Los Angeles County Jail Visiting Information
Los Angeles County Jail Inmate Visiting and Visitation Guide
Family members and approved visitors can use the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Video Visitation System, known as IVVS, to register and schedule available inmate visits. Visiting availability depends on the inmate's housing location, eligibility and the facility's current schedule.
Have the inmate's full legal name and booking number available before starting.
How to Schedule a Los Angeles County Jail Inmate Visit
- 1
Find the inmate's current housing location and booking number through the Inmate Information Center.
- 2
Open the official LASD inmate-visiting advisement.
- 3
Read the advisement and select "I ACKNOWLEDGE."
- 4
Register for an IVVS visitor account using a valid email address and accurate personal-identification information.
- 5
Add or locate the inmate using the inmate ID or the inmate's name.
- 6
Add every participating adult and minor visitor to the visitation account.
- 7
Select an available date, time, location and visit type displayed by the scheduling system.
- 8
Review the facility's visiting policy and confirm the appointment.
- 9
Save the confirmation email and arrive at the facility early with proper identification.
What to Bring to an Inmate Visit
Every adult visitor must possess an accepted, valid form of photo identification.
Accepted Photo Identification
- Driver's license issued by any state
- California identification card
- U.S. military identification
- Passport or visa
- Mexican Consulate Card
- Permanent Resident Card
Also Required
- Appointment confirmation
- Inmate's name and booking number
- Required documentation for minors
- Only items expressly permitted by the facility
Can Children Visit an Inmate?
Children may participate in a visit when they are properly registered as minor visitors in the IVVS system. A minor cannot schedule or attend a visit independently. Every minor must be accompanied by and remain under the close supervision of a parent or verifiable legal guardian.
The parent or legal guardian must present the required documentation for the minor during check-in. Add every participating child to the reservation before confirming the visit.
How Early Should Visitors Arrive?
LASD's visiting policy instructs visitors to arrive early enough to complete identification, photograph and security procedures. Current instructions state:
- Arrive 60 minutes before the appointment at Pitchess Detention Center/NCCF and Men's Central Jail (MCJ).
- For all other visiting locations, arrive at least 30 minutes before the appointment and check in with staff.
Arriving late may result in the visit being canceled.
Los Angeles County Jail Visiting Dress Code
Visitors must wear shoes and shirts at all times. Clothing considered inappropriate or displaying gang affiliation is not allowed. Because facility personnel determine whether clothing complies with visiting requirements, visitors should choose modest clothing that does not create a security concern.
What Items Are Prohibited During a Jail Visit?
- Cell phones
- Cameras
- Radios
- Recording devices
- Purses
- Briefcases
- Backpacks
- Weapons
- Drugs
- Contraband
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass containers
- Other personal property prohibited by the facility
Visitors, belongings and vehicles located on custody-facility property may be subject to security inspection.
How Often Can an Inmate Receive Visits?
Visit availability and duration depend on the current facility, the person's eligibility and the appointment shown in IVVS. Confirm the current reservation requirements before traveling.
How Far in Advance Can I Schedule a Visit?
The LASD visiting portal currently allows visitors to schedule available appointments up to seven days in advance. Appointments can fill quickly, and no walk-in visits are allowed. Check the portal again if no appointment appears.
Are Video Visits Available?
LASD's visitation system can manage in-person and video visits. The visit types actually offered will appear in the scheduling portal and can vary by facility, inmate housing assignment and current operations.
Can Someone on Probation, Parole or With a Felony Conviction Visit?
Visitors who are on probation or parole, were previously convicted of a felony or were formerly confined in a state prison may require written preapproval before visiting a Los Angeles County jail or sheriff's station.
They should complete the required preapproval process and receive approval before scheduling or traveling to the facility.
Visit the LASD visiting portal for the current form and instructionsLASD Inmate Visiting Help
IVVS Public Visiting Support
Los Angeles County Jail Inmate Visiting Questions
Visiting procedures vary by facility. View the full LASD jail facilities directory to confirm the correct facility address before traveling.
Ready to Schedule an Inmate Visit?
Review the LASD visiting advisement and continue to the official IVVS registration and scheduling system.
Schedule an Inmate Visit