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Before Your First Visit to an Illinois DOC Facility: IDs, forms, and timing checklist

Your first visit to an Illinois DOC facility goes smoother when you handle paperwork early, bring the right ID, and plan for check-in time. This checklist helps you avoid the most common reasons people get turned away at the door.

• 2 min read • idoc.illinois.gov
Before Your First Visit to an Illinois DOC Facility: IDs, forms, and timing checklist

First visits can feel stressful. A few easy-to-miss requirements can stop your visit before it starts. This checklist helps you show up with the right IDs and forms already handled - and plan your timing so you're not rushing through sign-up or arriving too late to be processed.

IDs Docs

  • ✓ Two forms of identification if you’re an adult visitor
  • ✓ A current state-issued photo ID (this must be one of the two IDs)
  • ✓ Your vehicle information (be ready to provide it during check-in)

Before your first in-person visit, Illinois DOC requires most adult visitors (18 and older) to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI), also called DOC 0148. Legal visitors and government officials are excluded, but everyone else needs to do this before their first visit. The form is available online in English and Spanish. Filling it out ahead of time means you won't be juggling paperwork while also checking in and following staff instructions.

Tip: Fill out the PVI (DOC 0148) before you go. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid delays on your first visit.

Before Your First Visit to an Illinois DOC Facility: IDs, forms, and timing checklist

Heads up: The online visit sign-up system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and you have to complete sign-up within that 30-minute window.

  • ✓ Arrive at the facility at least 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time
  • ✓ If you’re using the online sign-up system, don’t step away mid-process - finish within 30 minutes so it doesn’t time out
  • ✓ Save/submit as you go during online sign-up so you don’t lose progress if the system times out
  • ✓ Have your PVI (DOC 0148) completed before arrival so check-in is focused on verification, not paperwork
  • ✓ Keep both forms of ID ready to present during check-in

Bringing personal items you can't take into the visiting area? Illinois DOC facilities provide small lockers at no charge. Lock up your items, accept responsibility for what you store, and carry the locker key with you into the facility.

Expect a structured check-in process on your first visit. Staff may ask questions as part of the Prospective Visitor's Interview, and you'll go through standard entry screening. Dress code is enforced. If you're unsure about clothing or what you can bring inside, keep it simple and conservative - check the facility's posted visitation rules for specifics.

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