How do I arrange a visit to someone in Los Angeles County jail?
Confirm the person's current jail location, then register and schedule through LASD's official visitation system. Start with the Inmate Information Center, then follow Schedule a Visit from the LASD Custody page or open the Inmate Visitation Scheduling System. Include every visitor and save the appointment confirmation.
The scheduling system lists appointments up to seven days ahead and states that public visits require an appointment, with no walk-ins. Available times depend on the facility and the person's visiting status. Follow the current scheduling instructions.
Independent information: This website is not affiliated with LASD. We cannot reserve visits, approve visitors, change appointments, or accept identification or clearance applications on behalf of a jail.
Confirm the Jail and Visiting Status First
Use the official inmate search to identify the correct person and current facility. Have the full name and date of birth available. Record the booking number when found; it is different from a court case number.
For help with a booking number or custody location, call LASD inmate information at 213-473-6100. If the search does not locate the person, see what to do when someone does not appear in the inmate search.
Confirm that LASD operates the facility. City police jails, state prisons, federal facilities, and juvenile detention facilities may use different visiting procedures.
A custody record does not establish visiting eligibility. Housing assignments, restrictions, and facility operations can affect availability. Ask the responsible facility about any unresolved visiting restriction or housing status.
Register and Schedule Through the Official System
Open the LASD Inmate Visitation Scheduling System. If entering through an advisement page, read it and follow its acknowledgment link to continue.
- Create or access your visitor account. Enter accurate information that matches your identification and complete the required registration steps.
- Add the visitors. Include everyone participating, including minors, according to the system's instructions.
- Select the person you want to visit. Check identifying information and the facility.
- Search available appointments. Choose an offered date, time, location, and visit type.
- Review the requirements. Read the facility's visitation policy, identification rules, and arrival instructions.
- Confirm the appointment. Complete the final confirmation step and save the visit details and confirmation number.
Creating an account or selecting a time does not complete the reservation. Check that the appointment is shown as confirmed. If an expected confirmation does not arrive, review the appointment status before making travel arrangements.
Check What Kind of Visit You Selected
LASD provides in-person and video visiting options where available. A video visit does not automatically mean you can participate from home; read the appointment's location and connection instructions.
Follow the duration and visitor limits displayed for the specific appointment rather than relying on older descriptions of visit lengths or weekly allocations.
Check Identification and Clearance Requirements
Bring the valid photo identification required by the facility. The visitation policy lists options such as a driver's license, state identification card, passport, and military identification. Review the current accepted-document list, particularly if your document is expired, damaged, temporary, or differs from the name in your visitor account.
Visitor registration does not replace entry screening or any required clearance.
Probation, Parole and Prior Felony Convictions
The scheduling system directs visitors on probation or parole, and visitors with prior felony convictions, to complete a visiting clearance form before visiting. Use the current Visiting Clearance Form linked from the official scheduling page and follow its submission instructions.
Confirm that approval has been granted before relying on a reservation. If you are uncertain whether clearance applies, contact the facility or the office identified on the form.
The LASD Custody FAQ identifies the Legal Unit at 213-974-0103 for the clearance process it describes. Check the current form for the office handling your application; this is separate from the appointment help desk.
Arrange Required Documents Before Bringing Children
Add each child to the scheduling system and include them in the appointment as instructed. Do not assume a child can accompany a registered adult without being included.
Review the visitation policy and receiving facility's requirements for:
- Proof of the child's age or identity.
- Proof of the accompanying adult's relationship or legal guardianship.
- Any required permission when the adult is not the parent or legal guardian.
- The number of children and adults permitted for the appointment.
The Custody FAQ discusses birth certificates, identification for older minors, guardianship documents, and notarized parental permission in certain circumstances. The scheduling policy also sets requirements for accompanying adults. If a grandparent, aunt, or another adult plans to bring a child, confirm that the arrangement is permitted and which documents are required before booking or traveling.
Children must remain supervised throughout the visit. Arrange childcare if a child cannot attend; do not leave children unattended outside the facility.
Prepare for Your Appointment
| Item | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Person and facility | Name, booking number, current facility, and appointment location. | The visiting location may differ from the booking location. |
| Appointment | Confirmed status, date, start time, visit type, and registered visitors. | Check-in arrangements depend on the selected appointment. |
| Identification and permissions | Accepted identification, child documents, and required clearance. | Missing documents or approval can prevent entry. |
| Arrival and check-in | Early-arrival interval, entrance, and check-in location. | Late check-in can result in cancellation. |
| Clothing and belongings | Dress rules, prohibited items, and storage arrangements. | Visitors and belongings are subject to security rules. |
| Accessibility | Assistance needed for scheduling, access, or participation. | Some arrangements require advance coordination. |
Arrive Before the Appointment Start Time
The scheduling page instructs visitors to arrive 60 minutes early at Pitchess Detention Center/NCCF and Men's Central Jail, and at least 30 minutes early at other visiting locations. Follow any different facility-specific instructions attached to your appointment.
Allow time for parking, finding the check-in area, identification checks, and screening. Arriving at the scheduled start time may be too late.
Review Clothing, Property and Security Rules
The official policy restricts phones, cameras, recording devices, bags, weapons, drugs, and other unauthorized property in visiting areas. Check which necessary items are permitted, how belongings must be stored, and what clothing is acceptable.
Follow staff instructions during screening and the visit. Do not bring items for the incarcerated person unless a separate official process authorizes delivery. A visiting appointment does not authorize delivery of medication, property, or documents.
If No Appointment Is Available or Plans Change
No Times Appear
Check the selected person, facility, date range, visitor list, and any approval status. Capacity, scheduling limits, visiting restrictions, or facility operations may affect available times.
Ask the facility about visiting eligibility if the reason is unclear. A lack of appointments does not establish release; use inmate information for unresolved custody-location questions.
The Person Is Transferred or the Visit Is Canceled
Recheck the current facility, appointment status, and facility notices before leaving. Do not assume an appointment follows the person to another jail.
Lockdowns, housing changes, and other operations may interrupt a confirmed visit. Follow any cancellation notice and the instructions for rescheduling.
You Cannot Attend
Use the official system to cancel or change the appointment as permitted. Review the resulting status and save the updated details. Contact visitation assistance if you cannot complete the change.
Contact the Correct Office for Help
For scheduling or account questions, the official system lists the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at 213-680-4887 and IVVSPublicHelpDesk@lasd.org. Published hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
For visitation-related disability assistance, it lists 213-972-2200 and ivvsAda@lasd.org. Published hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Confirm current availability on the scheduling page.
For a booking number or custody location, call 213-473-6100. For facility-specific visiting rules or eligibility, use the facility information linked from the LASD Custody page.
Have the booking number, facility, appointment details, and exact problem ready. Identify whether your question concerns account access, a reservation, clearance, child documentation, or an accommodation so it can be directed appropriately.
For broader custody services, see our County Jail page.
Visiting procedures, availability, and facility arrangements may change. Follow current official scheduling and facility instructions. Visit requests, identification, and messages submitted to this website do not reach LASD.