Visiting in Ohio (ODRC)

Visiting an incarcerated person in Ohio involves two separate steps: getting approved on the person’s visiting list, and then reserving each visit through ViaPath. These rules come from ODRC Policy 76-VIS-01 (effective February 16, 2026) and the ODRC Visiting Packet. Because each warden sets the actual visiting schedule for their prison, confirm the days, hours, and limits with the specific facility.

Step 1: Getting approved on the visiting list

Before anyone can reserve a visit, they must be approved on the incarcerated person’s visiting list. Each prospective adult visitor must:

• Complete the Adult Visitor Application (DRC-2096),
• Sign the general visiting instructions and a declaration of understanding, and
• Include a legible copy of a government photo ID.

The completed application can be submitted by U.S. mail, email, fax, or in person. Proof of address is not required. Visiting is not allowed until the application has been processed and approved.

How many visitors are allowed

The visiting list may include up to 15 approved adult visitors, of whom no more than 2 may be “friends.” Some visitors do not count toward that limit:

• Immediate family, the other parent of the incarcerated person’s children, and official visitors do not count toward the 15.
• Minors do not count toward the 15 either.

Minors

A minor visitor requires the Minor Visitor Application (DRC-2238), signed by the custodial parent or guardian, along with a birth certificate. A minor must be accompanied by an approved adult. Visiting a person convicted of a sex offense requires an additional form.

Step 2: Reserving the visit

Once a visitor is approved, each visit must be registered and reserved through ViaPath at gtlvisitme.com. There is no statewide set of visiting days and hours: each warden sets that prison’s visiting days, hours, frequency, and the number of visitors allowed at once. Confirm the specific prison’s schedule and limits before reserving.

What to wear

The ODRC dress code applies to all visitors:

• No see-through, torn, or ripped clothing — no skin showing through the fabric, and no holes.
• No halter, tube, crop, tank, or muscle tops, and nothing that exposes undergarments.
• Skirts, dresses, skorts, and shorts may be no higher than mid-knee.
• No skin-tight clothing — no leggings, jeggings, spandex, or tights.
• No wrap-around or break-away garments.
• Appropriate undergarments are required (bra, slip, and underwear).
• No gang-related or obscene/offensive clothing.

Underwire bras and hairpins may set off the metal detector.

What you can bring

Items are tightly limited:

• Photo ID — required and registered at every visit.
• A clear diaper bag with limited baby items (a reasonable number of diapers and wipes) is allowed; infant carriers are subject to search.

Not allowed: cell phones, smart watches, purses, handbags, backpacks, and strollers. Money is sent through ViaPath, never at a visit. All visitors pass through screening, including metal detectors.

Video visiting

Video visits are provided through ViaPath and require visitors to be registered and approved the same way as in-person visitors.

• At Level 1-3 prisons, video visits are available 7 days a week, with at least 9 hours a day available.
• At Level 4 / high-security (ERH) prisons, video visits are at the warden’s discretion and require a 48-hour advance reservation.
• About 15 video minutes a month are provided free, per the ODRC Visiting Packet.
• Video visits do not count against the number of in-person visits allowed. They are monitored and recorded.

Verify Before Acting

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