Free · Printable · Nothing saved
Visit-day checklist: New York prisons
What to wear, which ID to bring and what you can carry in, from NYS DOCCS's official rules. Pick a prison to add its address, phone and hours. Print it or keep it on your phone.
Before visit day
- ☐ DOCCS does not use a pre-approved visitor list for most visitors: with few exceptions, anyone may visit during visiting hours with proper ID if the person agrees to the visit. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ People on probation or parole, DOCCS employees, volunteers and contractors need written permission from the Superintendent in advance (and, for probation/parole, from their officer). People with pending or past criminal cases may be denied. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Minors must be with an approved adult escort or have written permission from a parent or guardian; children of the person may visit without written permission. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Check for lockdowns or cancelled visits: New York facility status.
What to wear
- NYS DOCCS's dress code isn't on the official pages we could read. Check the official visiting page (opens in new tab) or call the prison before you go.
ID to bring
- ☐ Acceptable forms of photo identification must be valid and current (not expired), and may include: A driver’s license with photo (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ For minor children only, birth or baptismal certificates may be used for identification. (official source) (opens in new tab)
What you can bring, what stays in the car
- ☐ There are vending machines in the visiting room or in a nearby room, so it is a good idea to bring change for the vending machines. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Do not have any contraband on you when you enter the facility. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Before leaving home, check your vehicle for contraband and/or hazardous items and be sure to remove these items before entering correctional facility grounds. (official source) (opens in new tab)
More from NYS DOCCS on visiting
- ☐ Visiting days and hours differ by facility. Generally maximum-security prisons have daily visiting and medium-security prisons visit on weekends and holidays; some use last name or DIN to set days. Call the facility before your first visit. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Bring valid photo ID. All adult visitors must pass a body image scanner for a contact visit; if you decline, you may get a non-contact visit that day (up to 2 visitors, 2 hours). (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Medical exemptions to the scanner must be approved in advance using DOCCS's form. Visitors under 18 are not scanned. (official source) (opens in new tab)
- ☐ Leave phones, purses and wallets locked in your car; don't leave children in the car. (official source) (opens in new tab)
Rules can differ by prison and change without notice; the prison's posted rules win. Quoted or summarized from official NYS DOCCS pages, each linked. Not legal advice. No sponsors or affiliate links. Last checked .
Sources: How we source and verify · Last verified: · Corrections