How to get approved to visit someone in a Michigan prison (step-by-step)

MDOC allows prisoners to visit with immediate family, qualified clergy, attorneys, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other people of their choosing. That ten-person limit matters - if the person you want to see already has a full list, they'll need to remove someone before adding you.

The prisoner is the one who requests changes to their visiting list. MDOC uses the CAJ-334 Visitor List for this, and the facility's date-received stamp on that form determines the timeline for adding or removing non-family members. If you're waiting on approval, when you get it depends on when the facility received the updated list.

Most visitors deal with two forms. The CAJ-334 Visitor List is what the prisoner uses to name who they want to see - immediate family, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other people. The CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application is what you fill out to request placement on that list. Everyone asking to be added needs to submit one, including clergy and outreach volunteers.

Some visitors need additional paperwork. Professional visitors may use the CAJ-1069 (for attorneys, DHHS/Child Welfare, and SOM employees). If you work for a state agency or you're representing an attorney, you may also need to submit a CAJ-1037 LEIN Request with your application. Not sure which form applies? Check the MDOC forms resource for the exact form name and version.

First, make sure the prisoner has asked to add you to their visitor list (the CAJ-334). MDOC puts this responsibility on the prisoner. If you're not sure whether you're already listed, reach out and ask them to confirm. If you're not on the list yet, ask them to submit the request.

Next, complete the CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application. You can submit it online through MiLogin - once you finish the steps, your application goes through. Processing takes up to 4 weeks. MDOC will email you when it's done to let you know whether you've been approved.

1. Print and complete the CAJ-103 - fill out the visiting application fully so it can be processed.
2. Prepare a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) - the facility uses it to mail you a response after your application is processed.
3. Mail the application to the facility where the prisoner is located - send it to the prison where they’re currently housed (not a central office).
4. Wait for processing - mailed applications may take up to 4 weeks to process.

Whether you apply online or by mail, expect processing to take up to 4 weeks. Online applicants get an email when their application is processed. If you mailed your application, the facility will send a response using the self-addressed stamped envelope you included.

Attorneys and other professional visitors using the CAJ-1069 may be able to speed things up by submitting directly to the facility where the visit will take place. When an attorney submits the CAJ-1069 and the facility receives it, processing happens within two business days. Other professional visitors may take longer.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Confirm the prisoner has requested to add you to their CAJ-334 Visitor List
• ✓ Complete the CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application (required to request placement on the approved visiting list)
• ✓ If you’re mailing your application: include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and mail it to the facility where the prisoner is located
• ✓ Plan for processing to take up to 4 weeks
• ✓ Watch for your response after processing (email for online applications; mailed response if you applied by mail)

• ✓ If you’re a professional visitor who qualifies: use the CAJ-1069
• ✓ If you’re employed by a state agency or acting on behalf of an attorney: include a CAJ-1037 LEIN Request with your visiting application
• ✓ If you’re an attorney: submit the CAJ-1069 to the facility for expedited handling (processed within two business days of receipt at the facility)