First-Time Visitor Checklist for Santa Ana Jail — what to bring and when to arrive
Visiting Santa Ana Jail for the first time? A little planning goes a long way. Use this checklist to make sure you bring the right ID and arrive with time to spare—so you don't get turned away at the lobby.
The jail front lobby is open Monday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All adult visitors must sign in there before visiting, and visits are first-come, first-served. Showing up early helps you avoid a long wait - and lowers the chance you'll miss your slot entirely.
Note: Visits happen in scheduled sessions, not anytime you walk in. Weekday sessions can include 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Arrive with enough time to check in before your session starts.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Staff will ask to see it at the front lobby before you can visit. No acceptable ID? You won't get in that day.
Note: Expired identification is not accepted for visits at Santa Ana Jail.
Keep your group small - Santa Ana Jail allows a maximum of three visitors per visit (adults and minors combined). Visitors must be over 18, and anyone 17 or under needs to be accompanied by an adult. Don't send a teen in alone expecting to get through.
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- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Car keys
- ✓ Clothing that isn’t appropriate for the visiting area (you can be denied entry)
- ✓ Any lewd or inappropriate behavior (it can lead to suspension of visiting privileges)
- Pick a session time and build your day around it - Visits run in scheduled sessions (for example, 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.), so you’ll want to time your arrival for that start.
- Arrive during front lobby business hours - The jail front lobby is open Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sign in at the front lobby - Adult visitors must sign in at the Santa Ana Jail front lobby prior to any visit.
- Show your valid government-issued photo ID - You’ll be required to produce a valid government-issued form of picture identification at check-in.
- Be ready to wait your turn - Visits are first-come, first-served, so even with a session time, earlier check-in usually means a smoother process.
Tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your visit. That buffer helps you get signed in and ready before the session starts.
Administrative Segregation timing: If the person you’re visiting is housed in Administrative Segregation, you must check in at least 30 minutes before the visit.
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