How to Fill Out the CR-2152 Visitor Application (Avoid Rejection) — Lois M De Berry

The CR-2152 isn't optional. It's the required visitor application. Inmates receive blank copies with instructions, and prospective visitors must complete and return the form with a current photograph to the visitation official within 30 days. Once the facility receives your application, expect a decision within 30 days.

Wait for approval before attempting to visit. No one gets in without an approved application on file. The one exception: immediate family of newly committed inmates can be temporarily added for up to 60 days from the inmate's intake date. Also, every visitor needs their own approved application, regardless of age. That includes children.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Use your full physical street address on the form. A P.O. Box is not allowed.
• ✓ Answer every question. Omissions or falsifications (including relationship and prior convictions) can lead to denial or an approval being withdrawn.
• ✓ Attach a recent photo of yourself that is clear enough for identification. Do not use black and white photos or photocopies.
• ✓ Put the photo in the lower left-hand corner as instructed. If the photo is missing or not attached correctly, the application will not be processed.

One timing detail to remember: CR-2152 applications must be updated every two years (24 months). If you're helping someone who visited before, check whether it's time to renew. Don't assume an old approval still covers you.

1. Fill in your identity details and relationship completely - Answer every question on the form. Leaving blanks can be treated as an omission, and the form warns that omissions or falsifications (including relationship) are sufficient reason to deny approval or withdraw it later.
2. Use a physical street address - Do not use a P.O. Box as your address on the CR-2152.
3. Disclose prior convictions accurately - The form specifically calls out relationship and prior convictions. If you have history to list, include it rather than trying to avoid it. Falsifying or omitting information can cost you approval.

1. Attach the correct photo in the correct spot - Use a recent photo of yourself only. It needs to be good enough quality for identification, and it cannot be black and white or a photocopy. Attach it in the lower left-hand corner so the application can be processed.
2. Sign and date your application - Do not skip the signature and date. An incomplete form can create delays.
3. Return it within 30 days - Prospective visitors are expected to return the completed CR-2152 with the current photo to the Deputy Superintendent or Associate Warden in charge of visitation within 30 days.

A few eligibility basics to know before you apply. All immediate family members can apply, plus up to eight additional adults may be approved to visit an inmate. Every visitor must have an approved application on file, regardless of age. Don't assume a child can just tag along without their own approved CR-2152.

The photo is one of the easiest parts to mess up, and it can stop your application cold. The CR-2152 requires a recent photo that's clear enough for identification. Black and white photos aren't allowed. Neither are photocopies. Attach the photo in the lower left-hand corner of the form. Skip this step and your application won't be processed.

Common Mistakes

• ✓ Using a P.O. Box for your address: replace it with your full physical street address.
• ✓ Leaving questions blank: go back and answer every question, even if your answer is “no.”
• ✓ Listing the wrong relationship or skipping details about prior convictions: correct it before you submit. The form treats omissions or falsifications as grounds to deny or withdraw approval.
• ✓ Attaching the wrong kind of photo: use a recent, clear photo suitable for identification.
• ✓ Submitting a black and white photo or a photocopy: replace it with an acceptable photo.
• ✓ Forgetting the photo location: attach it in the lower left-hand corner or the application will not be processed.

Another avoidable problem: letting your application expire. The CR-2152 requires updates every two years (24 months). If you're reapplying, mark your calendar so you know when the next renewal is due.

Be careful with anything that could look misleading, even if it seems minor. The CR-2152 warns that omissions or false statements (including about your relationship or prior convictions) can get your application denied or your approval revoked later. If you falsify the CR-2152, you won't be able to resubmit a visitor application for a minimum of six months.

Once the facility receives your completed CR-2152 (with photo), expect a decision within 30 days. If you're trying to time a first visit, build that window into your plans. I recommend keeping a copy of everything you submitted, including the photo, so you can quickly fix anything if they ask you to resubmit.