How to Get Pre‑Approved for Visits at Madison County Detention Center (Step‑by‑Step)

At Madison County Detention Center, pre-certification isn't just a formality - it's required. The inmate must register you first, and only people on that pre-certified list can enter the visitation area. Show up without being on the list? You'll be turned away, even with valid ID and perfect timing.

Pre-approval starts on the inside. The inmate has to register their visitors with the jail - there's no way around this step. Once you're listed as a pre-certified visitor, you can enter the visitation area during the correct time for that inmate's housing unit. If the inmate hasn't registered you yet, that's where to start. The facility won't let you in otherwise.

Step2 Info Required

• ✓ Full legal name (for each visitor)
• ✓ Current address
• ✓ Phone number
• ✓ Race
• ✓ Sex
• ✓ Date of birth
• ✓ A valid photo ID to bring to the visit (driver’s license or state ID card)

Each inmate can only have five pre-certified visitors. Be strategic about who gets those spots - prioritize people who are most likely to visit and who have the required ID ready. If your family is larger than five, talk it through with your loved one beforehand so the slots go to visitors who can realistically make it during the assigned visitation time.

Visitation runs by cellblock Monday through Friday - not "anytime during visiting hours." Before you plan your trip, contact the jail to find out which cellblock the inmate is in and when visitation happens for that block. This step matters. Showing up at the wrong time means missing your window entirely, even if you're approved.

Step5 Arrival Rules

• ✓ Be there early enough to pre‑register: you must be present and pre‑registered 15 minutes before the assigned visitation time
• ✓ Don’t plan a visit on holidays or after normal visiting hours - visits aren’t allowed then
• ✓ Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or state ID card) and have it ready at check‑in

1. Pick your five visitors - you may have up to five pre‑certified visitors total.
2. Collect each visitor’s details - name, address, phone number, race, sex, and date of birth.
3. Register the visitors with the jail - only pre‑certified visitors are allowed in the visitation area, so get the list on file before anyone makes the trip.
4. Remind visitors to bring ID - they must present a valid photo ID (driver’s license or state ID card).
5. Confirm the correct visitation time - visitation is by cellblock Monday through Friday, so have someone contact the jail to verify the inmate’s cellblock and the visitation time for that cellblock.

Once the right people are registered, timing becomes the biggest pitfall. Make sure visitors arrive early - at least 15 minutes before the assigned time. And always call ahead to confirm the inmate's current cellblock and the correct visitation window before heading out.