How to Schedule a Visit at a California Prison (GDC Visitation)

How to book a visitation appointment at a California Department of Corrections facility

To visit someone in a California prison, you must schedule an appointment through the GDC visitation system — the state's online booking platform for inmate visits. You cannot show up without a scheduled time slot. The process requires you to create an account, provide your identification, and select an available date and time that the facility offers. Most prisons in California use this same system, though a few older facilities still use phone-based scheduling.

The appointment system is free and operates seven days a week, though the hours and available slots vary by facility. Some prisons offer visits only on weekends; others have weekday slots as well. You will need the inmate's full name and CDC (California Department of Corrections) number to book. If you do not have the CDC number, you can search for the inmate on the CDCR Inmate Locator website first.

Key Takeaways

• You must book your visit through the GDC online system before arriving at the prison — walk-ins are not permitted.
• You will need the inmate's full name and CDC number, a valid photo ID, and a working email address to create your account.
• Visitation hours and available time slots differ by facility, so check the specific prison's schedule before booking.
• Most appointments can be booked up to 30 days in advance, though some facilities allow booking further out.
• You must arrive at least 15 minutes early and pass a security screening, including a metal detector and pat-down search.

Creating your GDC account and finding the inmate

Go to the official CDCR visitation website and select "Schedule a Visit." You will be asked to create a login using your email address and a password you choose. Keep this login information — you will use it every time you book a future visit.

Once logged in, you will search for the inmate by their full name and CDC number. If you do not know the CDC number, use the CDCR Inmate Locator tool (a separate search on the same website) to find it. The locator will also tell you which facility the person is housed in. Write down both pieces of information before you start your visitation booking.

After you locate the inmate, the system will show you their visiting rules — some inmates are on restricted visiting status, which limits who can visit and when. If the inmate is restricted, the system will tell you whether you are on their approved visitor list. If you are not approved and the inmate is restricted, you will need to contact the facility directly to request approval before you can book.

Selecting your visit date and time

The GDC system shows you all available time slots for the facility where the inmate is housed. Visitation hours vary widely: some prisons offer visits only on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while others have weekday slots or evening hours. Check the specific facility's schedule carefully — you cannot book a time that is not listed as available.

Most facilities allow you to book up to 30 days in advance. Some allow booking further ahead, but this varies by prison. If you are trying to book a visit more than a month away, check the facility's individual rules on the CDCR website. Peak times — Saturday and Sunday mornings — fill up quickly, so book as early as you can if you have a preferred date.

Once you select a date and time, the system will ask you to confirm your personal information: your full name, date of birth, and the relationship to the inmate (family member, friend, attorney, etc.). This information is used for the security screening when you arrive. Make sure it matches the ID you will bring on the day of your visit.

What to bring and what to expect at the gate

Bring one valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you used to book your appointment. You will also need your confirmation number, which the system emails to you after you book. Print it or have it ready on your phone.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will go through a security screening that includes a metal detector, a pat-down search, and a walk-through scanner. Remove your shoes, belt, and any metal items before you enter the metal detector. You may bring a small clear bag with essentials — rules vary by facility, but generally you can bring a clear plastic bag no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, containing items like tissues, a small amount of cash for the vending machines, and your ID.

Do not bring weapons, drugs, alcohol, or recording devices of any kind. Do not bring your phone into the visiting room — most facilities require you to leave it in your car or a locker. Clothing rules are strict: no orange or blue (inmate colors), no revealing clothing, no gang-affiliated symbols or clothing. Wear neutral colors and comfortable shoes — you may be on your feet for part of the screening process.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or change your visit, log back into your GDC account and select the appointment you want to modify. You can cancel or reschedule up until a certain time before your visit — most facilities allow changes up to 24 hours in advance, though some require more notice. Check your confirmation email for the specific deadline for your facility.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be flagged in the system and have trouble booking future visits. If an emergency prevents you from making your visit, contact the facility's visitation office directly as soon as possible to explain. The phone number is listed on the facility's CDCR page.

What happens if you cannot find the inmate or the facility is not listed

If the inmate locator does not show the person you are looking for, they may be in a county jail rather than a state prison, or they may have been released. The GDC system only covers California Department of Corrections facilities. If the inmate is in a county jail, you will need to contact that jail directly to schedule a visit — each county has its own system.

If you know the inmate is in a CDCR facility but the facility is not showing up in the GDC system, call the facility directly. A small number of older or specialized facilities still use phone-based scheduling instead of the online system. The facility's phone number is on the CDCR website under its individual facility page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but the facility may deny your visit request if your record involves crimes against the inmate or if you are a registered sex offender. The system does not run a background check automatically — the facility reviews your information after you book. If there is a problem, they will contact you before your visit date.

What if the inmate is on restricted visiting status?

Restricted inmates have a limited list of approved visitors. If you try to book and the system says the inmate is restricted, you are not on the approved list. Contact the facility's visitation office directly to request approval. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you want to visit someone newly restricted.

Can I bring my children to a visit?

Yes, but children must follow the same rules as adults: valid ID (birth certificate works for young children), appropriate clothing, and no phones or contraband. Some facilities have separate visiting areas for families with children. Check the facility's individual rules on the CDCR website before you book.

What if I arrive late to my appointment?

If you arrive after your scheduled time, the facility may not allow you to visit that day. The visitation room closes at a set time, and staff need time to process each visitor. Arriving 15 minutes early gives you a buffer. If you are running late, call the facility's visitation office immediately — they may hold your slot if you are close, but there is no may provide.

How long does a visit usually last?

Most visits last two to four hours, depending on the facility and the time slot you book. The system will show you the length of each available slot when you are choosing your time. Once your time is up, you will be asked to leave the visiting room.