Commonwealth of Virginia - Department of Corrections - Inmates, Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization

Applying for Visitation

  • Who you can visit

    Only applications to visit inmates housed in a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) facility will be accepted. If you would like to visit an inmate in a local or regional jail, or a Detention and Diversion Center, please contact that jail about their application process.

  • How it works

    If you would like to visit an inmate in a VADOC facility, you must complete a visitation application. Once submitted, we will email you to confirm receipt of your application. All applications for minors must be attached to an adult application.

  • How long it takes to apply

    The online application process will take about 20-30 minutes. You cannot save your answers as a draft, so you will need to complete the form and submit in one sitting.

  • Items you need to complete application

    Before you begin, make sure you've collected the following:

    1. The inmate's first and/or last name OR inmate ID number
    2. A form of picture ID (your driver's license, passport, etc.)
    3. Your Social Security Number
  • How long it takes to hear back

    Processing your application takes about 45 days for Virginia residents and 90 days for out-of-state residents. Longer processing time may be required for certain applicants.

    We will send status updates to the email address you provide in your application.

    If your application is approved, you will then be required to schedule a visit using our online scheduling system.

The following errors were found in tour application. They must be completed/corrected before submitting your application for visitation.

All questions/fields with asterisk are required.

Step 1/8

Visitor Questionnaire

Yes

No

Are you a current or former VADOC employee, contractor, or volunteer? If so, please answer the following:
VADOC Employment Status (Choose One)*
Are you eligible for re-hiring? If a volunteer, are you allowed to return?
Did you meet any of the inmates while you were an employee, contractor, or volunteer at the VADOC?
"Are you currently under active parole or probation supervision? If so, please answer the following two questions."
Have you ever been convicted of a felony as a juvenile or adult?
Are you banned from having contact with an inmate under an existing protective order, no-contact order, or Child Protective Services/Adult Protective Services ruling?
Are you currently or have you previously been a member of a gang, racial supremacy group, or another similar organization as defined in the Code of Virginia §18.2-46.1?

Types of Visitation

Please select which type of visitation you are applying for.

(Choose One)*

Step 2/8

Select Who to Visit

Step 3/8

Your Relationship to Inmate

Select your relationship to the inmate:

Step 4/8

Your Information

ID Type (Choose One)*

Step 5/8

Physical Description of You

Race (Choose One)*
Sex (Choose One)*
Hair Color (Choose One)*
Eye Color (Choose One)*
Height*
Weight*

Step 6/8

Your Contact Information

Phone Type(Choose One)*

If you would like to add a minor to your application, please continue to the following section. If you would not like to add a minor to your application, skip to the submission portion of the application.

Step 7/8 (Optional)

Add a Minor to Your Application

If you would like to add a minor to your visitation application, you must be:

  • A parent or legal guardian of the minor OR
  • An individual with notarized written approval from the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

If the above is true, then you must be able to verify:

  • You meet the above criteria AND
  • The minor is not a victim of the crime of the inmate they want to visit

Please answer the following questions about the minor.

Yes

No

Is the minor a victim of the inmate they wish to visit?
Has the minor ever been convicted of a felony?
Is the minor currently under active court supervision?
Is the minor currently or has the minor previously been a member of a gang, racial supremacy group, or another similar organization as defined in the Code of Virginia §18.2-46.1?
Race (Choose One)*
Sex (Choose One)*

Select the inmate's relationship to the minor.

Step 8/8

Submit Your Application

By clicking “Submit Application,” I certify the information above is true and correct. I understand that providing false information on the form is grounds for denying visitation privileges.

Return to the top of the page