Michigan prison video visits: cost, length, and how to schedule your first one
Setting up your first Michigan prison video visit? Two things to know upfront: you need to be an approved visitor first, and scheduling happens through ViaPath (formerly GTL). Once you're approved, it's mostly about timing, payment, and having your ID ready for the camera.
Video visitation in Michigan is tied to the approved visitor process. If you're already approved for in-person visits, you don't need to submit a separate application for video visits. Who can be on a prisoner's visitor list? Immediate family members, qualified clergy, attorneys, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other people. The visitor list is managed through MDOC forms, including the CAJ-334 (Visitor List). Depending on your situation, you may also encounter forms like the CAJ-103 (Visiting Application), CAJ-356, CAJ-1069, CAJ-290, and CAJ-1037.
To schedule any visit - in-person or video - you'll need to register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website hosted by ViaPath (formerly GTL). You won't be able to create an account or book anything until your visiting application is approved. Once approved, all visits are appointment-only. Book through the ViaPath scheduler at https://midoc.gtlvisitme.com/app. If the site won't let you schedule, your approval probably hasn't processed on the MDOC side yet.
- ✓ Schedule your visit at least 48 hours ahead, but no more than 7 days out.
- ✓ Log into the ViaPath visitor website 10 minutes before your start time for verification and approval.
Michigan prison video visits are 20 minutes long and cost $3.20 per visit. The visitor pays in advance, so plan to handle payment as part of scheduling - not at the start of the call.
Before each video visit, you'll need to verify your identity on camera. Adult visitors must show a photo ID - driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government-issued ID - and state the name of everyone joining the call. Stick to the group size limit or risk delays. Up to five people can participate in a visit with a prisoner. Children under two don't count toward that number.
Reminder: Video visits cost $3.20 for 20 minutes and must be paid in advance by the visitor.
- Confirm you’re an approved visitor - If you’re approved for in-person visits, you don’t need a second application just to use video visitation.
- Register on the ViaPath (GTL) scheduling site - You must register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website hosted by ViaPath, and you can’t schedule until your visiting application is approved.
- Book your appointment in the allowed window - Use the ViaPath scheduler at https://midoc.gtlvisitme.com/app and schedule at least 48 hours ahead but no more than 7 days in advance.
- Prepay the visit - Each video visit is 20 minutes and costs $3.20, paid in advance by the visitor.
- Log in early for verification - Sign into the ViaPath visitor website 10 minutes before your scheduled start time so you can be verified and approved.
- ✓ Have your photo ID ready to show on camera (driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government-issued ID), and be prepared to say everyone’s name on the call.
- ✓ Keep the visit to five participants max (kids under two don’t count).
- ✓ If staff asks for paperwork, know the common MDOC visiting forms: CAJ-334, CAJ-103, CAJ-356, CAJ-1069, CAJ-290, and CAJ-1037.
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