What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for a Shelby County Jail Visit
A Shelby County Jail visit goes smoothly when you show up with the right ID, you're already approved, and your visit is scheduled. Here's what to bring—and what to leave behind—so you don't get turned away at the door.
Bring a state or government-issued photo ID. Shelby County Jail requires adult visitors to have it in hand at check-in before the visit can start. Keep your ID somewhere you won't forget it - showing up without it is one of the fastest ways to lose your visit.
Before you think about what to wear or when to arrive, make sure you're approved to visit. Shelby County Jail requires visitor approval before you can see an inmate. This is a true prerequisite - not something you can fix once you're already in the lobby.
- Confirm you’re eligible and plan ahead - Visits have to be scheduled at least 24 hours before the visit time, so don’t wait until the day before you want to go.
- Schedule online - You can set up the visit through the NCIC scheduling site.
- Schedule by phone if that’s easier - Call 1-800-943-2189 to schedule.
- Schedule in person at the kiosk - You can also go to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and use the Visitation Kiosk in the visitation area.
- Expect a one-visit-per-week limit - The system automatically allows each inmate only one scheduled visit per week, so you may not be able to book another slot even if you’re willing to come a different day.
- Know that availability can fill up - Scheduling is also limited by the number of visitation monitors in each housing area, which can block additional visits from being scheduled even when you’re trying to do everything right.
Reminder: Plan to follow basic visit conduct rules and leave personal devices put away - visits can be ended if rules aren’t followed. If you’re bringing a minor, confirm the current juvenile visitor requirements before you go.
ID 4
- ✓ You don’t have a state or government-issued photo ID with you
- ✓ You aren’t approved to visit with the inmate
Even with your ID and approval squared away, you can hit a scheduling wall. Shelby County Jail limits visits based on the number of monitors in each housing area. Once capacity fills up, the system blocks additional bookings. If you can't grab a time, try a different slot - but don't assume you can walk in and "work it out" at the desk.
If anything about your situation feels off - name issues, approval questions, or you can't get a visit scheduled - call before you go. For questions or inmate information you can't find online, call (205) 670-6000 and choose the option to speak to someone in the Jail. You can also schedule visits by phone at 1-800-943-2189.
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