How to Register for Video Visits at Northern Branch Jail (step-by-step)

Before you can visit someone at Northern Branch Jail, you need to register through Via Path. Once you're set up and approved, all visits are scheduled through that system. Registration is the first step for everyone. Visits take place at the jail itself, at 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria, CA. If you're planning around work, childcare, or transportation, use that address when mapping out your day.

Start your registration on Via Path here: santabarbaraca.gtlvisitme.com/app. Once you register and get approved, you'll receive a confirmation email.

Northern Branch Jail visiting hours run Sunday through Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Keep those hours in mind when you're looking for an opening that fits your schedule. One detail that trips people up: all appointments start on the hour. So expect available times like 9:00, 10:00, and so on. No half-hour or quarter-hour slots.

Required Info

• ✓ Your valid photo ID. Only visitors with valid photo identification are allowed (examples include a driver’s license, DMV identification card, a federal/state/local government identification card, a military or U.S. government ID, a valid passport, U.S. immigration identification including visas, a U.S. Department of Justice border crossing card, a current high school ID for children who do not have a current California driver’s license or California ID card, or a Matricula Consular ID card issued after April 22, 2002 by the Consul General of Mexico)
• ✓ The same form of ID for check-in. You must check in 30 minutes before your appointment time using the same ID you used to register with Via Path

If a minor is visiting, an adult must be present. Minors need to be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

After you register, the next step is approval. You'll receive a confirmation email once you're cleared for visitation. From there, scheduling happens through your Via Path profile. Log in to your account when you're ready to pick an available appointment time.

Keep group size in mind before you book. A maximum of two visitors (including children) can visit an inmate at any one time. If more than two people want to visit, you'll need to split them across different appointments.

If you've visited at another facility before, don't assume the weekly limits are the same here. At Northern Branch Jail, inmates are limited to four visits per week. Coordinate with other family members early and space visits out when you can.