What to Bring (and Not Bring) to a Visit at Kershaw: ID and Prohibited Items
Your visit goes smoother when you show up with the right ID and leave problem items behind. Use this guide to avoid delays—or getting turned away—at check-in.
Bringing a child who's 10 or older? They'll need a government-issued photo ID. Staff verify their identity the same way they do for adults. A school ID or a photo on your phone won't cut it.
Children nine and younger need a certified long-form birth certificate. Make sure it's the long-form version - short forms won't be accepted. The facility uses this to verify the child's identity and relationship to the inmate.
Virtual visits have ID checks too. Anyone 10 or older may be asked to show a photo ID to the virtual visitation coordinator. Have it ready even if you're visiting from home.
For virtual visits with approved children under 10, you'll need their certified long-form birth certificate. Keep it nearby - being able to show it when asked prevents last-minute problems.
Your account details need to match the paperwork exactly. Each person visiting must create their own account, and the account name must match the name on the inmate's approved visitation list. No nicknames. Mismatched names will hold up your visit request while staff sort it out.
Leave personal wireless devices at home. Since February 1, 2016, SCDC has banned all devices that communicate wirelessly - including smartwatches and fitness trackers. That step counter might seem harmless, but it still counts as a wireless device and will cause problems at entry.
Tip: Leave smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wireless devices at home or locked in your car before you reach the front of the line.
SCDC is completely tobacco-free. Since January 1, 2008, tobacco, tobacco-related products, paraphernalia, and lighters aren't allowed in any agency buildings or anywhere on agency property. The issue isn't just smoking - bringing these items with you at all is the problem.
Warning: Tobacco or related items will be treated as contraband. Don't risk losing your visit over something you could have left behind.
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ For children 10+ (in-person or virtual): bring a government-issued photo ID.
- ✓ For children 9 and under (in-person or virtual): bring a certified long-form birth certificate.
- ✓ Leave all personal wireless devices behind (including smartwatches and fitness/activity trackers).
- ✓ Do not bring tobacco, tobacco-related products, paraphernalia, or lighting devices onto SCDC property.
- ✓ For virtual visits: each visitor needs their own account, and the account name must match the inmate’s approved visitation list (no nicknames).
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