Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Sign Up for a Visit at San Joaquin Jail: Step-by-Step (and Who Can’t Visit Without Permission)

Visiting at San Joaquin Jail is straightforward once you know the timing rules. The key thing to plan for: visiting space is limited, and sign-ups are first-come, first-served.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Visiting appointments at San Joaquin Jail are limited and assigned first-come, first-served. The earlier you handle sign-up, the better your chances of getting a slot. There's also a specific cutoff to keep in mind: you must sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit. Show up too close to the start of a session, and you can lose the opportunity, even if you're already there.

Tip: Visits fill up fast since sign-ups are first-come, first-served. Give yourself extra time so you can sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit.

  1. Call the visiting site to make your appointment - San Joaquin County instructs visitors to call the specific visiting site to set up a visit.
  2. Plan your timing around the 30-minute cutoff - you must sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit. If you are close to that window, aim earlier so you are not turned away for being late.
  • ✓ Treat sign-ups as first-come, first-served, because visiting space and times are limited
  • ✓ Arrive early enough to sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit
  • ✓ Have a backup plan for your day if the available rooms and time slots have already been reserved

Before you make the trip, confirm that you're eligible to visit. If you were previously incarcerated in the San Joaquin County Jail system, you must wait a minimum of 30 days before visiting. Have a prior felony conviction, or are you currently on the Alternative Work Program (AWP)? You'll need prior authorization from the facility manager before you can visit. Getting that sorted ahead of time can save you a wasted trip.

Before you go: If you have a prior felony conviction or are on AWP, you need prior authorization from the facility manager to visit.

Visiting hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wednesdays run later, with extended hours from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Not sure which location to use, or want to confirm availability before heading out? Call the visiting site directly to make an appointment. Here are the inmate visiting lines: Jail Core (209) 468-4295, South Jail (209) 468-4676, and Honor Farm (209) 468-4384.

  • ✓ Jail Core and South Jail: up to 3 visitors per visit (this includes infants and children)
  • ✓ Honor Farm: only 2 visitors per visit (this includes infants and children)

Find an Inmate at San Joaquin Jail

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from San Joaquin Jail

Before Your First Visit to San Joaquin Jail: A 1‑Page Checklist for Families

- Sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit (first-come, first-served). - Keep your group to 3 people max per visit - this count includes children and babies. - Plan for a strict 45-minute visit (no exceptions). - Don’t overstay - it can cost you visiting privileges. - Once your visit starts, don’t exit the visiting room or the visit will be terminated. - Remember the limits: 2 visits per week (Monday–Sunday), and only 1 visit per day even if you go to a different San Joaquin County Jail location. - Leave your phone behind - cellular phones are prohibited in visiting. - No photos during visits.

Before Your First Visit to San Joaquin Jail: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Your first visit to San Joaquin Jail goes smoother when you know the rules that trip people up at the door. Use this checklist to see what to bring, what to leave behind, and what can end your visit early.

Bringing Children to San Joaquin Jail: Exact Documents You Must Bring for Each Visit

Bringing a child to visit someone at San Joaquin Jail is possible, but the paperwork requirements are strict. Show up without the right original documents and you'll be turned away at the door.