What to Bring (and Not Bring) to a Visit at Rhode Island DOC
A Rhode Island DOC visit goes much smoother when you show up with the right ID and only the few items allowed inside. Use this guide to avoid getting turned away at check-in.
Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will check it at the door. Accepted forms include a valid driver's license, military ID, passport, or an ID issued by the Departments of Transportation, Elderly Affairs, Administration, or the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Social Security cards and Welfare IDs won't work. Rhode Island DOC doesn't accept either one for visitor identification.
Visitors under 18 can use a birth certificate as ID. This option is for minors only.
Want to use the vending machines? Bring up to $10 in change and put it in a clear plastic bag. Bills or amounts over $10 aren't allowed for vending during visits.
Don't plan on bringing food. The one exception: inmates in Minimum Security/Work Release can receive food from visitors under specific rules.
Drinks are not allowed. Visitors cannot give inmates anything to drink during a visit, including at Minimum Security/Work Release.
Warning: Smoking and all tobacco use are prohibited in all facility visiting areas and anywhere on RIDOC property.
Need to carry medication? Rhode Island DOC allows only one exception: nitroglycerin. It's the only life-saving medication visitors can bring into a visiting session.
Don't expect staff to hold your medications. RIDOC staff won't be responsible for securing any visitor medication.
Visitor photos are currently unavailable. The photo program is suspended until further notice.
Final Checklist
- ✓ Bring an accepted photo ID (valid driver’s license, military ID, passport, or DMV-issued ID). Be ready to show it on request.
- ✓ If the visitor is under 18, bring a birth certificate (minors only).
- ✓ Do not bring a Social Security card or a Welfare ID as your only identification.
- ✓ For vending machines, bring up to $10 in change, in a clear plastic bag.
- ✓ Do not bring food into the facility (Minimum Security/Work Release is the exception, under specific rules).
- ✓ Do not give an inmate anything to drink during the visit.
- ✓ Do not smoke or use tobacco anywhere in visiting areas or on RIDOC property.
- ✓ Do not bring medications into a visit except nitroglycerin (the only life-saving medication approved for visitors to bring).
- ✓ Do not expect staff to secure or hold your medication for you.
- ✓ Do not plan on visitor photographs, they are suspended until further notice.
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