INTRO
Washington's Department of Corrections (WDOC) operates 12 state correctional facilities housing approximately 17,000 people - from the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla to the Monroe Correctional Complex northeast of Seattle. The statewide visiting framework is governed by DOC Policy 450.300 (Visits for Incarcerated Individuals), with each facility publishing its own detailed Visitor Guidelines document.
Three things define Washington's system in this directory. First: visitors cannot wear red shirts, khaki pants, or gray sweatpants or sweatshirts - these are the colors of Washington inmate uniforms, and all three are prohibited simultaneously. No other state in the directory prohibits three distinct uniform colors at once. Second: Washington explicitly accepts tribal identification as a valid government-issued ID - one of the few states in the directory to name it in the published rules. Third: Washington operates a full Extended Family Visit (EFV) program allowing eligible inmates and their immediate families to spend time together overnight in private housing units - one of the most developed overnight visitation programs in the directory.
Washington uses commercial bail bonds - bail_banned = false.
VISITOR APPLICATION - ELECTRONIC ONLY, THREE-WEEK PROCESSING
The Department accepts only Electronic Visit Applications for prison visits. Paper applications are not accepted.
Apply: doc.wa.gov/visiting/prison-visits (Approved Visitor List application)
The same electronic application process must be completed for both in-person prison visits and video visits.
Processing timeline:
- Applications are generally processed in approximately 3 weeks
- In some cases more time may be needed
- Allow a minimum of 1 month before inquiring with a facility about application status
- Submitting multiple applications for the same individual visitor will cause a delay in processing - submit once and wait
Once approved: the inmate is responsible for notifying the visitor of approval. Individuals denied placement on an Approved Visitor List will be informed in writing of the reasons for denial.
PRISON ALERTS & NOTICES:
Before traveling, check Prison Alerts & Notices at doc.wa.gov - conditions at specific facilities may affect visiting plans.
THE ONE-LIST RULE - STATEWIDE VISIT SYSTEM
Individuals may only be on ONE inmate's Approved Visitor List at a time.
This is the strictest one-list rule in the directory. Rhode Island allows visitors to be on multiple inmates' lists with approval. Texas allows up to 10 names per inmate without restricting how many inmates a visitor can be approved for. Washington limits each visitor to one inmate's list, period - with one exception.
THE EXCEPTION - TRANSFERS:
When an inmate is transferred to another prison facility, the Approved Visitor List remains and is automatically available in the Statewide Visit System. Visitors do not need to reapply after a transfer. The inmate is responsible for notifying visitors of transfers.
TO MOVE TO A DIFFERENT INMATE'S LIST:
A visitor who wishes to be removed from one inmate's Approved Visitor List must submit a written removal request to the Statewide Visit Unit at PO Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504-1118, or by email. The removal request must be submitted before applying to visit another incarcerated individual.
This sequence matters: remove first, then apply. Attempting to apply for a second inmate while still on the first inmate's list will cause the application to fail.
DRESS CODE - RED, KHAKI, AND GRAY PROHIBITED
Washington publishes detailed Visitor Guidelines at each facility (available at doc.wa.gov). The dress code applies statewide under DOC 450.300 with facility-specific additions. The guidelines below reflect the WCC Visitor Guidelines (rev. 07/29/2024) and WSP Visitor Guidelines - consistent across facilities.
THE THREE-COLOR PROHIBITION:
Washington inmates wear red shirts, khaki pants, and gray sweatpants and sweatshirts. All three are prohibited for visitors:
- No red shirts
- No khaki pants
- No gray sweatpants or sweatshirts
This is unique in the directory. Texas prohibits white (inmate color). California prohibits blue denim and blue chambray. Washington prohibits three distinct items simultaneously because its inmate uniform uses three distinct colors. This catches visitors who might wear any one of these colors casually - khaki pants in particular are extremely common civilian attire.
No clothing resembling Department (staff) uniforms is also prohibited.
FULL DRESS CODE STANDARDS (WCC/SCCC/WSP Visitor Guidelines, rev. 07/29/2024):
- Outer garment shirts must have sleeves
- No hooded clothing of any kind
- Shorts, dresses, skirts, capris, skorts, and slits: no more than 3 inches above the middle of the kneecap when standing
- No light-colored, sheer, or transparent clothing unless non-transparent clothing is worn underneath and no skin is visible through it
- Appropriate undergarments required and must not be visible
- No clothing revealing breasts, cleavage, stomach/midriff, bare chest or back - including when arms are raised
- No camouflage - even small decorative camouflage patches are prohibited
- No tactical or cargo pants (carpenter pants are acceptable)
- No bibbed attire
- No pants with multiple side pockets
- No sagging pants
- All clothing must be clean and in good repair without rips or tears
- No references to obscenity, alcohol, drugs, Security Threat Group (STG), violence, or sex
FOOTWEAR:
- Shoes, sandals, flip flops, and boots must be in good repair with no holes, rips, or tears
- No quilted, fur-lined, or steel-toed footwear
- High heels maximum 3 inches from heel to ground
- Shoes must be removed to clear the electronic detector - feet will contact the floor
JEWELRY (from SCCC guidelines):
- No more than 2 rings; a wedding set counts as 1 ring
- One necklace
- One bracelet
- Religious and medically necessary head coverings are allowed but subject to search
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING:
Children's clothing must not reveal underwear when they crawl, spin, or move. Shorts under dresses may be appropriate.
