Federal Self-Surrender Day: What to Expect Hour by Hour

The actual surrender day is less frightening when you know exactly what to expect. Here's an hour-by-hour breakdown of what happens from the moment you leave home.

Before You Leave Home

Call the facility intake unit 2–3 days before to confirm the reporting time (often 2:00 PM but varies; some require noon).
Keep your surrender letter in hand — not in a bag — when you walk up to the intake window.
Give family their instructions: intake takes 4–8+ hours, no updates during that time, don't wait at the facility.
All financial and legal affairs should be resolved before this day — not during the parking lot goodbye.

What to Bring vs. What Not to Bring

Bring	Do NOT Bring
BOP surrender letter (required)	Cell phones or any electronic devices
Government-issued photo ID	Jewelry
Prescription medications (2–3 weeks, original bottles)	Food or beverages
Eyeglasses (one pair, plain frames)	Excessive clothing
Up to 10 approved family photos (4x6, unframed)	Books/magazines (must be mailed directly from publisher)
Small amount of cash (under $300)	Gang/offensive imagery items
Attorney contact info (written, not on phone)	Tobacco products (most facilities are tobacco-free)

Intake Process Step-by-Step

1. Identity Verification
2. Property Inventory
3. Medical Screening — be complete and accurate; BOP only provides care for conditions it knows about
4. Fingerprinting and Photography
5. Clothing Exchange
6. Orientation and Paperwork — rules, phone system, visiting, programs. Pay attention.
7. Housing Assignment

Your First 24 Hours Inside

First night: make up your bunk, locate the bathroom, observe unit norms. Be observant, quiet, and respectful. Learn count schedule on day one — five formal standing counts occur daily plus overnight counts. Missing a count is a serious infraction. Within 24–48 hours, phone access becomes available.

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