How to Get on an Inmate's Visitor List at Wise County Jail

Wise County Jail doesn't do walk-in visits. Your name and personal information must already be on the inmate's visitation card before you arrive. This means planning ahead matters. Show up without being listed, and staff will turn you away - even if you drove hours to get there. Save yourself the trip: confirm you're on the card before you go.

1. Ask the inmate directly - The inmate is the person who has the visitation card, so they can often tell you whether you’re already listed.
2. Confirm with the jail before you travel - If you’re coming from out of town or you’ve never visited before, call the jail and ask whether your name is on the inmate’s visitation card.
3. Verify again when you arrive - When you check in for visitation, staff can confirm whether you’re listed. If you’re not, you won’t be approved to go back for the visit.

Wise County Detention Center publishes online and phone payment instructions for other services. Those transactions use facility number 24080 and the inmate's booking number - but they won't help you get added to a visitation card. There's no online "visitor list" form. To confirm or fix your visitation status, call the jail directly.

Not on the visitation card yet? You'll need to get added before you can visit. Usually, the inmate adds you through the jail's process. You can also call the jail to ask what's required for visitor approval. Need something outside the normal process - like an exception or special arrangement? Wise County Jail requires special visitation requests in writing to the Jail Administrator or their designee, approved before the visit. Call first to find out exactly what to include and where to send it.

• ✓ If you’re 17 or older, bring picture ID for check-in.
• ✓ Use an accepted photo ID: a state-issued card, driver’s license, military ID, or passport (other forms require shift supervisor approval).
• ✓ If the visitor is 16 or younger, an approved adult visitor must accompany them.

If you're a former inmate, plan ahead. Wise County Jail won't allow you to visit until 45 days after your release. Getting close to that 45-day mark? Confirm your eligibility before traveling so you don't get turned away at check-in.

Some visits need extra approval beyond being on the visitation card. At Wise County Jail, any special visitation request must be submitted in writing to the Jail Administrator (or a designee) and approved before the visit. Planning to request a special visit? Call the jail first. They'll tell you where to send your request and what details to include.

1. Confirm you’re listed on the visitation card - Your name and personal information have to be on the inmate’s visitation card, or you won’t be admitted for visitation.
2. Re-check right before you leave - Policies and approvals can shift; a quick call can save you a wasted trip.
3. Go in prepared for final discretion at the door - Staff can still deny or terminate a visit if something comes up that threatens safe, secure facility operations.

Trying to handle everything online? Keep the systems straight: payment tools use facility number 24080 and the inmate's booking number, but there's no online option to add visitors. For visitor-list questions, a phone call to the jail is still your best bet. Confirm you're approved before spending time and money on the trip.