This form is used by individuals who wish to obtain permission to visit inmates in a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Virginia. It serves as a request for visitation privileges and authorizes the DOC to conduct a background check to ensure the safety and security of the facility, inmates, and visitors. The form is necessary for adults over the age of 18 or emancipated minors who want to visit someone incarcerated in a Virginia DOC facility.
Any adult aged 18 and over, or an emancipated minor, who wants to visit an inmate in a Virginia Department of Corrections facility needs to fill out this form. It is also required to fill out a separate form for each minor they wish to bring along on the visit, providing notarized approval from the minor's parent or legal guardian if they are not the parent or legal guardian themselves.
The form requires a variety of information, including:
-
Visitor's personal information such as legal name, date of birth, DMV or ID card number, and contact details.
-
Information about the offender the visitor wants to visit, including their name and the facility where they are incarcerated.
-
The visitor's legal relationship to the offender.
-
Vehicle information for visitors planning to drive to the facility.
-
A list of minors accompanying the visitor, along with a check if the visitor is the parent or guardian of those minors.
-
Several questions regarding the visitor's background, including any felony convictions, previous employment or volunteer history with the Department of Corrections, and more.
Providing false information on the Virginia Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form is grounds for denying visiting privileges. It is critical to provide accurate and truthful information to ensure your application is processed properly.
Can visitation privileges be revoked?
Yes, visitation privileges can be revoked or suspended for violations of the rules, overcrowding, suspicious behavior, or any other reason deemed necessary by the Department of Corrections to maintain the safety and security of the facility.
What should I do if I have been convicted of a felony?
If you have been convicted of a felony, you must disclose this information on the form. Depending on the nature of the felony and your current status, you may still be eligible for visitation, but this is at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. In some cases, additional documentation or approval from parole officers or the warden may be required.
Is there anything I need to do if I am currently under active parole or probation supervision?
Yes, if you are under active parole or probation supervision, you must obtain written permission from your chief parole officer and the Warden/Superintendent of the facility you wish to visit. This permission must be submitted along with your application form.
The completed form should be mailed to the Visitor Registration Unit at the address provided on the form: P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, Virginia 23261-6963. Make sure all sections of the form are filled out completely and legibly before mailing it to ensure smooth processing of your application.