Visiting Applications and FAQ for Visiting Nevada Inmates

Maintaining the relationship you have with someone who becomes incarcerated is an integral part of the inmate's rehabilitation.  Visitors give an inmate something to look forward to, and a support structure they can later use once released.  Unfortunately, when people think of visiting a prison they often feel discouraged and overwhelmed at the process and don't know where to start.  To make it easier for everyone to visit an inmate in Nevada we have amassed the most important things you need to know.

• Inmates must initiate the visiting process by submitting an "Inmate's Application for Visiting Privileges" (DOC-3007).  This application must be filed for each individual the inmate wishes to have visited.  The visitation department will then fill out the top of the Nevada Inmate Visitors Application, initialing and dating it and will mail the application to the prospective visitor.
• All prospective visitors must fill out the Nevada Inmate Visiting Application (DOC-3000).  We have provided a copy of the application so you can see what questions are asked, you cannot use the application we provide because a visiting staff member needs to fill out the top portion.
• Return/mail the completed visiting application to the visitation office of the facility your inmate is incarcerated in.
• It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for the visiting application to be approved or denied.  If approved, the Nevada Department of Corrections will mail an approval letter with a copy of the visiting rules and regulations.  If your application is denied you will be sent a letter of disapproval stating the reasons.
• If your application is denied you may write a letter of appeal to the Warden of the facility and attach any supporting documents that may help bolster your case.
• If you are not an inmate's immediate family member you will need to reapply every three years.
• Once you are approved you may visit an inmate during the scheduled visiting hours posted on the facilities page on this site.  It is a good idea to call ahead to ensure visitation has not been canceled or changed.
• All visitors must bring valid identification with them to be admitted to the facility.  Anyone 16 years or older must have a valid photo ID that can be a state or federal ID, a driver's license, passport or military ID.
• If you are bringing someone under the age of 16 with you to the visiting session you will need to provide a certified copy of the minors birth certificate.  This copy will be kept by the institution in the visiting information file.
• In order to enter into the visiting room, all visitors will be searched and will be required to pass through a metal detector.  The facility may use canines to aid in the search, and your car may also be searched once it is on institutional grounds.

Additional information you may want to know when visiting an inmate in Nevada:

• Special visits may be granted only by the Warden and must be approved at least 24 hours in advance.  They will be non-contact and will only be given for a justifiable reason.  Verified immediate family members can be approved for a one-time non-contact visit while they await the approval of their visitor's application.
• Never bring a firearm or other weapon with you to a correctional facility.
• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, and electronics of any kind are prohibited from entering into the facility, leave these items in your car.  Media personnel and Officials visiting may request an exception to this.
• Tobacco and related products such as lighters and matches are not allowed to enter into the facility with you, leave these items in your car.
• Your visit may be recorded and monitored.
• If you are visiting with children you must control them at all times, failure to do so will result in termination of the visit.
• If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol during your visit you will not be admitted and may have your visiting privileges revoked.
• Some facilities will allow you to bring up to $40 in small bills or coin to purchase items from the vending machines in the visiting area.  Please note, not all facilities have vending machines available.
• If you are traveling with a small child/infant you are allowed to bring two diapers, five baby wipes and a single change of clothes in a clear Ziploc bag.  You may also bring pre-measured formula in a plastic bottle and leave it with the visiting officer.  Upon request, they will fill the bottle with water and heat it in a microwave.  Toys, teethers, strollers and diaper bags are not allowed and should be left in your car.
• All personal items, including wallets and purses, should be left in your car.  The only items that should enter into the facility with you are your ID, (ID/certified copy of a birth certificate for children), a single car key, and up to $40 in small bills or coins in a Ziploc bag.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Nevada Inmates

It is important to understand that all correctional facilities institute a strict dress code and rules of conduct for visitors.  These rules and regulations exist to ensure the safety, security, and order of the facility, staff, and visitors.  

Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in you being denied entry into visitation.  Failure to follow the rules will result in the visit being terminated and the possible suspension of visiting privileges.  The dress code is interpreted and enforced by the staff, so what may have been okay during one visit, a staff member may deem inappropriate during a subsequent visit.  Because of these possible irregularities, we suggest you always bring a change of clothes with you and leave them in your car, this will enable you to quickly change if an item of clothing you are wearing violates the dress code.

• You are allowed a brief hug and closed-mouth kiss at the start and end of the visit.  Any prolonged kissing, petting/massaging/caressing, bodily contact is prohibited.
• Disruptive and abusive behavior between a visitor and staff, a visitor and an inmate, or between visitors will result in termination of visiting privileges.
• Once you leave the visiting room, the visit is over and you may not re-enter.
• Animals and children may not be left inside the car while you visit.
• Visitors may not bring any items with them to give or pass to the inmate.
• Any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothes or the staff's clothes is prohibited, this includes blue denim jeans, jackets, skirts etc.
• No white T-shirts may be worn.
• No bare feet, flip-flops, or sandals are allowed.  Shoes must be worn at all times.
• Any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed (includes low cute blouses).  Sleeveless shirts/dresses, culottes, halter tops, tank tops, are also prohibited.
• Tight clothing such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, or clothing that is sheer or see-through may not be worn, this also includes tight fitting pants.
• No stretch or tight fitting skits may be worn.
• No sweats or athletic clothing is allowed.
• Sunglasses, hats, bandannas, scarves, and headbands are prohibited, as are wigs, toupees and hair pieces.
• Excessive jewelry is not allowed and may cause the metal detector to go off and require a more extensive search to be conducted in order for you to enter into visitation.
• Buttoned or zippered skits and dresses are not allowed.
• Skirts and dresses that are above the knee or have a slit above the knee, or a slit longer than three inches are not allowed.
• Shorts are not allowed (does not apply to children under eight)
• If your clothing contains offensive language or images you will not be allowed to visit.