Visiting Iowa State Penitentiary: Step-by-Step from Application to Check-In
Visiting Iowa State Penitentiary starts with getting approved, then scheduling through the same system Iowa DOC uses statewide. Here's how it works, from paperwork to walking through the door.
Every adult visitor must submit their own application - no one can do it for you. Iowa DOC doesn't accept electronic applications, so you'll need to print the form, sign it, and mail it to Central Records for review.
Minors don't submit separate applications. Instead, a parent or legal guardian lists them on their own visitor application.
Mail your printed, signed application to Central Records at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility: 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. No electronic submissions - mailing is the only option.
Once approved, you can schedule both in-person and video visits at no cost. Your next step is getting on the calendar.
All scheduling goes through the Ameelio App - for both in-person and video visits. Set up your account and book early; don't wait until the last minute.
Heads up: Ameelio customer support can help with the app, but they can’t approve or deny visitation requests - facility staff make those decisions.
Expect a security screening when you arrive. All visitors are subject to search by trained correctional staff. This can include a pat down, metal detectors, electronic ion scanners, other devices, or visual searches. The fastest way through? Follow directions and cooperate with whatever screening method staff use that day.
Important: If you refuse to comply with the visitation search policy, entrance to the visiting room will be denied.
Clothing Rules
- ✓ Miniskirts
- ✓ Shorts that are above the knee
- ✓ Muscle shirts
- ✓ See-through clothing
- ✓ Halter tops
Shoes are required - no exceptions. Skip the loose sandals or anything that slips off easily.
Bringing kids? Some clothing rules may be applied differently for children depending on the facility's internal procedures. When in doubt, dress them conservatively so you're not turned away at the door.
Denied? You can appeal in writing. Send your appeal to: Central Visiting Authority, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. Ameelio customer support can't help with approval decisions - only facility staff can change a denial.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Make sure you’re approved to visit before you try to schedule anything (approval comes from the facility process, not the app)
- ✓ If you haven’t applied yet, submit a printed, signed application (electronic applications aren’t accepted)
- ✓ Mail applications to Central Records at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641)
- ✓ Schedule your in-person or video visit through the Ameelio App
- ✓ Remember: in-person and video visits are offered at no cost to approved visitors
- ✓ Dress to pass screening: avoid miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, and halter tops
- ✓ Wear shoes
- ✓ Expect to be searched on entry (pat down, metal detector, ion scanner, other electronic devices, or a visual search)
- ✓ Be ready to comply with screening so you aren’t denied entry to the visiting room
Quick tips: Ameelio can't change approval decisions - that's up to facility staff. And if you're asked to complete a specific screening step, do it. Refusing means you won't get into the visiting room.
Yes - both in-person and video visits are available at no cost once you’re approved.
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