How Virtual Visits Work at South Carolina DOC: Cost, Scheduling, and What to Expect
Virtual visitation with South Carolina DOC is straightforward once you understand the timing rules and system requirements. Here's how to set up your account, schedule a visit, and avoid the common issues that get sessions cut short.
Before you can schedule a virtual visit, you must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Once approved, request visits through the online portal at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app.
- ✓ Create a separate account for each person who plans to visit (even if you’ll be visiting together).
- ✓ Enter your name exactly as it appears on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- ✓ Don’t use nicknames - an exact match is required.
If you run into problems with the application process or questions about getting approved, contact the South Carolina DOC visitation office at visitation@doc.sc.gov. You can also call the Visitation Inquiry Line at 803-896-1838 and press 1 for application questions.
Virtual visits cost a flat $10 for 50 minutes. Sessions start on the hour, and you're charged when the visit begins. End early? No partial refund - it's still $10.
Plan ahead: virtual visits must be scheduled at least three days in advance, and you can't book more than seven days out. If you want a specific time slot, don't wait until the last minute.
- Try to modify early - You can attempt to modify your virtual visit two days in advance.
- Cancel at least a day ahead - Visits can be canceled one day in advance.
Device check: Virtual visits can be done on a computer, tablet, or Android phone. At the time the SCDC guidance was published, iPhones were not compatible.
- ✓ Test your device setup ahead of time so you’re not troubleshooting at the start of the visit.
- ✓ Be seated and ready in front of your device 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Planning a group call? Keep it small. South Carolina DOC allows up to four approved visitors on a single virtual visit.
- ✓ Bedrooms
- ✓ Bathrooms
- ✓ Nightclubs
Recorded sessions: South Carolina DOC virtual visits are recorded and subject to review. If inappropriate behavior happens, the visit can be terminated immediately.
For help with the application process, contact the visitation office at visitation@doc.sc.gov or call 803-896-1838 (press 1). If your issue involves your approved visitation list or an approval problem, start there - otherwise you'll end up troubleshooting the wrong thing.
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