Guidelines apply to visitors 8 years of age and older; some provisions may not apply to younger children.
LOANER CLOTHING PROGRAM:
Washington offers loaner clothing to visitors whose dress does not meet requirements. The visitor may be asked to wait until other visitors are processed and then offered loaner clothing. Key rules:
- Loaner clothing is offered a maximum of twice per visitor
- After two dress code violations annually, the visitor may be denied visiting privileges for the day
- Failure to return loaner clothing may result in suspension of visiting privileges
- When loaner clothing is declined, the visit is denied for the day
The Shift Commander/designee makes the final determination on clothing appropriateness.
FRAGRANCE-FREE VISITING ROOMS
Visit rooms in Washington state prisons are fragrance-free for the health and comfort of those with allergies. Do not wear perfume, cologne, scented lotions, or other fragrances to visits. This is published in the Visitor Guidelines and enforced.
Washington is one of the only states in the directory with a published fragrance-free room policy.
TRIBAL IDENTIFICATION - EXPLICITLY ACCEPTED
Visitors age 18 and older must present a valid, current photo identification at the time of the visit. Washington explicitly lists tribal identification as accepted ID alongside:
- Driver's license or state ID card
- Passport
- Military or government identification
- Alien registration
Washington's explicit naming of tribal identification reflects the state's significant tribal population and the practical reality that tribal IDs are valid government-issued photo IDs in Washington. No other state in the directory names tribal ID explicitly in its published visiting rules.
VISITING HOURS - FACILITY-SPECIFIC, BROADLY AVAILABLE
Each facility has its own visiting schedule. Unlike most states that restrict to weekends only, Washington facilities typically offer visits multiple days per week. Examples:
Washington Corrections Center (WCC - Shelton):
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Washington State Penitentiary (WSP - Walla Walla):
Monday-Sunday: 10:15 AM - 3:30 PM (7 days per week)
Schedules vary by housing unit and security level. Check each facility's current Visitor Guidelines at doc.wa.gov for housing unit-specific visiting hours.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
Many Washington DOC facilities host family-friendly events that may disrupt regularly scheduled visiting hours. Each facility maintains a Family Friendly Events Calendar. Check the calendar before traveling - events at WCC, for example, are common and can affect entire visiting day schedules.
300-MILE RULE:
In limited circumstances, a visit may not be ended for visitors who have traveled over 300 miles or who rely on specialized public transportation. If an inmate has already had a visitor that day, additional visits may be restricted when the visiting room is at maximum capacity.
EXTENDED FAMILY VISITS (EFV) - OVERNIGHT PRIVATE UNIT
Washington's Extended Family Visit (EFV) program is one of the most developed overnight visitation programs in the directory. DOC Policy 590.100.
WHAT EFV IS:
EFVs are visits in prison facilities between eligible incarcerated individuals and their immediate family members in a private housing unit - not a visiting room. Visits are overnight or multi-day in a private setting. EFVs are intended to support sustainable relationships important to reentry and provide incentive for those serving long-term sentences to engage in positive behavioral choices.
EFV ELIGIBILITY:
- Visitors must be immediate family members who can provide legal verification of the relationship
- Domestic violence convictions: not eligible for EFVs
- Serious violent or sex offense: EFV Review Committee must review the request and provide a recommendation to the Deputy Assistant Secretary before Superintendent approval
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Apply through the electronic EFV application system at doc.wa.gov
- Applications may be submitted no more than once annually
- Processing can take in excess of 12 weeks - apply well in advance
- All EFV participants require Superintendent/designee approval
EFV Resource Guide (updated January 23, 2025): doc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/500-GU020.pdf
Spanish version also available.
VIDEO VISITS
The same electronic visitor application process must be completed for video visits as for in-person visits. Both types require approved visitor status.
Per DOC 450.300, a record of each visit is entered into the Statewide Visit System. Visitor behavior observed by DOC staff may be electronically documented.
DCYF / Court-Ordered Minor Video Visits:
Social workers escorting a child for a DCYF case should use the 20-182 Government Designated Escort Application (not the standard visitor application). If a social worker allows a child to participate in video visits when the child is not an approved visitor, the social worker may be suspended or terminated from video visit privileges.
Video visit scheduling: contact the specific facility for current video visit schedule and platform.
SPECIAL VISITS
Special visits (DOC 21-787 Special Visit Request form) may be permitted for:
- Persons traveling long distances
- Hospitalized incarcerated individuals
- Professional visitors
Special visit approval is at the discretion of the facility Superintendent.
PROFESSIONAL VISITORS
WDOC has established expectations for professional visitors, guests, and groups. Professional visitors must be credentialed, licensed, and working in a professional capacity - clergy, attorneys, social workers not escorting a minor, tribal/other government officials. Separate guidelines apply under DOC 150.150, DOC 450.300, and DOC 590.500.
