How to Register for ViaPath Visits and Avoid Eastern Time Mix-ups at Plainfield Correctional Facility

Before you can schedule an in-person or video visit at Plainfield Correctional Facility, you need a ViaPath account - and it has to be approved. Until you're cleared in the system, you won't be able to lock in a date and time. Wondering where your loved one gets the "rules" from? Facilities are required to give incarcerated people written visitation information within 24 hours of arrival. Still, the fastest way to keep your visit on track is to handle ViaPath registration early. Get it done now so you're not stuck waiting when you're ready to schedule.

Create Account

• ✓ Create your ViaPath account using your legal name (match what’s on your ID).
• ✓ Upload clear document images if the platform requests them (well-lit, not blurry, and the full document in frame).
• ✓ Double-check that any photos/scans are readable before you submit - unclear uploads can slow down approval.
• ✓ Make sure every person who will be participating is registered, if the system prompts you to add additional visitors.

Approval takes time. You can't schedule visits - in-person or online - until your ViaPath account clears, and delays are more likely if the system asks for additional documentation. Planning a visit for a birthday, holiday weekend, or long-planned trip? Don't wait. Register first, then schedule once you're cleared.

Here's the time-zone trap that causes missed visits: ViaPath lists all visit times in Eastern Time - even when the facility sits in Central Time. The time on your screen may not be the time you think it is locally. Treat every appointment slot as Eastern Time first. Convert it to your local time before you hit "confirm," especially if you're traveling, coordinating with work, or lining up childcare.

1. Assume the time shown is Eastern Time - ViaPath displays visit times in Eastern Time, even for Central Time facilities.
2. Convert the time to your local time before confirming - do the conversion first, then decide if the slot still works for you.
3. Re-check the time on your confirmation details - look at the scheduled time again after booking so you catch mistakes while there’s still time to fix them.
4. Coordinate with your loved one using the same time standard - when you talk about the visit time, say “Eastern Time” out loud so you’re both working from the same clock.

If video visitation is offered, the basic flow goes like this: register on GTL's visitation site, select the facility where your loved one is located, search for them, and add them to your account. Once they're added, click "Schedule" to pick a time and move forward.

Some video visits have fees. When you schedule through ViaPath's video visitation website, you'll be prompted to enter payment information before booking is complete. Accepted methods include debit cards, charge cards, and Visa/Mastercard gift cards. Pricing varies by facility, visit type, and length. You'll see the cost displayed when you schedule, so you can decide before finalizing.

Dress Checklist

• ✓ Wear a shirt or blouse.
• ✓ Wear pants, shorts, or a dress.
• ✓ Wear appropriate undergarments.
• ✓ Skip hats or head coverings unless they’re required for religious reasons.
• ✓ Avoid clothing that’s worn out, torn, transparent, or frayed enough that undergarments are visible.

1. Re-check the time zone on your scheduled visit - ViaPath shows times in Eastern Time, so confirm you converted correctly before you travel or sign in.
2. Confirm you’re approved before you try to schedule - you must be registered and approved in ViaPath before in-person or online visits can be booked.
3. Fix document issues fast - if your account is pending because something wasn’t accepted, re-upload clearer copies so approval doesn’t drag out.

Account won't approve? Visit won't schedule? Time looks wrong? Check the two usual culprits: your approval status and the Eastern Time display. For account or scheduling issues inside the platform, contact ViaPath support. For facility-specific visitation questions, reach out to the facility's visitation staff using the official contact channels you've been given.