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Which Photo IDs Are Accepted and How Background/Warrant Checks Work for IDOC Visits

Your photo ID and background check can make or break how fast your IDOC visitation application gets approved. Here's what IDs are accepted and what happens if a warrant or other issue turns up.

• 3 min read • in.gov
Which Photo IDs Are Accepted and How Background/Warrant Checks Work for IDOC Visits

Anyone 16 or older must submit a photo ID to visit. IDOC accepts these forms of identification: a valid driver's license from your state of residence, a valid state photo ID card from your state of residence, a valid military photo ID, a valid passport, or a valid government ID card (including those issued by foreign governments).

You'll upload your ID when you submit your electronic visitation application. IDOC uses the IDOC ViaPath website for applications - you'll need to create a free vendor account before you can apply.

Once you apply, IDOC runs criminal background and warrant checks on every applicant age 16 and older. That includes both adults and teens who meet the age threshold. If multiple family members are applying together, plan ahead - each person goes through the same screening.

  1. Your application is flagged for review - if an active criminal warrant is found, the facility Investigations and Intelligence officer and/or a Correctional Police Officer (CPO) reviews the application.
  2. The issuing agency is contacted - the agency that issued the warrant is contacted so a disposition can be made.
  3. Local law enforcement is notified - local law enforcement is notified of the information provided.

If an active warrant turns up, your application goes to the facility's Investigations and Intelligence officer and/or a Correctional Police Officer (CPO) for review. The agency that issued the warrant is contacted to determine next steps, and local law enforcement is notified. In short, the facility doesn't just ignore it - there's a formal review and notification process once a warrant is flagged.

Confidentiality: Information from an applicant’s criminal history is treated as confidential and is not released to the offender.

Which Photo IDs Are Accepted and How Background/Warrant Checks Work for IDOC Visits

Tips Avoid Delays

  • ✓ Submit an accepted photo ID if you’re 16 or older (driver’s license, state photo ID card, military photo ID, passport, or other valid government ID, including foreign governments).
  • ✓ Provide all required supplemental documentation clearly - missing documentation can delay your application or lead to rejection.
  • ✓ Complete the electronic visitation application through the IDOC ViaPath website, and register your free vendor account so you can submit the application electronically.

Be truthful on the application: Falsifying a visitation application results in a one-year ban from all correctional facilities.

Can't pull together the required documentation? Don't wait and hope it sorts itself out. Missing paperwork can delay or sink your application. Reach out to the facility's visitation coordinator as soon as possible to avoid a preventable setback.

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