Self Surrender Checklist

Read First

Before Surrender — Legal & Documentation Readiness

• Ask counsel to confirm the receiving institution has your Judgment & Commitment and PSI on file before report day.
• Confirm designation details (facility, date/time) and that BOP Designation Center forwarded your file to the institution.
• Set a contingency plan if paperwork is delayed (who calls the facility/BOP/counsel if intake stalls).

Report Day Details & Contacts

Financial Readiness & POA

• Set a monthly budget for phone/email/commissary (common ranges ~$100–$400 depending on usage).
• Plan initial funds for account setup (e.g., bring permitted cash for deposit; family can add via approved methods).
• Anticipate possible bank/brokerage changes post-conviction; prepare backups or account ownership updates.
• Establish a limited Power of Attorney (mail, banking, vehicle registration, taxes, signatures).
• Enable autopay for rent/mortgage, car, insurance, phone, and subscriptions.

Seven Day Countdown

• Confirm report date, time, and facility address with counsel. Verify the facility has required paperwork for intake.
• Choose a point person who expects your first call within 24 hours of arrival and will follow up if it doesn’t come through.
• Set up automatic payments for rent/mortgage, car, insurance, phone, and subscriptions.
• Arrange a limited Power of Attorney (or trusted designee) for mail, banking, vehicle registration, taxes, and signatures.
• Prepare a paper contacts list (names, phone numbers, addresses). Phones aren’t allowed at intake.
• Collect current prescriptions, dosage info, physician contact, and key medical records to present at intake.

Day of Surrender

• Arrive early, rested, and sober. Bring only approved items. Dress neatly and avoid large logos or graphics.
• Carry a government-issued photo ID and your J&C (if advised by counsel).
• Bring medications in original pharmacy containers if permitted; also carry a printed list of prescriptions and dosages.
• Bring permitted funds for commissary/phone setup per facility rules.
• Leave smartwatches, jewelry beyond a plain wedding band (if permitted), electronics, and unapproved papers at home.

Bring With You

• Documents packet: photo ID, attorney info, (if advised) sentencing documents, medical records/prescriptions, emergency contacts.
• Printed phone & mail list (names, numbers, addresses). Include your point person at the top.
• Prescription eyeglasses (non-designer if possible). Contacts may be impractical—check facility guidance.
• Simple wedding band (plain, no stones) if allowed by policy.

Money & Accounts

• Secure or close unused cards and online accounts; enable fraud alerts on any left open.
• Arrange initial commissary deposit as permitted (mail-in, online, or lobby kiosk where available).
• Set up mail forwarding and plan for taxes (extensions, preparer contact, POA as needed).

Calls & Communication

• Set expectations with family about first call timing; there may be delays during intake and account setup.
• Decide who will be on your initial call list. Remind them to answer unknown/restricted numbers.
• Share correct mailing format (your full committed name and register number once assigned).

Medical & Medications

• Bring documentation for medically necessary devices (CPAP, orthotics, etc.) if allowed; policies vary by facility.
• Plan to submit a sick-call request after intake for urgent needs and confirm medications are continued or reviewed.

Property & Mailing

• Secure vehicles, keys, tools, firearms, and valuables with a trusted person. Update insurance as needed.
• Forward mail to a reliable address. Have someone open/scan important items for you.

After Intake: First Week

• Share your register number with family; confirm mailing address and call procedures.
• Complete phone/email setup (as available), add contacts, and request approvals if required.
• Follow up on any medical concerns via sick-call or appropriate channels.

Personal Growth: Reading Plan (Optional)

Journaling & Writing (Optional)

Values, Goals & Accountability (Optional)

Quadrant Decision Framework (Optional)

Release Plan (Optional)

• Define what success looks like post-release (work, family, health, service).
• Provide your driver’s license and Social Security card for your central file; keep copies with your family as backup.
• Discuss program eligibility (FSA credits, RDAP, halfway house/home confinement) early and stay on top of milestones.

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