How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) — and Set Up Video Visits
Visiting someone at NDSP starts with one key requirement: you need to apply and get approved before you can be added to their visitation list or schedule a video visit. Here's how it works.
Before you can visit someone at the North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP), you must complete a visitation application, get pre-approved, and be placed on the resident’s visitation list. If you’re not approved and on that list, you won’t be able to visit.
NDSP gives you two ways to apply. You can submit an electronic visitor application online, or you can use the printable Visitor Application form (SFN 7598). If you go the paper route, print it out, fill it in, and mail it to the facility where the resident is housed.
If you're filling out SFN 7598, take your time and complete every section that applies - including the resident's details and your relationship to them. The application stays valid for five years. After that, you'll need to submit a new one to keep visiting.
Important: Be accurate and truthful on your application. False information can get you denied - and you won't be able to reapply for 90 days from your original submission date.
The DOCR may use the information on SFN 7598 to run an FBI criminal history check. Depending on the results, your visitation privileges could be denied or restricted.
If you're mailing a printed application, send it to the facility where the resident is housed. For NDSP, mail SFN 7598 to: North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP), ATTN: Visiting, PO Box 5521, Bismarck, ND 58506-5521.
Once NDSP receives your application, they'll run your name through several databases: the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, North Dakota Parole and Probation, and local law enforcement. The DOCR may also check FBI criminal history records. If you have open criminal charges or an active warrant, you won't be approved.
Don't expect instant approval. NDSP visitor applications can take up to 15 business days to process once the facility receives them, so plan ahead.
Video visits work the same way: you need to be on the resident's approved visitation list first. Once you're approved, create an account on videovisitanywhere.com to start scheduling video visits.
- Confirm you’re approved - video visitation is only available after you’ve been placed on the resident’s approved visitation list.
- Create your account - go to videovisitanywhere.com and set up your visitor account.
- Schedule your visit - video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through videovisitanywhere.com.
Tips Pitfalls
- ✓ If you’re using SFN 7598, plan for mailing time - printed applications have to be mailed to the facility where the resident is located.
- ✓ Double-check that you completed the form fully and answered truthfully; false information can lead to a denial and a 90-day wait before you can reapply.
- ✓ Keep the five-year window in mind - when your application expires, you’ll need to submit a new one to remain eligible.
Reminder: Don't try to visit until you've been approved and added to the resident's list. Processing takes up to 15 business days after the facility receives your application.
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