easier to plan the list up front than to untangle it after applications are already in motion.
ID Rules
- ✓ If you’re 16 or older, attach a copy of an approved photo ID to your visitation application.
- ✓ Make sure the ID copy is clear and readable (blurry or cut-off copies can lead to problems).
- ✓ Don’t submit the application without the required attachment - missing paperwork can get the application disapproved.
Most application problems come down to basics: the form isn't fully filled out, or it's missing something the facility needs. For applicants 16 and older, a common hang-up is leaving out the photo ID copy - or attaching one that doesn't meet requirements. Applications can also be disapproved if information isn't accurate. Slow down and check every line before you send it in.
Quick way to reduce delays: Use the ID checklist before you submit, and confirm you’re not pushing the visitor list past the 18-person maximum.
Approval is necessary, but it's not the final step. Visits are by appointment only - even after you're approved, you still need to schedule with the prison where your loved one is housed by calling or emailing. Since visitation status can change, confirm your appointment before you show up. This is especially important if you're traveling or taking time off work.
- Get your visitor application approved - your visit can’t happen until facility staff approve a completed application.
- Schedule an appointment with the facility - call or email the prison where your loved one is housed to request a visit time.
- Confirm before you go - check in ahead of your visit so you don’t arrive for an appointment that’s been changed or canceled.
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