CDCR-sourced visiting logistics for California state prisons — confirm live status before travel.

Centinela State Prison

(760) 337-7900 ext. 5804

Open for in-person visiting

CDCR page date · 2026-06-20 | BTB checked · 2026-06-30

Visiting hours

In-person visitingFri 11:45am-6:30pm (no processing after 5:30pm); Sat/Sun 8:15am-3:00pm (no processing after 2:00pm)

Before you go — checklist

Dress code

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY (new rule): max 2 rings, 2 necklaces, 2 charms, 2 bracelets per visitor - jewelry item-count cap unique to this facility; spandex/biker shorts banned

Cash

Not restated on this page

Valid government photo ID for every adult. Includes state driver's license, passport, ICE ID, or Mexican Consulate ID.

Walk-ins

Fri 3:30pm-5:30pm; Sat/Sun 12:00pm-2:00pm - arrival as early as first appointment slot allowed but processed by availability

Know before you go

! Arrival procedure unique to CEN: visitors must line up in vehicles at the gray brick wall and wait for Outside Patrol Sergeant to physically escort them in (not a walk-up gate); 1hr grace period for scheduled visits (longer than most facilities' 15min); RHU (C6) email-only Sat 8am-Mon 8am window; all legal/notarized documents must be original, zero exceptions

Contacts

Visiting sergeant(760) 337-7900 ext. 5804

EmailCENVideoVisiting@cdcr.ca.gov

Friends Outside visitor center

HoursTue 7:30am-11:30pm (Admin Day, likely a typo for 11:30am on source site); Fri 11:00am-7:00pm; Sat/Sun/Holidays 7:30am-3:30pm

Phone(760) 352-2466

Provides childcare, clothing if you're out of dress code, transportation from nearby transit, and a place to wait before your visit.

Legal document service & notary

Litigation Coordinator Office(760) 337-9594

Fax(760) 337-7650

EmailCDCRCENLitigationCoordinator@cdcr.ca.gov

Office contact published by CDCR for attorney visits, notary services, and legal document service. Individual coordinator name is not publicly listed by CDCR.

More statewide rules

Full dress code

What you can bring

Getting approved to visit

Source details

Facility visiting statusCDCR facility page

Cash/items allowedCDCR items page

Dress codeCDCR attire page

Visitor approval / Form 106CDCR approval page

Legal / notary office contactsCDCR litigation list

Requires phone confirmation

! Call the Visiting Sergeant before publishing or traveling for facility-specific clothing colors, yard/housing-unit restrictions, walk-in availability, holiday changes, cash exceptions, construction access, or parking issues not shown on the live CDCR page.

Status can change without notice — always confirm the day of your visit.

Check live status on CDCR →