How to Apply for Visiting Privileges at Washington State Penitentiary

Washington DOC only accepts electronic visitor applications - no paper forms. Every person who wants to visit needs their own application, including minors.

You won't get approved on the spot. DOC sends an email once your application has been processed, so hold off on travel plans until that email arrives.

Documents Ready

• ✓ A valid, current photo ID if you’re 18+ (driver’s license or state-issued ID)
• ✓ A passport if you’re an international visitor
• ✓ A clear scan or photo of your ID saved as an image or PDF, so it’s ready if the online application asks for uploads

• ✓ A completed DOC 20-441 Parental/Guardian Consent for Minor Visit and/or Escort form, including notarization
• ✓ A scan or photo of the notarized DOC 20-441 saved as an image or PDF so you can attach it to the minor’s online application
• ✓ Any documentation you may need to show the child’s situation for visiting/escorting, if it applies to your circumstances

Children need their own online application, and the minor must be on the incarcerated person's Approved Visitor List. You'll also need to attach a notarized DOC 20-441 form to the minor's application. During visits, the child must stay with their non-incarcerated parent, legal guardian, or a designated escort the entire time.

DOC processes applications in the order they're received. One official timeline says processing may take up to 45 business days - longer if your application needs extra review.

DOC's visiting FAQ gives a slightly different estimate: approximately 50 business days from submission (weekends and holidays don't count). Timelines shift with volume, so treat the approval email as your green light - not a specific day count. While you wait, resist the urge to submit status inquiries or extra applications. DOC asks people not to because it slows everything down.

Once approved, shift into visit-planning mode. WSP has its own visiting hours, visitor guidelines, and event calendar - all listed on the DOC Prison Visits page. Bringing a baby or toddler? Check WSP's guidelines for allowed infant items, since those rules are facility-specific.

• ✓ The approval/processing email (keep it handy so you can reference it if needed)
• ✓ A valid, current photo ID that matches your application (driver’s license or state ID; international visitors need a passport)
• ✓ A plan to travel only after you’ve received the email saying your application has been processed

1. Contact the Statewide Visit Unit by email or voicemail - this is the channel DOC directs people to use for name updates.
2. Include the incarcerated individual’s name and DOC number - put it in your subject line if you’re emailing, and say it clearly if you’re leaving a message.
3. Provide your current name, previous name, and where your ID was issued - share the state or country of issuance so staff can verify.
4. Make sure your visitor name matches your current identification - approvals are tied to what’s on your valid, current ID.

1. Contact the Statewide Visit Unit - ask to update the relationship listed on your visitor information.
2. Gather proof if you’re changing to “immediate family” - DOC requires copies of official documents such as marriage certificates and/or birth certificates.
3. Mail document copies to the Statewide Visit Unit - send them via USPS to: Department of Corrections, Attn: Statewide Visit Unit, Post Office Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504-1118.

Need to fix something - like a name update or relationship change? DOC directs you to the Statewide Visit Unit (by email or voicemail, depending on the issue). Changing your relationship to immediate family requires mailing copies of official documents to the Statewide Visit Unit's PO Box. For minors, remember: the notarized DOC 20-441 must be attached to the online application upfront, not submitted later.