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Visit denials, dress code problems and mail rejections

Why visits get denied or suspended and how to appeal each one, why mail gets rejected and how to appeal a rejection or censorship notice. With a printable dress code checklist and an appeal letter.

Important: each facility can have its own rules, and they change often. Check the facility's official page before you go or send anything. This isn't legal advice.

Coverage

Verified against official sources: Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and federal BOP. Checked 2026-10-21.

1. Why visits get denied or suspended

  • Application denied: incomplete or false information, criminal history, being on parole or probation, warrants, or being a victim in the case.
  • Denied at the door: dress code, no valid ID, refusing a search, or appearing under the influence.
  • Visit terminated: breaking conduct rules, physical contact that isn't allowed, not controlling children.
  • Suspension: contraband (the most serious, sometimes permanent) or drug write-ups for the person inside.

2. How to appeal

  • Ask for the reason in writing and keep the notice.
  • Appeal within the deadline, to the person the notice names (usually the warden). Attach documents.
  • The person inside can also file a grievance.
  • If it was the dress code, use the checklist below and try again at the next visit.

3. Why mail gets rejected

  • Instant (Polaroid-type) photos, photos that are too large, or too many in one envelope.
  • Musical, padded, laminated or multilayered greeting cards.
  • Stickers, glitter, lipstick, perfume, stains or unknown substances.
  • Colors, materials or paper the facility doesn't allow.
  • Publications not sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor.
  • No return address, or no ID number for the person.

Some states send mail to a vendor that scans or copies it, and the person receives only the copy. We name a vendor only where the official policy names it. For Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and the BOP, the official sources we checked don't name a mail-scanning vendor: Colorado says it photocopies mail at its own facilities. In other states, check the agency's official mail policy.

4. How to appeal a rejection or censorship notice

  • Read the rejection notice: it should say what was rejected and why.
  • The sender appeals in writing (to the warden, where the policy says so) within the deadline. The person inside files a grievance.
  • Ask that the item be held while the appeal is decided.

What each state publishes (official sources)

Idaho

Visits

  • Application: every visitor needs a background check and an application sent to the facility where the person is housed (out-of-state facilities: online application only). It normally takes 2 to 4 weeks. The person inside is told the decision and must tell the visitor.
  • Denied application: under the Visiting SOP, immediate family may reapply in 90 days or appeal within 14 days of the notice. Others may reapply in one year or appeal within 30 days to the division chief or deputy chief. The person inside may also grieve a denied application.
  • Criminal history: the SOP has an approval table for applicants with felony charges, arrests or convictions; some need a deputy warden or higher.
  • Suspensions: a confirmed drug-related write-up, or involvement in bringing in major contraband that is a felony, suspends all visits for six months. Facility heads may suspend up to six months; longer is termination.
  • Appealing a suspension: the visitor may file a written appeal to the facility head within 14 days of the notice.

Mail

  • Allowed: letters, up to 20 loose photos 5" x 8" or smaller, and greeting cards 8" x 10" or smaller that are not padded, laminated, multilayered or musical.
  • Rejected: Polaroid-type instant photos, stickers and other promotional items, stamps or envelopes, clippings, padded envelopes, letters or envelopes stained or with lipstick or lip balm, strong perfume or unusual odors, and publications not mailed directly from the publisher or a bookstore.
  • Notice: mailroom staff notify the person inside on a Correspondence, Publication, Item, and Contraband Denial Form within three working days. Some items (like padded or musical cards) are returned to the sender with the form.
  • Appeal: the person inside uses the grievance and informal resolution process (SOP 316.02.01.001).

Official source: IDOC: Visiting (opens in new tab) · IDOC SOP 604.02.01.001: Visiting (PDF) (opens in new tab) · IDOC: Visiting Rules for Residents and Visitors (PDF) (opens in new tab) · IDOC: Mail Guidelines (opens in new tab) · IDOC SOP 402.02.01.001: Mail Handling in Correctional Facilities (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Colorado

Visits

  • Application: every visitor needs a current application on file, sent the way the facility's page says. Refusing to give information, leaving it out or giving false information can lead to denial; when visits are denied, CDOC says it gives as much detail as reasonable so the applicant can resolve the application.
  • Criminal history: people on parole or probation, and people with past felonies (3 years after finishing an incarceration sentence, 1 year after other felony sentences) need the administrative head's approval. Immediate family can be reviewed sooner. Anyone with an active warrant is denied.
  • Denied at the door: failing the dress code, no valid ID, refusing search procedures, or appearing under the influence.
  • Terminated and suspended visits: suspensions can be 30 days, 90 days or one year, and permanent for contraband or escape attempts. The administrative head reviews within three business days, and the visitor and person inside are told in writing within ten business days. A suspension at one facility applies at all CDOC facilities.
  • Your side: after a denial or termination for cause, the visitor may give the administrative head any relevant information in writing.

