What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your Tipton Visit

Before worrying about what to pack, confirm you're actually cleared to visit. Tipton requires pre-approval through the Missouri DOC visiting application, which includes a criminal history check. Don't plan a trip until that approval comes through - showing up early won't speed anything up, and you could be turned away at check-in.

Still working on your application? Here's a tip: you'll need the offender's Department of Corrections Identification Number (DOC ID) to complete the online form. Have it ready before you start so you're not stuck mid-application searching for it.

On the day of your visit, keep your basics simple. Plan to have a valid photo ID ready at check-in, and only bring what you can legally and clearly explain if staff ask about it.

Coins Small Items

• ✓ Coins for vending machines must be in a clear sandwich bag or a transparent plastic pouch.

Bringing other small allowed items? Same rule applies as vending coins: keep them minimal and easy to inspect. The more cluttered your pockets and bags, the slower check-in feels for everyone.

Infant Supplies

• ✓ One clear carry-all
• ✓ 6 diapers
• ✓ 1 blanket
• ✓ 3 clear plastic bottles of prepared infant beverage
• ✓ 1 clear plastic no-spill toddler cup
• ✓ 3 unopened vendor containers of baby food
• ✓ 1 plastic pacifier/teether/rattle
• ✓ 1 small plastic spoon
• ✓ 1 unopened package of baby wipes

Have a medical need? You can bring life-sustaining medications and necessary equipment - things like nitroglycerin, insulin and insulin supplies, oxygen, or asthma inhalers. Keep everything in the original container and bring only the dosage you'll need during the visit. That way there's no question about why you have it.

1. Notify the institutional case manager in advance - let them know you’ll need medication or medical support during visitation so staff are aware of your needs.
2. Tell staff at check-in - when you arrive, notify staff that you have medication you may need to use during the visit.
3. Bring a physician’s statement for special equipment - if you have special medical equipment (like a walker, wheelchair, or surgically implanted metal hardware), have documentation from your physician ready.

This is exactly why packing light matters. Visiting approval includes a criminal history check, and staff take violations seriously. If you're unsure whether something's allowed, leave it in your car - or better yet, at home. A denied visit is frustrating. Criminal charges are worse.