How To Apply For Your NCDAC Volunteer Blue Card

by | Prison Ministry

  • From the Community Resource Council — Concerning the Spindale Correctional Facility Blue Card Program.

Beginning May 20, 2026 any completed applications that have cleared the process will be invited to a June 2026 training session to prepare you for issuance of a blue card. You must apply now!!!

We are so excited that you have felt called to step inside the walls and serve the men and women of our correctional facilities here in North Carolina.

The process to become an approved volunteer has moved entirely online, and we want to make sure no one gets left behind simply because the paperwork feels overwhelming.

Please read through these instructions carefully and reach out if you need help at any point along the way.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO YOUR NCDAC VOLUNTEER BLUE CARD

The Blue Card is the official volunteer ID that allows you access inside a North Carolina correctional facility. Here is everything you need to do to get approved.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN — CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Please confirm the following before you start:

  • You are 21 years of age or older
  • You have a valid, active state-issued photo ID or driver's license
  • You have not been convicted of a sex offense and are not required to register as a sex offender in any state
  • If you have a prior criminal conviction, your entire sentence (including probation or parole) must have been completed at least one full year ago with no new charges since
  • You do not have a personal, family, or intimate relationship with any offender housed at the facility where you wish to volunteer, and you are not currently on their visitor list

GATHER THESE DOCUMENTS FIRST

Have the following ready before you begin — all fields are required:

  • Your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your ID)
  • Your home street address and mailing address
  • Your phone number and active email address
  • Your full Social Security Number
  • Your active driver's license or state-issued photo ID number
  • The name of the specific facility where you wish to volunteer
  • A clear description of the type of volunteer service you wish to provide

    STEP 1 — GO TO THE OFFICIAL NCDAC WEBSITE

    Open your internet browser and go to:

    From the top menu, click “Divisions and Sections” → “Institutions” → “Volunteering.”

    The online volunteer portal link is on that page. Click it to begin your application.

      STEP 2 — COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION

      Fill out every section completely and accurately. Two sections require extra care and attention:

      • SECTION A — Areas & Programs You Want to Serve In

      Be specific and detailed. Do not simply write “church” or “prayer.” Name the program and your exact role. Here is a sample response for faith-based volunteers:

      “I am interested in volunteering within the Chaplaincy and Religious Services program. I wish to participate in corporate worship services, provide intercessory prayer for incarcerated individuals, assist with service music and worship leading, and support the ministry team during chapel services and other faith-based programming needs as they arise on the facility grounds.“

      The facility coordinator uses this section to match you to approved programs — the more specific you are, the smoother the process will be.

      • SECTION B — Your Qualifications, Skills & Why You Want to Serve

        This is your chance to speak from your heart. Do not rush through it. Here is a sample response:

        “I bring a sincere and active faith commitment along with practical experience in worship ministry, intercessory prayer, and community outreach. I have served in a church setting and understand how to maintain appropriate boundaries while offering compassionate, consistent support to individuals in difficult circumstances. I understand the importance of following all institutional rules, respecting staff authority, and upholding the dignity of every incarcerated person I encounter. I am committed to serving with humility and reliability, and I believe that consistent faith-based presence is one of the most powerful tools for rehabilitation and lasting change in the lives of those who are incarcerated.“

        A passionate, well-written response significantly increases your chances of approval. This tells the reviewer who you are as a person — take your time and be genuine.

        STEP 3 — SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

        Review everything carefully before submitting. Make sure your name matches your government-issued ID exactly. Click Submit when ready.

          STEP 4 — WAIT FOR REVIEW

          The Community Volunteer Coordinator at your chosen facility will review your application. You may be contacted to provide additional information, so watch your email inbox closely after submitting.

            STEP 5 — COMPLETE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

            If approved, you must complete at least 2 hours of required volunteer training before entering the facility. Topics include:

            • What to expect inside a correctional facility
            • Sexual Assault Awareness and PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
            • Safety, security, and emergency procedures
            • Volunteer ID Card policy (Blue Card for inside the facility)
            • Tobacco policy — providing tobacco to an offender is a felony
            • Confidentiality and social media policy
            • Your duty to report unsafe or illegal activity

              STEP 6 — RECEIVE YOUR BLUE CARD

              Once training is complete and your first visit is approved, you will receive your Blue Volunteer ID Card. This card:

              • Must be presented every time you enter the facility along with your state-issued photo ID
              • Is for inside-the-facility access only
              • Must be carried visibly at all times while on facility grounds
                Download Blue Card Instructions