What to Bring (and Leave Behind) for Visiting at Waupun Correctional Institution
A smooth visit at Waupun Correctional Institution comes down to two things: showing up at the right time with the right ID, and leaving behind anything that'll slow you down at the entrance. Here's what to pack—and what to skip—before you head out.
Arrive no more than 15 minutes before visiting hours start. Show up much earlier and you'll end up waiting outside rather than getting checked in.
Anyone 16 or older needs photo ID. No acceptable ID? You'll be turned away before you reach the visiting area.
A valid state driver's license is the easiest option, but a valid passport or visa, DMV photo ID, military ID, or tribal photo ID will also work.
What to Bring
- ✓ A valid photo ID (required for visitors age 16+)
- ✓ Valid state driver’s license, OR
- ✓ Valid passport or visa, OR
- ✓ Valid DMV photo ID, OR
- ✓ Valid military identification card, OR
- ✓ Valid tribal photo ID
Note: If you lack photo ID due to a religious requirement, Wisconsin DOC visiting guidance may allow an alternative process - like a signed and notarized affidavit. Check the current DOC visiting information before your trip.
You'll pass through a metal detector on the way in, and what you wear matters. Skip metal jewelry and avoid clothing with lots of hardware - buckles, snaps, bib overalls, and underwire bras are common culprits. Dressing low-metal saves time and spares you the stress of repeated screening.
You get three attempts to clear the metal detector. Fail all three, and you won't be allowed into the visiting room that day.
Warning: Three failed attempts at the metal detector means no visit - you'll be denied entry.
Planning to grab snacks during your visit? The vending machines only accept credit or debit cards - no cash.
Bring just one credit or debit card for vending. Only visitors can operate the machines - the person you're visiting isn't allowed to handle money or use the vending equipment.
Want to add money to someone's account? Don't mail gift cards, cash, or personal checks - they'll be returned. Use Access Corrections for deposits instead.
- ✓ Gift cards, cash, or personal checks (these are unacceptable in mail and are returned to sender)
- ✓ Extra credit/debit cards for vending (WCI allows one card)
- ✓ Metal-heavy jewelry
- ✓ Clothing with lots of metal hardware (buckles, snaps, bib overalls)
- ✓ Wire undergarments or other items likely to trigger the metal detector
The two most common reasons visitors get turned away are both preventable: no acceptable photo ID (required for anyone 16+) and failing the metal detector three times. Either one means you won't make it into the visiting room.
Dealing with a complicated ID situation - name changes, missing documents, or a religious exemption? Check the Wisconsin DOC visiting information for the current acceptable ID list and any alternative procedures before you make the trip.
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