How to Apply for Visiting Privileges at MCF St. Cloud: Step‑by‑Step
Before you can visit someone at MCF St. Cloud, you need approval through the Minnesota DOC Visiting Privilege Application. Here's how to fill it out correctly, what can slow things down, and what to expect while you wait.
Visiting someone at MCF St. Cloud starts with getting your visiting privileges approved through the Minnesota DOC application process. Don't show up for a visit until you've been notified that your application is approved - DOC will contact you at the email address you provided. Give yourself plenty of time. Applications can take several weeks to process, so apply early if you're hoping to visit by a specific date.
Note: You'll get approval (or denial) by email. Check your spam folder while waiting - reviews typically take several weeks.
Step1 Form Fields
- ✓ Enter your ID details exactly as they appear on your identification (the form asks you to indicate your ID type and provide the ID number).
- ✓ Upload a scanned copy of your ID when prompted.
- ✓ Provide your signature on the application.
- ✓ Be aware the application includes internal DOC processing sections (for example: date/time processing began, when the criminal background check was completed, facility, codefendant/accomplice status, and comments).
Use the official Minnesota DOC Visiting Privilege Application for MCF St. Cloud (the statewide DOC form). Not sure you have the right one? Look for a version that includes an ID Verification section and an ID upload step - both are required.
The ID step trips up a lot of people. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of an accepted ID. If you're using a driver's license, it must be current - expired or canceled licenses won't work. Double-check your address before submitting. The address on your application must match the address on your ID exactly, or your application will be denied.
- ✓ Uploading an expired driver’s license
- ✓ Uploading a canceled driver’s license
- ✓ Entering an address on the application that doesn’t match the address on your ID
- ✓ Submitting an ID scan that isn’t readable (blurry, cut off, glare)
After you submit, DOC reviews your application and runs a criminal-history check through law enforcement. This helps the facility decide whether to approve your visiting privileges.
Your application stays on file regardless of the outcome. The criminal-history check results are destroyed, and access to your information is limited to people or agencies legally authorized to view private or confidential data maintained by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Step4 Denials
- ✓ There is an active order prohibiting contact between you and the incarcerated individual
- ✓ You are a co-defendant or an accomplice to the incarcerated individual 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 have violations within the last year
DOC tracks parts of the review internally - facility assignment, codefendant/accomplice status, and reviewer comments. Take the denial reasons seriously before you submit.
Once your application is submitted, you wait for the decision email. DOC will notify you at the email address you provided whether you're approved or denied. Don't attempt to visit until you get that approval. If it feels slow, you're not alone - processing takes several weeks. Check your spam folder regularly so you don't miss the notification.
The visiting-privilege application only handles approval. Questions about visiting hours, scheduling, or account setup won't be answered on the form itself. If you're stuck, contact MCF St. Cloud directly or check the Minnesota DOC's family support resources for current guidance.
Find an Inmate at MCF St. Cloud
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
