How to Apply for Visitor Approval at Lunenburg Correctional Center (step‑by‑step)

You'll need approval through Virginia DOC's online visitor process before you can visit anyone at Lunenburg Correctional Center. This applies to everyone - adults and minors alike. Submit the online visitor application through the DOC public website, along with the required Background Investigation Authorization form: 851_F1 for adults or 851_F6 for minors. The Central Visitation Unit reviews all applications, and visits aren't permitted until approval comes through.

Two things trip families up with minor visitors: the minor's application must be attached to an adult's application, and minors can never visit alone. They must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another approved adult. There's an extra step for immediate-family minors approved for contact visits. Every time you bring that minor, the accompanying adult needs to present either a completed notarized statement or a copy of the court order - not just the first visit, but every single one.

Step By Step Online

• ✓ Register on the Virginia DOC public website so you can start the online visitor application
• ✓ Enter your legal name and the other required personal details exactly as requested
• ✓ Choose the correct application type (adult vs. minor)
• ✓ Upload the right Background Investigation Authorization form: 851_F1 for adults, 851_F6 for minors
• ✓ If a minor will be visiting, attach the minor’s online application to the adult application (follow the prompts to add the minor)
• ✓ Submit the application for Central Visitation Unit review

Once you submit, your application enters a waiting period while the Central Visitation Unit reviews it. You'll receive a notification - typically by email - when they've made a decision.

After approval, you'll book visits through the Visitation Scheduler online. Pick from available dates and times up to 14 days in advance. Plan ahead if you're traveling - and remember, visitors are limited to one visit per weekend.

Need help filling out the application? Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI) can walk you through it. Just know that once you've submitted, AFOI can't see your application status - they don't have access to that information.

Visitor approvals expire three years after the approval date. Don't wait until yours lapses - plan to renew ahead of time so there's no gap in your visiting privileges.

Quick Checklist Submit

• ✓ Your information is ready to enter exactly as required (use your legal name)
• ✓ You know whether you’re applying as an adult visitor or adding a minor
• ✓ You’re attaching the correct Background Investigation Authorization form (851_F1 for adults, 851_F6 for minors)
• ✓ Any minor application is attached to an adult application before submission
• ✓ If you need help filling it out, you’ve reached out to AFOI (but you’ll contact DOC staff for status after you submit)

Most avoidable delays come down to a few common mistakes: forgetting the Background Investigation Authorization form, uploading the wrong version (851_F1 vs. 851_F6), or submitting a minor's application without attaching it to an adult's. Another frequent snag? Asking AFOI for status updates after submission. They can help you complete the application, but only DOC staff can tell you where it stands once it's been submitted.