What to do before your first VADOC video visit: a step-by-step checklist
Your first VADOC video visit goes much smoother when you handle registration, ID, timing, and dress code ahead of time. Use the checklist below to get ready the day before, then follow the timing steps on visit day so you don't miss your slot.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Confirm which type of visit you scheduled (At-home Video Visitation or an AFOI Visitor Center visit).
- ✓ Double-check your registration details match your legal name.
- ✓ Make sure you have what you need to complete or verify your visitation application: the inmate’s first and/or last name or inmate ID number, your Social Security Number, and a form of picture ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
- ✓ If you are 18 or older, set out a valid government-issued photo ID for the visit.
- ✓ For an at-home visit, sign into the GTL system ahead of time and confirm your device and internet connection are working.
- ✓ For an AFOI Visitor Center visit, plan your trip so you can arrive early.
- ✓ Choose a family-friendly area for the call (for example, a living room or dining room) and plan to stay seated for the full visit.
- ✓ Pick clothing that covers from your neck to your kneecaps (and remember underwear is required). If you are using a video visitation center, wear outer garments and undergarments appropriate for your gender.
Reminder: Video visits run on exact scheduled time slots. Fees are not refunded if you are late or miss the visit.
Start with registration, because small mismatches can derail a first visit. Use your legal name when you register. Have the inmate's first and/or last name or their inmate ID number ready so you can match the right person in the system.
If you're 18 or older, you need a valid, government-issued photo ID to participate in video visitation. The application also asks for picture ID (like a driver's license or passport) and your Social Security Number. Gather that information before you sit down to apply.
VADOC offers video visitation in partnership with Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI). Your first decision: are you doing an At-home Video Visitation, or visiting from an AFOI Visitor Center?
At-home Video Visitation lets you connect from home using a computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. Before visit day, make sure you know which device you'll use and that it connects reliably to your internet. You don't want to troubleshoot at the last minute.
- Test your setup early: For at-home visits, check your device, internet connection, and GTL login well before your appointment.
- Log into GTL 15 minutes early (at-home visits): Home internet video visitation visitors must be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes prior to the visit starting.
- Arrive 20 minutes early (AFOI Visitor Center visits): If you are using an AFOI Visitor Center, you must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled visit.
Tip: If you can, sign into GTL earlier than the required 15 minutes so you have time to fix a password or connection problem without cutting into your visit.
Plan your clothing like you would for an in-person visit, even from home. VADOC's dress code requires outer garments and undergarments that cover from the neck to the kneecaps, and all visitors must wear underwear. If you're visiting from a video visitation center, your outer garments and undergarments must be appropriate for your gender.
During the visit, you and the inmate must remain seated the entire time. No lying down. Stay in a family-friendly area (like a living room or dining room) for the duration of the call. Also know that if the inmate needs to use the restroom, the visit ends.
No-refund timing rule: Visits are only for the exact time slot you scheduled, and fees will not be refunded for late arrivals or missed visits.
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