How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

You can't just show up for an in-person visit. The inmate needs to add you to their pre-approved visiting list first, and you'll also need to complete a visitor application so the institution can review and approve you. A couple of limits can affect how quickly you get on the list. The inmate's pre-approved visitor list can only be revised up to three times per year, so changes aren't unlimited. List size is also capped by security level: Maximum and Medium security allow up to 8 visitors, while Minimum/Pre-release allows up to 10. Bringing a child? The child doesn't need pre-approval, but the adult accompanying them does. Minors under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian who has physical custody and is on the inmate's pre-approved visiting list.

Video visits have an extra step. You still need to be on the inmate's pre-approved visiting list, and you must complete a separate pre-approval process before booking a session. Video visitation runs through Securus Video Visitation.

1. Ask the inmate to add you to their pre-approved list. Visiting starts there, since it’s the inmate’s responsibility to submit each visitor’s name to the institution.
2. Complete the Visitor Application Form. Fill it out fully so it can be processed without delays.
3. Mail your application to the specific institution you plan to visit. Applications are mailed in, not handed in at the door.
4. Wait for the decision notice. After the application is processed, approval or denial is mailed to both you and the inmate.

• ✓ Valid photo ID (for example: state driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
• ✓ If a minor is coming with you: the child can attend without pre-approval, but the accompanying parent or legal guardian must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list and have physical custody

1. Create your video visitation account with Securus. Video visitation uses Securus Video Visitation.
2. Complete the video pre-approval process. Do this before you try to schedule.
3. Confirm you’re on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list. Being listed is required prior to scheduling a video visit.

Before you put anything in the mail or plan a trip, confirm the current mailing address and any institution-specific instructions for where the visitor application should go. Ask about timing, too. Approval or denial is mailed to both you and the inmate, and mail processing can slow things down. If you're trying to get added to the visiting list, verify the current limits with the facility. The list can only be revised up to three times per year, and the maximum number of visitors depends on security level (8 for Maximum and Medium, 10 for Minimum/Pre-release). Those limits can affect when it's actually possible to add someone new.

For video visitation, confirm that Securus Video Visitation is still the system being used and follow the facility's current instructions for pre-approval and scheduling. The key thing: video visits require pre-approval before you can book a time.