How Long It Really Takes to Get Approved to Visit at Washington State Penitentiary
Getting approved to visit at Washington State Penitentiary takes longer than most people expect. Here's how Washington DOC processes applications, what "business days" actually means, and the one mistake that can restart your entire wait.
Everyone who wants to visit Washington State Penitentiary - or any Washington DOC prison - must complete a visitor application. DOC only accepts Electronic Visit Applications for prison visits, so plan on applying online for each person who intends to visit.
Applications are processed in the order received. DOC says processing can take up to 45 business days when no additional review is needed - so apply well before you're hoping to travel or schedule time off.
One DOC source says visitor applications are handled first-come, first-served and may take up to 45 business days unless additional review is necessary. That "additional review" caveat matters. Some applications simply take longer, even when you've filled everything out correctly.
Another DOC statement puts the current processing time at approximately 50 business days from submission. Remember: "business days" means weekdays only - weekends and holidays don't count. So 50 business days can stretch well past two calendar months.
Note: DOC cites high application volume and cases requiring additional review as reasons approvals can take longer. Their materials also give two different timelines (up to 45 business days vs. about 50 business days), so treat any estimate as a range - not a guaranteed date.
Avoid this: Submitting more than one application for the same visitor can slow things down. In many cases it doesn’t “bump” you forward - it resets the process.
Worried your application didn't go through? Resist the urge to submit again. DOC's guidance is clear: don't submit more than one visitor application. Additional applications can void the previous one and restart the processing clock entirely. Wait for the approval or processing email before trying again - unless you've been specifically directed in writing to resubmit.
Practical Preapply Steps
- ✓ Submit a separate visitor application for each proposed visitor, including minors.
- ✓ If you’re changing your relationship to an immediate family relationship, be ready to send copies of official documents (such as marriage and/or birth certificates) by USPS to the Statewide Visit Unit at PO Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504-1118, following the instructions you’re given.
Only mail document copies when specifically instructed - sending paperwork "just in case" creates confusion rather than speeding things up. If you have questions, start with the facility's visit staff. If they can't resolve it, reach out to the Statewide Visit Unit. When leaving a voicemail, include the incarcerated person's six-digit DOC number. If you email the Statewide Visit Unit, put the incarcerated person's name and DOC number in the subject line so your message gets routed correctly.
DOC notifies visitors by email once an application has been processed. Until you receive that email, assume you're not approved - especially if you're planning a long drive or booking time-sensitive travel.
- Watch for the processing email - DOC notifies you by email when your visitor application has been processed.
- Call the facility’s visit staff if you’re unsure - if you reach voicemail, leave the incarcerated person’s six-digit DOC number and a short summary of what you’re trying to confirm.
- Escalate to the Statewide Visit Unit if it’s still not resolved - include the incarcerated person’s name and six-digit DOC number in the subject line.
Plan ahead: Because DOC materials cite both “up to 45 business days” and “about 50 business days,” verify your status before you travel - even if you think you’re right at the finish line.
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