What to Bring (and What to Leave in Your Car) When Visiting Someone in MDOC Custody
A smooth MDOC visit starts in the parking lot. Bring the right ID to the front desk and leave personal items locked in your car — otherwise you risk delays or getting turned away.
If you’re 18 or older, plan on showing valid picture ID at check-in. MDOC accepts common forms of government-issued photo identification, including a driver’s license, a state ID, or a passport. Make sure it’s with you before you walk up to the entrance.
Here's one that catches people off guard: MDOC requires photo ID with your date of birth visible if you're 16 or older. For most adults, a driver's license or state ID already shows this. But if you're bringing a teen (16–17), double-check their ID before you leave home.
Kids 15 and under need a legible birth certificate. Bring it to check-in so staff can verify the child's information - you don't want to make a trip back to the car.
Leave Items Locked
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Wallets
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Handbags
- ✓ Change purses
- ✓ Excessive clothing
- ✓ Similar personal items
Note: MDOC isn't responsible for personal property lost, stolen, or damaged on prison grounds. Lock your belongings in your vehicle and leave valuables at home.
Brought tobacco products? They can stay on prison grounds during your visit, but only if they remain locked in your vehicle the entire time. Same rule as your phone and purse - secure it before you head inside.
Leave tobacco out of the visitation center entirely. These are non-smoking areas, and tobacco products aren't allowed inside.
- Confirm adult ID - If you’re 18+, bring a valid picture ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
- Check teen IDs for a date of birth - If you’re 16 or older, your picture ID must display your DOB.
- Pack child documentation - If a visitor is 15 or under, bring a legible birth certificate.
- Do a car-lock sweep - Lock up phones, wallets, purses/handbags (including change purses), excessive clothing, and similar personal items.
- Handle tobacco the same way - If you have tobacco, it can only be on prison grounds if it stays locked in your vehicle at all times.
Reminder: MDOC won't cover lost, stolen, or damaged belongings on prison grounds. Leave non-essentials at home and lock everything else in your car.
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