Visiting in Indiana (IDOC)

Visiting an incarcerated person in Indiana involves two separate steps: registering and getting approved on the incarcerated person’s visitor list, and then scheduling each visit. Both are handled through the state’s vendor, ViaPath, at idoc.gtlvisitme.com. Because each prison sets its own visiting days and hours, confirm the schedule and limits with the specific facility.

Step 1: Getting on the approved visitor list

Before anyone can schedule a visit, they must register and be approved on the incarcerated person’s visitor list. Each incarcerated person may have up to 12 approved visitors. Registration is done online through ViaPath, and the process also requires supplying supporting documentation; visitors are not added at the door.

People at a reception center (intake)

Step 2: Scheduling the visit

Once approved, each visit is scheduled through ViaPath at idoc.gtlvisitme.com. All scheduling uses Eastern time, even at facilities in the Central-time zone, so account for the time difference when booking at a Central-time prison. Each prison sets its own visiting days, hours, frequency, and limits; confirm them with the specific facility before booking.

What to wear

Indiana sets visiting dress standards at the facility level, and each prison enforces its own dress code. General rules across IDOC prisons:

• No revealing, sheer, see-through, or tight clothing.
• No shorts, miniskirts, or skirts and dresses above the knee.
• No tank tops, halter tops, or bare midriffs.
• No clothing that resembles what incarcerated people or staff wear (for example, all-khaki outfits) or any gang-related attire.
• Appropriate undergarments are required.

Because dress standards are enforced at the door and vary by facility, confirm the specific prison’s current rules before traveling.

Identification

Every visitor age 16 or older must show a valid government-issued photo ID at every visit — a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government ID. A younger child does not need photo ID but must be approved on the visitor list and accompanied by an approved adult.

What you can bring

Items carried inside are tightly limited. Generally a visitor may bring a photo ID and a car key. Not allowed inside: cell phones, bags, and gifts. Money for the person is sent through ViaPath (ConnectNetwork), never handed over at a visit. Confirm the specific facility’s rules on lockers and whether any money is allowed for vending.

Contact visits

Where contact visits are allowed, a brief handshake, embrace, or kiss is permitted at the beginning and end of the visit; hand-holding is generally allowed during the visit, and a small child may sit on the incarcerated person’s lap. The specific rules and any non-contact restrictions are set by the facility and the person’s status.

Video visiting

Indiana offers video visits through ViaPath, scheduled and paid through gtlvisitme.com (the same platform used to register and schedule in-person visits). The visitor must be on the approved visitor list, the same as for an in-person visit. Confirm the specific facility’s video-visit availability and rules.

Verify Before Acting

For the general, nationwide overview of this topic, see the national guide: Visiting Basics.