Before you visit Sacramento County Main Jail: ID, what to bring, and what to leave behind
Visiting someone at Sacramento County Main Jail goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right clothing, and as little stuff as possible. Here's a quick checklist before you head over.
To register for a social visit, you'll need one valid, current, government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license or DMV ID card, military ID, passport, or Mexican consular ID (MCAS). Bring the original - this is the one thing you absolutely can't work around at the door.
Reminder: You’re only allowed to visit one inmate per visit, so make sure you’re registering for the right person before you get in line.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Smart watches
- ✓ Tablets
- ✓ Pens
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Cigarettes
- ✓ E-cigarettes
- ✓ Anything other than your identification, keys, and a small wallet (all other items must be left outside the visit area)
Keep your group small. The jail allows no more than three people total per visit - infants and children count toward that number. All visitors must be at least 18, and if you're bringing minors, they need to stay inside the visit booth with you the entire time.
Dress conservatively or risk being turned away. The jail prohibits revealing clothing: tube tops, see-through mesh, short shorts, micro-mini skirts, tank tops with thin straps, backless or sleeveless tops, midriff or cutout shirts, and bathing tops. Anything with logos promoting violence, hate, drug use, profanity, sex acts, or gangs is also off-limits.
Footwear required: You must wear footwear - shoes, sandals, or boots.
Expect a real check-in process. You'll go through search and metal detection - similar to airport security. The easiest way through? Show up with only what's permitted and keep your pockets empty.
- ✓ Bring only your identification, keys, and a small wallet into the visit area
- ✓ Leave all other items outside the visit area
Heads up: Visits can be terminated for disruptive behavior.
- Confirm you’re eligible to visit - Each inmate is authorized two 45-minute social visits per week (Sunday through Saturday).
- Pick a time slot - Morning/afternoon visiting hours start at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30. Evening visiting hours include 4:30, 5:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30.
- Don’t miss the registration cutoff - The last visit must be registered no later than 9:30 p.m.
- Plan your exit - All visitors must leave the visit area by 10:15 p.m.
- ✓ Bring one valid, current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license/DMV ID, military ID, passport, or Mexican consular ID)
- ✓ Leave prohibited items outside the visit area (including phones, smart watches, tablets, pens, purses, lighters, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes)
- ✓ Dress within the dress code (avoid revealing/see-through clothing, short shorts/micro-minis, thin-strap tanks, backless/sleeveless tops, midriff/cutout shirts, bathing tops, and prohibited logos)
- ✓ Wear footwear (shoes, sandals, or boots)
- ✓ Carry only what’s allowed into the visit area: your ID, keys, and a small wallet
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