Mail

  • Photocopied mail: CDOC says all non-legal mail at all DOC facilities, state and private, is currently photocopied. The person gets the copy, and the original is destroyed. Don't send originals you need back.
  • Photos: commercially produced photos shipped directly from a CDOC-approved vendor under AR 300-26 are processed like publications and not photocopied. All photos are reviewed.
  • Address: use the commitment name, DOC number, facility and a valid return address. Mail without a return address may be rejected.
  • Rules and appeals: AR 300-38 (Offender Mail) and AR 300-26 (Publications) set the rules; the person inside can use the grievance procedure (AR 850-04).

Official source: CDOC: Visitation Rules and Procedures (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Contact an Inmate (mail) (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Department Policies (AR 300-01, 300-38, 300-26, 850-04) (opens in new tab)

Nevada

Visits

  • Application: send the visiting application to the institution where the person is housed, not to central office.
  • Denied application: NDOC sends a denial letter with the reasons. To appeal, write to the Warden of the facility and attach documents for reconsideration. If the Warden denies it, the appeal goes to the Deputy Director of Operations for review.
  • Criminal history: anyone convicted of a felony in any state needs prior written approval from the Deputy Director. People on probation or parole need written consent from their supervisor. People with pending charges are denied unless the Warden or Deputy Director approves.
  • Denied at the door: no valid photo ID, refusing inspection, under the influence, not controlling children, not appropriately dressed, or not enough space. Visitors may appeal to the Warden on the next business day.
  • Suspensions: the Warden or Associate Warden may suspend a visitor indefinitely (for example, for contraband), reviewed every six months at the visitor's written request. The written notice must explain the reason, how long, and how to appeal.

Mail

  • Allowed: up to 10 personal photos per envelope (no larger than 8" x 10"), with the person's name and NDOC number on the back; one greeting card per envelope, no larger than 8" x 10", and no musical or electronic cards.
  • Notice: if any mail is rejected, the person inside gets a written notice describing the item and the reason, and the sender is notified too.
  • Appeals: the person inside may grieve under AR 740. The sender may appeal by writing to the Warden or facility Manager within 20 calendar days of the rejection notice; that decision is final.
  • Rejected items: if the person doesn't grieve, they have 10 days to choose to return the item, send it to someone else at their cost, or have it destroyed.

Official source: NDOC: Visiting Information (opens in new tab) · NDOC AR 719 Visitation Manual (updated 8/28/2017, PDF) (opens in new tab) · NDOC AR 750: Inmate General Correspondence and Mail (effective 12/17/13, PDF) (opens in new tab) · NDOC: Mailing Items to Offenders (opens in new tab)

Federal (BOP)

Visits

  • Approval: you can only visit if the person puts you on their visiting list and the BOP clears you. Staff may ask non-family visitors for background information, and when little or no information is available, visiting may be denied pending review (28 CFR 540.51). The person inside is told when someone isn't approved.
  • Violations: breaking visiting rules can lead to discipline for the person inside, including denial of future visits, and criminal prosecution for crimes (28 CFR 540.52).
  • Appeal: the person inside uses the Administrative Remedy Program (BP-9 within 20 calendar days).

Mail

  • Inspection: staff open and inspect all incoming general correspondence (28 CFR 540.14). The Warden may reject mail found detrimental to security, good order or discipline.
  • Notice and appeal: when mail is rejected, the Warden notifies the sender in writing with the reasons and tells them they may appeal. The person inside is notified too, with the right to appeal. An official other than the one who rejected it decides the appeal (28 CFR 540.13).
  • Packages: not allowed from home without prior written approval from the unit team.

