How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Before booking a visit at MCF Willow River, you'll need an approved visitor application. Approval typically comes by email but can take several weeks—apply early. Visits are appointment-only and may be held on-site or by remote video. For video visits, coordinate a date and time with the incarcerated person first, then schedule through JPay. You can edit existing visits on the JPay Video Visits page. Have the incarcerated person's MN DOC Offender ID (OID) ready, along with a valid, unexpired government photo ID and any required photos or documents for your visitor application.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Setting up a first video visit can feel like a lot of moving parts. Handle eligibility first, then follow the JPay screens in order — scheduling a visit with someone at MCF Willow River is usually straightforward.
Video visits should be the easy option—but one small tech glitch can eat up your whole session. Run through this checklist to make sure your device, connection, and JPay account are ready before your visit starts.
Agree on a date and time with the incarcerated person first. Then use the JPay Video Visitation scheduling flow (select Video Visitation and choose “Schedule New Visit”) to book the appointment.
Yes. You generally need to submit a visitor application and receive approval before you can schedule or show up for a visit. Approval is commonly emailed and can take several weeks, so apply early.
Have the incarcerated person’s MN DOC Offender ID (OID) ready when you schedule. You should also be prepared to provide a valid, unexpired government photo ID and any required photos or documents for the visitor application.
Yes. On the JPay Video Visits page, select Edit on the visit to change the date or time. Make updates through the same scheduling interface you used to book it.
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If your loved one is at MCF Willow River, you'll need their Minnesota DOC Offender ID (OID) to stay in touch. This number comes up constantly—for sending mail, depositing money through JPay, and more. Find it once, save it somewhere accessible, and you're set.
