QDC Visitation Center

Visit an Inmate

1. Visitors will be subject to passive canine searches when arriving to the Rikers Island Visit Control Building or the Borough facilities, or any other facility including the Hospital Prison Wards.
2. All visitors 16 years of age and older must present valid current identification that contains a photograph and signature. Acceptable forms of identification for all visitors are listed below.
3. Children under the age of 16 who are accompanied by an adult over 18 are not required to present any identification at all.
4. A 16-year-old or 17-year old with valid identification may accompany a child under the age of 16 if he or she is the parent of that child and the inmate being visited is also the parent of the same child. In this case, the 16- or 17-year-old must produce a birth certificate for the child under the age of 16.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

From any state or territory in the U.S.:

• Current drivers license
• Valid Employment ID card with photo AND most recent employment paycheck/stub
• DMV Non-driver license identification card

Other Acceptable Forms of Identification

• Resident alien or permanent resident card issued by the U.S. Department of Justice
• Passport (from any country)
• NYS benefits identification card (Medicaid/food stamp photo ID)
• U.S. Armed Services identification
• Consulate-issued or diplomatic identification
• IDNYC card

If you have any questions while at a facility, please ask a Correction Officer or Supervisor

Visiting with Children

We recommend that families with children under the age of 6 come at the following times:
2:00pm - 5:00pm on Wednesday and Thursday
7:00am - 10:30am Friday-Sunday
During these suggested times DOC staff will do their best to expedite families with small children through the line at the Benjamin Ward Visit Center. If you have a child under 6, please speak to the visit greeters located in the central visit area.
Strollers without electronic or GPS features are permitted to be brought into the facilities. If your stroller has electronic or GPS features, there is an area outside of the central visit area where you can secure your stroller. You must bring your own lock and chain in order for you to secure the stroller.
You are permitted to bring two clear plastic baby bottles, one baby blanket, one bib and diapers with you into the facilities. No glass containers will be permitted. On the visit floor you will only be permitted to bring 1 blanket, 1 plastic bottle and 1 baby bib. Extra diapers and all other items can be stowed in a locker at the visit waiting area at each facility.