How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Ohio Reformatory: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Ohio Reformatory follows ODRC's statewide visitation policy. Here's what matters most: submitting paperwork doesn't mean you're approved. You can't visit until your application has been processed, approved, and you've received notification of that approval.

As part of that same ODRC policy, two documents are meant to be available to everyone involved in the process: the General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274) and the Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554). You’ll sign these as part of your application packet, so it helps to read them carefully before you turn anything in.

Step1 Forms

• ✓ Visitor Application for adults (DRC-2096)
• ✓ Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554), signed
• ✓ General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), signed
• ✓ A legible copy of your photo ID (bona fide identification) included with the application

The DRC-2096 includes questions that help the institution assess whether visitation is appropriate. You'll be asked whether you've ever been an accomplice or co-defendant in a crime involving the incarcerated person, whether you were a victim, whether there's an active protection order between you, and whether you've ever worked for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (including contract roles, volunteer work, internships, or unpaid positions). Answer completely and clearly - vague responses slow things down.

Once your packet is complete, you can submit it by U.S. mail, email, fax, or in person. Pick whatever method works best for you, and keep a copy of everything. But don't schedule a visit based on submission alone - you're not approved until you've been notified.

During processing, staff verify your information and decide whether to approve you. Most delays come from paperwork issues: missing signatures on DRC2554 or DRC2274, blank sections on the DRC-2096, or an unreadable photo ID copy. Since approval only happens after processing is complete and you've been notified, any follow-up requests push your first visit back.

If the person you want to visit is currently housed at a reception center (the intake/processing stage), ODRC limits who can visit during that period. Permitted visitors include immediate family members, the parent(s) of the incarcerated person’s children, and one designated support person.

Even during reception, adults still need to complete paperwork. You'll submit a Visitor Application (DRC2096), a signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554), a signed copy of the General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), and a copy of your bona fide identification at your first visit. The same rule applies: no visiting until you're processed, approved, and notified.

After you receive your approval notification, register on the GTL VisitMe portal to reserve a visit. Wait until you have that notification - creating an account doesn't replace the approval process or speed up a pending application.

Tips

• ✓ Include a legible copy of your photo ID with your DRC-2096 so staff don’t have to request a better copy.
• ✓ Don’t rush the “yes/no + explain” questions (co-defendant/accomplice, victim involvement, protection orders, prior DR&C employment). Clear, complete answers help your application get verified.
• ✓ Double-check that DRC2554 and DRC2274 are signed before you submit.
• ✓ If you’ve been waiting longer than you expected, contact the facility to ask whether anything is missing from your packet.