What 'No Visiting List Required' Means for VADOC Visits (and what still applies)

Effective June 1, 2023, VADOC stopped requiring inmates to complete and submit an Inmate Visiting List to their counselor in January and July. At the same time, visitors are no longer required to be on an inmate’s approved visiting list in order to be approved for in-person visitation.

Even with “no visiting list required,” you still have to be approved as a visitor. All visitors - adults and minors - must submit the correct visitor application online for Central Visitation Unit approval before staff will permit a visit. Adults use the Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F1), and minors use the Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization (851_F6).

• ✓ Bring at least one valid, government-issued picture ID that matches the information on your application
• ✓ Driver’s license
• ✓ Passport (only for those who do not reside in the United States)
• ✓ Military ID
• ✓ Other official picture ID issued by a federal or state agency

Plan for the approval process to take time. Processing an online visitation application typically takes about 45 days for Virginia residents and about 90 days for out-of-state residents. VADOC sends status updates to the email address you put on your application, so use an email you can reliably access and keep an eye on it while you wait.

Approval isn’t permanent. All visitor applications expire three years after their approval date - and that expiration rule applies across the board, including adult visitors and minor visitors.

1. Find your approval date - visitor approvals expire three years after the date you were approved, so that date is what your renewal timing is based on.
2. Renew at least 45 days before expiration (in-state) - in-state visitors should submit a new, updated visitor application online at least 45 days before the expiration date to avoid an interruption.
3. Give it time and watch your email - processing typically takes about 45 days for Virginia residents, and VADOC sends status updates by email.

1. Find your approval date - visitor approvals expire three years after the date you were approved, so check that date first.
2. Renew at least 90 days before expiration (out-of-state) - out-of-state visitors should submit a new, updated visitor application online at least 90 days before the expiration date to keep visits from being disrupted.
3. Plan around the longer processing window - processing typically takes about 90 days for out-of-state residents, and status updates are sent by email.

• ✓ Submit the correct online application for Central Visitation Unit approval (851_F1 for adults, 851_F6 for minors)
• ✓ Make sure the name and details on your ID match what you put on the application
• ✓ Bring at least one valid government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, qualifying passport for non-U.S. residents, military ID, or other official federal/state picture ID)
• ✓ Save the emails you receive about your status
• ✓ Schedule your visit after you’re approved