FEDERAL BOP IN WASHINGTON
Federal inmates from Washington fall under BOP Residential Reentry Management Seattle. Federal prisons operating under BOP Program Statement 5267.09.
Federal facilities serving Washington:
- FDC SeaTac (Federal Detention Center, Tukwila/SeaTac area) - primary federal pre-trial and short-term detention in WA
- FCI Sheridan (Sheridan, OR) - serves Washington federal defendants
Pull current visiting details at bop.gov/locations/.
BOP RRM Seattle: 700 Stewart Street, Suite 13110, Seattle, WA 98101
REENTRY CONNECTION
WDOC operates reentry centers in Olympia, Reynolds (Seattle), and other locations statewide. See our Washington halfway houses page at inmateaid.com/halfway-houses/washington/ for statewide reentry resources.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why can't I wear red, khaki, or gray to a Washington prison visit?
A: Washington inmates wear red shirts, khaki pants, and gray sweatpants and sweatshirts as their institutional uniform. Visitors are prohibited from wearing all three to prevent confusion during emergencies. This is published in every WDOC facility's Visitor Guidelines.
Q: Can I visit two different inmates at Washington state prisons?
A: Not at the same time. You may only be on one inmate's Approved Visitor List at a time. To move to a different inmate's list, you must first submit a written removal request to the Statewide Visit Unit, then apply for the new inmate's list.
Q: Does Washington accept tribal ID for prison visits?
A: Yes - tribal identification is explicitly listed as an accepted form of government-issued photo ID alongside driver's licenses, passports, and military IDs. This is specifically published in WDOC's visitor rules.
Q: What is the Extended Family Visit program in Washington?
A: EFVs are overnight stays in private housing units at Washington state prisons for eligible inmates and their immediate family members. Applications are submitted once per year and can take more than 12 weeks to process. Domestic violence convictions disqualify. More information at doc.wa.gov (EFV Resource Guide, updated January 2025).
Q: Can I wear perfume or cologne to a Washington prison visit?
A: No - Washington's visiting rooms are fragrance-free for the health and comfort of visitors with allergies. Do not wear perfume, cologne, or scented products to any visit.
Q: What happens if my clothing doesn't meet Washington's dress code?
A: You may be offered loaner clothing. If you accept it, you can proceed with the visit. Loaner clothing is offered a maximum of twice per visitor. After two dress code violations in a year, you may be denied visiting for the day. Failure to return loaner clothing may result in suspension of visiting privileges.
Q: What is the 300-mile rule in Washington?
A: Visits for individuals who have traveled more than 300 miles or who rely on specialized public transportation may not be ended in certain circumstances where capacity is the only issue. The facility has discretion. TruthFinder WIDGET Search Washington inmate and arrest records COUNTY GRID All 39 Washington counties - pills linking to county visitation pages DATA SOURCES WDOC Prison Visits: doc.wa.gov/visiting/prison-visits WDOC FAQ: doc.wa.gov/visiting/help-support/frequently-asked-questions-faq WDOC Resources: doc.wa.gov/visiting/resources DOC Policy 450.300 Visits for Incarcerated Individuals: referenced across all facility pages WCC Visitor Guidelines (rev. 07/29/2024): doc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/wcc-visitors-guidelines.pdf SCCC Visitor Guidelines (rev. 07/29/2024): doc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/sccc-visitors-guidelines.pdf EFV Resource Guide (January 23, 2025): doc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/500-GU020.pdf Red/khaki/gray prohibition: confirmed from WCC and WSP guidelines (both 2024 revisions) Tribal ID accepted: confirmed from multiple InmateAid WDOC facility pages (WSP, WCCW, WCC) One-list rule: confirmed from multiple InmateAid WDOC facility pages Statewide Visit System (transfer-proof): confirmed from InmateAid pages and doc.wa.gov/visiting/prison-visits Electronic application only, 3-week processing: confirmed from InmateAid WCC page and doc.wa.gov Loaner clothing program: confirmed from WCC Visitor Guidelines Fragrance-free rooms: confirmed from WCC Visitor Guidelines (rev. 07/29/2024) Family-friendly events calendars: confirmed from InmateAid WCC page 300-mile rule: confirmed from InmateAid WSP West Complex page EFV domestic violence ineligibility: confirmed from EFV Resource Guide January 2025 Application once per year, 12+ weeks processing: confirmed from doc.wa.gov/visiting/prison-visits Jewelry limits (2 rings, 1 necklace, 1 bracelet): confirmed from SCCC Visitor Guidelines Special visits form (DOC 21-787): confirmed from doc.wa.gov/visiting/resources DCYF video visit application (20-182): confirmed from doc.wa.gov/visiting/prison-visits High heels 3-inch max: confirmed from InmateAid Olympia Reentry Center page Statewide Visit Unit: PO Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504-1118 WDOC HQ: PO Box 41100, Olympia, WA 98504-1100 BOP RRM Seattle: 700 Stewart Street, Suite 13110, Seattle, WA 98101 FDC SeaTac: Tukwila/SeaTac, WA
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