How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at MCF Moose Lake: Complete Application Guide

You can't visit MCF Moose Lake until your visiting application is approved. After you apply, the DOC will email you at the address you listed on the application to let you know whether you were approved or denied. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early and wait for the email before making any travel plans.

Documents and Details

• ✓ Your full name (plus any previously used names)
• ✓ Your date of birth and gender
• ✓ Your current address (use the exact address that matches your ID)
• ✓ Your phone number and email address (this email is where the DOC sends the approval or denial notice)
• ✓ Your relationship to the incarcerated person
• ✓ A scanned copy of an accepted ID type (do not submit an expired or canceled driver’s license)
• ✓ Double-check that the address you type on the application matches the address shown on the ID you upload

If anyone under 18 will be visiting, they must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized escort. You'll also need to include a copy of each minor's state or county birth certificate with the application. The hospital "Heirloom Birth Certificate" (crib card) won't be accepted.

MCF Moose Lake requires ID verification as part of the application. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of an accepted ID type, and it must be valid. Expired or canceled driver's licenses don't count.

Address mismatches will get your application denied. The address you list must match the address on your ID exactly. Before submitting, compare them side by side and update whichever one is out of date.

The Minnesota DOC uses your application to decide whether to approve you as a visitor at MCF Moose Lake. As part of that process, they'll run a criminal history check through law enforcement.

Whether you are approved or not, the visiting application form itself is kept on file. The result of the criminal history check is destroyed.

Common Denials

• ✓ There is an active order prohibiting contact between you and the incarcerated person
• ✓ You are a co-defendant or an accomplice to the incarcerated person in an active case
• ✓ You have any pending or open criminal cases
• ✓ You are on probation and have been for less than one year and/or you have probation violations within the last year

After you submit, expect to wait. Applications can take several weeks to process. The DOC will notify you by email at the address you provided. Don't attempt to visit until you receive an approval notice.

Getting approved doesn't mean you skip security at the door. Everyone entering MCF Moose Lake (or even coming onto the grounds) may be searched for contraband at any time. If you refuse a search, you won't be admitted.

The Minnesota DOC offers a victim support and resources guide for people impacted by harm. If you have questions about victim-related concerns or special circumstances tied to visiting, contact Victim Assistance Staff at victimassistance.doc@state.mn.us or 651-361-7250.

Checklist Before Submit

• ✓ I entered my name and any previously used names, plus my date of birth, gender, phone, email, and relationship to the incarcerated person
• ✓ I uploaded a scanned copy of an accepted ID type (not an expired or canceled driver’s license)
• ✓ The address on my application matches the address on the ID I submitted
• ✓ My email address is correct, since approval or denial is sent by email
• ✓ If a minor will visit: I included a copy of the minor’s state/county birth certificate with the application (not a hospital “Heirloom” birth certificate or crib card)