How to Visit North Dakota State Penitentiary (ND)

Before you can visit someone at North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP), you need to complete a visitation application, get pre-approved, and be placed on the resident's visitation list. That list is the gatekeeper: if you're not approved and listed, you won't get in. The department provides a printable Visitor Application (SFN 7598), and it must be signed where indicated. Unsigned applications are not processed.

Bringing a child? The rules are strict. No one under 18 can visit unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. If that's not possible, you'll need special permission from the Chief of Security, plus written consent from the child's parent or legal guardian. For these exceptions, the consent signature must be notarized.

NDSP also offers video visitation, but you still have to be on the resident's approved visitation list first. Once approved, you can create an account through the department's video visitation platform (Video Visit Anywhere). If you're mailing a paper application, send it to: NDSP ATTN: Visiting, PO Box 5521, Bismarck, ND 58506-5521.

1. Complete the Visitor Application (SFN 7598). Your visit starts with the application, and you must be pre-approved and placed on the resident’s visitation list before you can visit.
2. Sign the application where indicated. ND DOCR does not process unsigned applications, so double-check signatures before you submit anything.

1. Wait for the resident to notify you of approval. Do not attempt to visit until the resident tells you your application has been approved.

• ✓ If the visitor is under 18, make sure they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
• ✓ If the minor cannot come with a parent or legal guardian, request special permission from the Chief of Security.
• ✓ Get written consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian for the exception.
• ✓ Have the parent or legal guardian’s consent signature notarized (required for exception requests).

1. Set up video visitation after you are approved. Once you are on the resident’s approved visitation list, you can create an account through Video Visit Anywhere to use video visitation.
2. Mail paper applications to the NDSP visiting address. Use: NDSP ATTN: Visiting, PO Box 5521, Bismarck, ND 58506-5521.

Before mailing anything, double-check that you're using the correct form (SFN 7598) and that you've signed everywhere required. Unsigned applications won't be processed, and that means avoidable delays.

If a minor is visiting, confirm ahead of time who will escort them and what paperwork you need. The default rule: a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. Any other arrangement requires special permission from the Chief of Security, written consent from the parent or legal guardian, and a notarized signature.

Video visitation is tied to your approval status, so make sure you're on the resident's approved visitation list before creating a Video Visit Anywhere account. For paper applications, use this mailing address: NDSP ATTN: Visiting, PO Box 5521, Bismarck, ND 58506-5521.