Official source: BOP: Visiting (opens in new tab) · BOP: Communications (mail) (opens in new tab) · 28 CFR part 540 (mail and visiting rules) (opens in new tab)

Other states

We haven't verified official visiting and mail rules for these states yet. Use the agency's official page:

Printable dress code checklists

Dress code checklist: Idaho

  • ☐ Conservative, modest clothing and proper underclothing
  • ☐ No sleeveless garments, bare midriffs, scrubs, shorts, cutoffs or miniskirts
  • ☐ No hats, caps, bandanas or doo-rags (medical exceptions possible)
  • ☐ No spandex, low-cut or see-through clothing
  • ☐ No multi-layered clothing such as coats and sweatshirts
  • ☐ No bare feet
  • ☐ No pictures of any kind, oils, sunglasses or documents; no paper money (coins in a clear plastic bag)
  • ☐ Current photo ID
  • ☐ Checked the facility's rules and schedule today

Dress code checklist: Colorado

  • ☐ Fully dressed: no cleavage line, back or midriff showing while standing, sitting or bending; no spaghetti straps
  • ☐ Pants, skirts and dresses no shorter than the top of the knee; no shorts of any style or cargo pants
  • ☐ No sheer or transparent clothing, or clothing with holes or rips
  • ☐ No solid gray, solid green, solid orange, solid white, solid yellow, camouflage, or anything that looks like inmate clothing
  • ☐ No gang, obscene, drug or alcohol designs; no photo, name or DOC number of a person in prison
  • ☐ Jewelry: only a wedding ring set, one religious medallion and medical alert badges
  • ☐ No hats, gloves, scarves, coats or hooded clothing (religious and disability exceptions)
  • ☐ No tight, form-fitting dresses or yoga pants
  • ☐ Shoes required; no removable heels or adornments
  • ☐ Current photo ID
  • ☐ Checked the facility's rules and schedule today

Dress code checklist: Nevada

  • ☐ Sensible, conservative clothing; undergarments required
  • ☐ No blue denim (jeans, jackets, skirts) and no white T-shirts
  • ☐ No shorts (except children under 8)
  • ☐ No see-through, sleeveless, halter, tank or bare-midriff tops
  • ☐ No low-cut or plunging necklines
  • ☐ No mini-skirts (more than 2 inches above the knee), slits over 3 inches, wrap-around or tight skirts
  • ☐ Stretch pants only with a top past fingertip length (exception for pregnancy)
  • ☐ No bare feet or flip-flops
  • ☐ No hats, headbands, scarves or bandannas; no wigs or hair pieces; no sunglasses (prescription only)
  • ☐ No gang, offensive or profane logos; no heavy perfume
  • ☐ Current photo ID
  • ☐ Checked the facility's rules and schedule today

Dress code checklist: Federal (BOP)

  • ☐ Clothing appropriate for a large gathering of adults and young children
  • ☐ Generally not allowed: revealing shorts, halter tops, bathing suits, see-through clothing, crop tops, low-cut tops or dresses, leotards, spandex
  • ☐ Generally not allowed: miniskirts, backless tops, hats or caps, sleeveless garments, skirts 2 inches or more above the knee, high-cut slits
  • ☐ No clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type)
  • ☐ Check the facility's own Visiting Regulations before you go
  • ☐ Current photo ID
  • ☐ Checked the facility's rules and schedule today

Letter: appeal of rejected mail or a denied visit

Date: ______________________

To: Warden / ______________________, ______________________ (facility and address)

From: ______________________ (your name), ______________________ (your address)

About: [ ] rejected mail (date of notice: ______________________) [ ] denied visit or application (date: ______________________)

Person in prison: ______________________ (name and number)

I am appealing this decision. I believe the item or visit met the rules because:

__________________________________________________________________

Attached: ______________________

Please send me a written response. If the mail is being held, please keep it until this appeal is decided.

Signature: ______________________

General information, not legal advice. Who do I contact? Pick the problem and the state · What can I send? Books, photos, money and packages

Report an error on this page

Sources: How we source and verify · Last verified: · Corrections

What can I send? Books, photos, money and packages

Print or save for mail

Prints in black and white, without menus, with link addresses written out. To save a PDF, choose "Save as PDF" in the print window.

Before mailing, check the facility's mail rules: many accept only plain white paper with no staples, and some don't accept printed pages. Mail rules checker

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