How to Schedule a Visit at Wateree River Corrections Institution (step-by-step)
Visiting someone at Wateree River? You'll need to get approved first, then book your slot through the GTL scheduler at least 15 hours ahead. Here's how to make sure your application, name, and ID all match up before your visit.
At Wateree River (SCDC), the incarcerated person kicks off the approval process - not you. If they want you on their visitor list, they'll send you SCDC Form 19-127 (
Reminder: Each inmate is allowed a maximum of 15 approved visitors on their visiting list, so choose and plan carefully.
Starting June 1, 2025, adults 18 and older with a valid South Carolina driver's license can register online. It's the fastest option for most visitors. Just remember: you still need to be someone the inmate has requested. Approval comes from their list, not from showing up at the door.
Paper applications are still accepted for adults who don’t have a driver’s license or state ID - for example, if you use a passport or a U.S. visa. If you’re applying by paper, mail the completed visitation application to: Division of Visitation and I/M DT, P.O. Box 212969, Columbia, S.C., 29221-2969.
- ✓ If you’re registering online, make sure you’re 18+ and have a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
- ✓ If you’re applying on paper (for example, using a passport or U.S. visa), mail it to: Division of Visitation and I/M DT, P.O. Box 212969, Columbia, S.C., 29221-2969.
- ✓ Before you do anything else, confirm the inmate sent you SCDC Form 19-127 (“Request for Visiting Privileges”) - that’s how the process starts.
Once you're approved, you still need to book your visit. All visits must be scheduled at least 15 hours in advance through the GTL scheduler - don't wait until the night before.
- Get on the approved visiting list - the inmate must send you SCDC Form 19-127 (“Request for Visiting Privileges”), and you need to be approved before you can schedule.
- Schedule your visit through GTL (15+ hours ahead) - all visits must be booked at least 15 hours in advance using the GTL scheduler.
- Set up virtual visitation correctly (if you’re doing a video visit) - anyone on the approved list can request a virtual visit, but each visitor must create an account and the account name must match the approved visitation list.
- Bring the right ID when you arrive - visitors age 10 and older must present a public safety photo ID. Visitors under age 10 must present a certified long-form birth certificate.
Tip: Name mismatches cause a lot of problems. For virtual visits, your GTL account name needs to match the name on the inmate’s approved visitation list (no nicknames).
Questions about visitation or the application? Email the Visitation office at visitation@doc.sc.gov. You can also call the Visitation Inquiry Line at 803-896-1838 - press 1 for application questions or to leave a message.
- ✓ You have questions about the visitation application process (call 803-896-1838 and press 1, or email visitation@doc.sc.gov).
- ✓ You’re running into scheduling problems and need help sorting out the process.
- ✓ Your virtual visit account name doesn’t match the approved visitation list and you need to fix it before your visit.
Quick Checklist Documents
- ✓ Age 10 and older: bring a public safety photo ID.
- ✓ Under age 10: bring a certified long-form birth certificate.
For virtual visits, your account name must match the name on the inmate's approved visitation list exactly. Different spelling? Missing middle name? Nickname instead of legal name? Get it corrected before you try to join - otherwise you could lose your time slot.
- ✓ Start with the inmate: you need SCDC Form 19-127 (“Request for Visiting Privileges”) from them.
- ✓ Confirm you’re approved and on the inmate’s visiting list (maximum of 15 approved visitors per inmate).
- ✓ Schedule through the GTL scheduler at least 15 hours before the visit.
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