Before Your First Visit: ID, visitor approval, and juvenile rules at Shelby County Jail
Your first visit goes smoother when you handle approval, scheduling, and ID ahead of time. This guide helps you show up prepared—and avoid getting turned away at the door.
You can't just show up at Shelby County Jail and expect to get in. Visitors must be approved before seeing an inmate. Your approval status gets checked when you schedule and again at check-in, so handle it early - and make sure your information matches exactly.
- Schedule the visit ahead of time - All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours before the scheduled visitation time.
- Use one of the approved scheduling options - You can schedule online, by phone, or at the Visitation Kiosk at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
- Plan around the weekly limit - The system automatically allows each inmate only one scheduled visit per week, so coordinate with other family and friends before you pick a time.
Tip: Start early. You need visitor approval, and you also have to schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff check it before your visit starts - no ID, no visit.
Reminder: Your ID must be current (not expired), and the name on it needs to match what you used when scheduling.
Bringing someone under 18? An adult must accompany them the entire time. Shelby County Jail only allows juvenile visitors with an adult present, unless a supervisor grants an exception. If custody or guardianship might be questioned, bring paperwork that shows you're authorized to bring the minor.
Note: Complicated situation - shared custody, guardianship? Bring documentation so staff can review it if needed.
A protection-from-abuse (PFA) order between you and the inmate may block your visit entirely. Check your status before scheduling so you don't waste time planning a visit that can't happen.
Every visit starts with verification. Staff confirm you're an approved visitor and check your government-issued photo ID. If your approval isn't in place or your ID doesn't match the visitor information on the schedule, you'll be turned away.
- ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- ✓ Make sure you’re approved to visit the inmate
- ✓ Confirm your visit was scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Heads up: Cell phones and tablet devices aren’t allowed to be used during a visit.
Even when you've done everything right, officers have discretion over visits. Shelby County Jail notes that visits can be terminated at an officer's discretion - so stay calm and follow directions. If you anticipate any special circumstances that could affect approval or entry, handle them beforehand and bring supporting documentation.
Quick Faq
- ✓ You’re approved to visit the inmate
- ✓ You have a valid government-issued photo ID with you
- ✓ Your visit is scheduled at least 24 hours ahead of time
- ✓ Any visitor under 18 will be accompanied by an adult (unless a supervisor has approved otherwise)
- ✓ There is no protection-from-abuse (PFA) order that would block the visit
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