How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Richland Correctional Institution

At a Glance

• ✓ Completed Adult Visitor Application (DRC-2096)
• ✓ A legible copy of your photo ID (bona fide identification)
• ✓ Signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554)
• ✓ Signed General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274)

That “bona fide identification” requirement is straightforward: include a clear, readable copy of your photo ID with your visiting application. If the copy is hard to read, expect delays or problems with approval.

DRC-2096 (the Adult Visitor Application) is the main form Richland uses to decide whether you're approved for visitation. Fill it out completely and answer every question truthfully. The institution relies on your answers to determine eligibility.

Treat DRC-2096 like a form you only want to fill out once. Go line by line, make sure nothing is skipped, and review your answers for accuracy before turning it in. Keep a copy of what you submitted so you can reference it if questions come up later.

DRC-2554 (Declaration of Understanding) and DRC-2274 (General Visiting Instructions) are both part of the approval packet. By signing them, you're confirming that you understand the visiting rules and expectations. The institution requires both signed forms before it will process your application.

• ✓ Sign DRC-2554 (Declaration of Understanding)
• ✓ Sign DRC-2274 (General Visiting Instructions)

If the person you want to see is still in reception, your first visit is treated as a courtesy visit. It works a little differently than a regular visit would later on.

Even during reception, adult visitors need to bring the full application package to that first visit: DRC-2096, signed DRC-2554, signed DRC-2274, and a copy of your photo ID. Submitting everything together helps keep your approval from getting stalled.

Once you submit your application, the institution reviews it and makes an approval decision. Approval is not automatic. Applications can be denied if the institution determines the visitor would not have a positive effect on the incarcerated person's attitude, behavior, overall adjustment, or reentry efforts.

1. Wait for approval - You must be approved before you can move forward with visit reservations.
2. Register with the GTL/ViaPath visitation portal - Once approved, registration is required so you can make visit reservations.

Hold onto copies of everything you submitted: DRC-2096, your ID copy, and the signed DRC-2554 and DRC-2274. Resist the urge to jump ahead to scheduling before you're approved. Focus first on getting the application package complete and accurate.

Common Mistakes

• ✓ Forgetting to include a legible copy of your photo ID
• ✓ Leaving questions blank on DRC-2096
• ✓ Providing false information on DRC-2096

Most approval problems come from avoidable paperwork issues. Make your ID copy easy to read. Double-check that every field on DRC-2096 is filled in. Be honest, even if a question feels uncomfortable. A complete, truthful packet gives your application the best shot at getting approved without delays.