What Happens If Your Visitor Application Is Denied at MECC (and How to Appeal)

Missouri DOC sends the first notification to the offender, not you. They're responsible for letting you know whether you were approved or denied. If visiting sanctions (restrictions) are involved, the institution sends a written notice explaining the infraction and what sanctions were imposed. That gives you something concrete to work with if you decide to appeal.

You can appeal a denied application, but you need to act fast. Missouri DOC gives you 30 days to send a letter to: Missouri Department of Corrections, Attn: Deputy Division Director of Adult Institutions, 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Here's the catch: separate Missouri DOC guidance lists the same street address and PO Box for appealing visiting restrictions, but with ZIP code 65109 instead. Because of that mismatch, verify the correct ZIP before you mail anything.

If you don’t appeal - or if your appeal doesn’t change the decision - Missouri DOC allows denied visitors to reapply for visiting status after one year.

Verify Before Mail

• ✓ Call MECC at (636) 257-3322 and ask which ZIP code you should use for mailing a visiting appeal letter to Missouri DOC at 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236 (Jefferson City).
• ✓ If you still can’t get a clear answer, contact the Missouri Department of Corrections to confirm the correct ZIP for appeal mail.
• ✓ Address your envelope clearly to: Missouri Department of Corrections, Attn: Deputy Division Director of Adult Institutions, 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236, Jefferson City, MO (then use the ZIP you confirmed).
• ✓ Keep proof of when you mailed it (for example, a receipt) so you can show it was sent within the 30-day window.

Before mailing your appeal, call to confirm the address. MECC's main number is (636) 257-3322. Write down who you spoke with and the date and time - those notes can save you headaches later.