How to Apply for Visitation at Pocahontas Correctional Center: What to Gather Before You Start

Pocahontas Correctional Center follows Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) visitation policy, but day-to-day procedures can still vary and change. Before you apply - or plan a trip - contact Pocahontas directly to confirm any facility-specific details. One important note: the online application only works for people visiting someone housed in a VADOC facility. If the person you want to see is in a local or regional jail (or a Detention and Diversion Center), that jail has its own process. You'll need to go through them instead.

Set aside 20–30 minutes for the online application. You can't save your progress and come back later - once you start, you need to finish in one sitting. That's why gathering your ID and inmate information beforehand matters. If you have to stop halfway through to track down a number or document, you'll likely need to restart the form from scratch.

Documents Checklist

• ✓ The inmate’s first and/or last name or their inmate ID number
• ✓ A valid picture ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) - and make sure the information you enter matches your ID
• ✓ Your Social Security Number
• ✓ If a minor will be visiting: the minor’s visitor application must be attached to an adult application, and the minor must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another approved adult visitor

If you’re also planning to send money, you’ll want the inmate’s 7-digit inmate ID number handy for that, too. One quick heads-up: if the inmate owes fines, costs, or restitution, a percentage of money deposited may be applied toward those debts.

After you submit, your application goes to the Central Visitation Unit for review. This may include a VCIN background check for visitors age 15 and over, a check for suspended visitors, and a search of the VACORIS database. This review is standard. Double-check your personal information before submitting - typos and mismatches can slow things down.

Tips

• ✓ Set aside an uninterrupted 20–30 minutes so you can complete and submit the application in one sitting
• ✓ Enter your name and details exactly as they appear on your picture ID (the ID you’ll bring should match your application)
• ✓ Double-check your Social Security Number before you submit
• ✓ Confirm you’re using the correct inmate name or inmate ID number before you start

Every visitor - adults and minors - must submit the appropriate online application and get Central Visitation Unit approval before staff will allow a visit. VADOC sends status updates to the email address you provide. Expect processing to take about 45 days for Virginia residents, or about 90 days if you live out of state. Once approved, you'll schedule your visit through the VADOC Visitation Scheduler. New users need to register first before scheduling.