How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visiting at Stafford Creek starts with an electronic visitor application. Once approved, your name gets added to the incarcerated person's Approved Visitor List. Processing takes time—official pages list up to 45 business days on the prison-visits page and about 50 business days on the FAQ page—so plan ahead. Don't submit duplicate applications; doing so voids your earlier submission. At check-in, visitors 18 and older need valid, current photo ID. International visitors must present a passport. Minors can visit, but their online application must include a completed, notarized DOC 20-441 Parental/Guardian Consent form. Expect searches of all visitors and belongings. Refusing a search means a 90-day suspension the first time and termination of visiting privileges the second. For updates or questions, contact facility visit staff (leave a voicemail with the incarcerated person's six-digit DOC number) or the Statewide Visit Unit for identity verification and documentation.
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Getting a child approved to visit someone at Stafford Creek comes down to the online visitor application—plus one extra form. Minors can visit Washington state prisons, but the DOC 20-441 consent form must be completed, notarized, and attached to the minor's electronic application.
Waiting for visit approval can feel like the hardest part — especially when you're juggling time off and travel plans. Here's what Washington DOC actually publishes about processing times, why it sometimes takes longer, and what to do if your application seems stuck.
Video visits are straightforward once your account info matches your ID and you understand the scheduling rules. Follow these steps to get set up for Stafford Creek—and avoid the common mistakes that block or suspend visits.
Your first visit to Stafford Creek goes smoothly when you arrive with the right ID, your visitor application already approved, and a clear sense of what to expect at security.
Submit the electronic visitor application and wait for approval; once approved, you’ll be added to that person’s Approved Visitor List. Processing can take several weeks (official pages cite up to 45 business days or about 50), and duplicate applications void earlier submissions.
If you’re 18 or older, bring valid, current photo ID; international visitors must bring a passport. Minors can visit, but their online visitor application must include a completed, notarized DOC 20-441 Parental/Guardian Consent form.
All visitors and their belongings are subject to search. If you refuse, you can receive a 90-day suspension for a first refusal and termination of visiting privileges for a second refusal.
Trying to put money on someone's account at Stafford Creek? Washington DOC offers three official options: Securus Debit, Western Union, or a cashier's check/money order. Which one works best depends on how quickly you need the deposit to post, what fees you're willing to pay, and how much paperwork you want to deal with.
