Q: What are the hours of operation for the Visitor Information Center (VIC) hotline?
A: Monday-Friday, 10:00am – 9:00pm
Q: If an individual in custody is transferred from one Division to another, do I need to complete another application?
A: No. Only one application is necessary to visit an individual in custody regardless if he/she is transferred. You will have to complete a new application when an individual in custody has been discharged and re-incarcerated.
Q: Do I need to complete a new application for every individual in custody I visit?
A: Yes. A new application must be generated for each individual in custody you wish to visit.
Q: Do I need to complete an application for my under age child to visit?
A: No. Only persons over the age of 17 must complete an application. Visitors 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an approved visitor who is visiting the same individual in custody.
Q: Where do I go on line to apply?
A: Apply by searching for the individual in custody above. A "Register online" link is provided to the right of the individual in custody's photo.
Q: What can I bring with me into the Department of Corrections?
A: To avoid inconveniences, delays in visits, or security problems, all visitors are encouraged to bring only those items you absolutely need, such as your keys and identification. A list of contraband is available HERE.
Q: How do I know if I'm approved to visit?
A: Applications will be processed within 7 business days of the date they were submitted. Please call the VIC at 773-674-8225 after the 7 business days to inquire if you have been approved. We also ask that you please call the VIC to inquire about your application prior to coming in to visit or email doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov.
Q: How often can I visit?
A: After you have been approved, you will be allowed to visit once per week during one of the individual in custody's scheduled visiting days and times.
