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What to Expect During the Check‑In Process at North Carolina Prisons

Your first visit can feel stressful—mostly because you don't know what happens at the front gate. Here's what North Carolina state prisons (NCDAC) require during check-in, so you can show up prepared and avoid being turned away.

• 2 min read • dac.nc.gov
What to Expect During the Check‑In Process at North Carolina Prisons

North Carolina state prisons operate by appointment only. Before you make the drive, call or email the specific prison where your loved one is housed to schedule your visit and confirm you're on the list. One step that can save you a wasted trip: call the prison again the day before to confirm visits are still happening. Things change. A quick call beats arriving to find out visits got canceled.

Note: NCDAC encourages visitation by family and friends. Visits can be in person or via video - confirming your appointment ahead of time helps you choose the option that works best.

Expect screening at the entrance. All visitors age 16 and older go through a pat/frisk search and an electronic device search before entering.

Note: Searches are conducted by the least intrusive means. For pat/frisk searches, male officers can only search male visitors.

You'll also pass through a metal detector. Everyone must clear it before entering the prison.

  • ✓ Cell phones (considered contraband and prohibited inside all NCDAC prison facilities)
  • ✓ Smartwatches
  • ✓ Cameras
  • ✓ Recording devices
  • ✓ Smart/AI glasses

Refuse the search, and you won't get in. Same goes for prohibited items - cell phones are contraband in NCDAC prisons and aren't allowed inside.

What to Expect During the Check‑In Process at North Carolina Prisons
  1. Schedule your visit with the prison - Visits are by appointment only, so call or email the prison where your loved one is housed to set it up.
  2. Confirm the day before - Call the prison the day before your scheduled visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status.
  3. Leave electronics behind - Don’t bring a phone, smartwatch, camera, recording device, or smart/AI glasses inside.
  4. Plan for screening at the entrance - Be ready to clear the metal detector, and if you’re 16 or older, expect a pat/frisk search and an electronic-device search before entry.

Note: If getting there in person is difficult, NCDAC also allows video visits.

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