Visitor Relationship Verification Documents

In addition to completing the registration forms, verification documents are required proving your relationship to the inmate.  Generally this calls for one or more official state or court documents before the corrections officer can draw a clear line between you and your incarcerated loved one.  The following was drawn from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections website.  It is recommended you call in advance to confirm the documentation you are bringing is satisfactory.   Requirements change without notice and may vary slightly between facilities.  Save yourself some time and make the call!  Phone numbers and more information about your loved ones facility can be found here.

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Spouse:  A copy of your marriage license to the inmate.

Parent: A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate (assuming you’re listed at a parent).

Adoptive Parent: A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate or copy of the inmate’s adoption papers.

Step-parent:  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of the marriage license between the birth parent and step-parent.

Child:  A copy of the child’s birth certificate.  If the inmate is not named on the child’s birth certificate, you may provide other documentation such as DNA Paternity Test Results, Court-ordered custodial papers, an Affidavit of Paternity, etc.

Step-child:  A copy of your birth certificate AND a copy of the marriage license between your parent and the incarcerated.

Brother/Sister:  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of your birth certificate.

Half-Brother/Sister:  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of your birth certificate.

Step-Brother/Sister:  A copy of the offender’s birth certificate AND a copy of your birth certificate AND a copy of the marriage license between the parent and step-parent.

Grandparent:  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of the inmate’s parent’s birth certificate to verify you are the parent of the inmate’s parent.

Grandchild:  A copy of your birth certificate AND a copy of your parent’s birth certificate (verify you are the child of the inmate’s child).

Aunt/Uncle (Biological):  A copy of the offender’s birth certificate AND a copy of your spouse’s birth certificate AND a copy of the inmate’s parent’s birth certificate (verifying both the inmate’s parent and inmate’s aunt or uncle have the same parents).

Aunt/Uncle (By Marriage):  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of your spouse’s birth certificate AND a copy of the inmate’s parent’s birth certificate (verifying both the inmate’s parent and your spouse have the same parents) AND a copy of your marriage license.

Father/Mother-in-law:  A copy of the inmate’s marriage license AND a copy of the inmate’s spouse’s birth certificate.

Brother/Sister-in-law (Inmate’s Spouse’s Sibling):  A copy of the inmate’s marriage license AND a copy of the inmate’s spouse’s birth certificate AND a copy of your birth certificate.

Brother/Sister-in-law (Inmate’s Sibling’s Spouse):  A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate AND a copy of your spouse’s birth certificate AND a copy of your marriage license.

Son/Daughter-in-law:  A copy of your marriage license AND a copy of your spouse’s birth certificate.

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Verification of many of the relationships above require one or more birth certificates.  If you don’t have your birth certificate or can’t locate it, the process for obtaining it will vary from county to county but try these agencies first.  Your local government agency will probably be the fastest and least expensive.

For Ohio Adoption Records and Information

Local Marriage and Divorce Records

 

Updated: April 23, 2015 — 12:24 am