Before Your Visit: Complete Checklist for Harford County Detention Center
Visiting someone at Harford County Detention Center goes smoothly when you handle the setup ahead of time. Use this checklist so you don't lose your slot—or get turned away at the door.
Previsit Days
- ✓ Register for an online visitation account at www.gtlvisitme.com (use the Google browser only) - you can’t visit without registering.
- ✓ Use a valid email address you can access - confirmations and account messages go to the email you register with.
- ✓ Verify your account through the email you receive - look for the verification message and complete the steps inside it.
- ✓ Schedule your visit after registration at https://harfordcountymd.gtlvisitme.com/app.
- ✓ Schedule at least 2 days ahead - visits must be set a minimum of 2 days in advance.
- ✓ If the verification email doesn’t show up, check spam/junk - then call 855-208-7349 if it’s still missing.
Need to change plans? Do it early. Harford County Detention Center requires modifications or cancellations at least 2 days before your scheduled visit. The facility can also cancel visitation without notice for security or health reasons - if that happens, they'll email you at the address you used when registering.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for check-in. The ID must be issued by a federal, state, or local government entity - staff will check it before you’re allowed to visit.
Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You must be at the designated area by the main entrance no later than 15 minutes before your visit starts.
Dress Belongings
- ✓ Dress to cover from your neck to your kneecaps (this applies to children, too).
- ✓ Make sure shorts, skirts, and dresses reach the knee.
- ✓ Skip prohibited tops and revealing clothing - no tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, or spaghetti straps.
- ✓ Avoid see-through/sheer clothing.
- ✓ Don’t wear form-fitting items like leotards, spandex, leggings, or jeggings.
- ✓ Treat the dress code as a hard requirement - if you don’t follow it, your visit will be denied.
Leave your bags at home. Handbags, purses, and briefcases aren't allowed inside.
Phone reminder: Cell phones and smartwatches must be silenced and placed in a locker when you enter. If your phone rings while it’s in the locker, your visit will be terminated.
Park in the upper parking lot. The lower lot is restricted to authorized personnel, and parking there may result in your vehicle being towed.
If you have a valid handicap placard or license plate, you can use the handicap parking spots located on the lower lot.
Plan ahead for the visitor limits. Inmates get one visit per week, with a maximum of two visitors at a time - children count toward that number. Visits last 30 minutes, so arriving prepared helps you make the most of your time.
- ✓ Bring an adult with any visitor under 18 - minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- ✓ Plan for kids to stay seated the whole time - children must remain seated during visitation.
Last Minute Checks
- ✓ Find your registration/verification emails - check spam/junk if you don’t see them; call 855-208-7349 if the verification email still doesn’t arrive.
- ✓ Watch the email you used to register your visit - if visitation is cancelled or suspended, HCDC will notify you there.
- ✓ Arrive at the main entrance area at least 15 minutes early - later than that can cost you your visit.
Quick Tips Summary
- ✓ Account registered at www.gtlvisitme.com (Google browser only) and visit scheduled
- ✓ Valid government-issued photo ID in hand
- ✓ Arrive at the main entrance area 15 minutes early
- ✓ Outfit covers neck to kneecaps; shorts/skirts/dresses reach the knee
- ✓ No handbag, purse, or briefcase
- ✓ Phone and smartwatch silenced and ready to go into a locker (no ringing)
- ✓ Visitor plan matches the limits: one visit per week, max two visitors including children
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