Self-Surrender Procedures

Q: What is self-surrender to federal prison?

Self-surrender is the process by which a federal defendant who has been granted voluntary surrender by the court reports directly to the designated Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to begin serving a sentence of imprisonment, rather than being taken into custody immediately upon sentencing. Courts grant self-surrender in the majority of non-violent cases when the defendant is not deemed a flight risk or danger to the community. The procedure is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 3143, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32, and BOP Program Statement 5880.33.

Q: How much time do you get before self-surrender?

Self-surrender allows defendants time after sentencing, typically 30 to 90 days, to arrange personal affairs, complete medical care, and report on an assigned date. Defendants are typically given 45 to 90 days from sentencing, though shorter or longer periods may be ordered. Any request for extension, such as for a medical emergency, must be made by motion to the sentencing judge before the original surrender date; the BOP has no authority to grant extensions.

Q: What time do you have to report for federal self-surrender?

Defendants must arrive at the exact time specified, which is almost always 2:00 p.m. according to the nationwide BOP standard reporting time for self-surrenders. The exact reporting date and time is specified in the judgment and commitment order and confirmed in the official letter from the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC). Late arrival, even by minutes, may result in refusal of admission and arrest by the U.S. Marshals.

Q: What happens if you miss federal self-surrender?

Failure to report on time is prosecuted as bail jumping under 18 U.S.C. § 3146 or escape under 18 U.S.C. § 751, carrying additional sentences of up to 10 years. The U.S. Marshals Service issues a nationwide warrant, and any period of delay does not count toward the original sentence. Defendants who surrender late are almost always denied future voluntary surrender privileges and may face enhanced security classification.

Q: What happens on the first day of federal prison self-surrender?

Upon arrival, staff verify identity and paperwork, property is searched and inventoried, and the defendant undergoes medical screening and psychological evaluation. Fingerprints, photographs, and DNA samples are collected. The defendant is strip-searched and issued institution clothing. Initial orientation and assignment to a housing unit follow, often the same day or within 24 to 48 hours. Family members are not permitted inside the facility and must depart immediately after drop-off.

Q: What should you wear to federal prison self-surrender?

Defendants should wear simple, conservative clothing such as khakis and a collared shirt. Clothing with logos or excessive pockets may be rejected. All civilian clothing will be confiscated upon intake and either returned to family members or stored. The defendant will be issued institution clothing during the intake process.

Q: How much cash can you bring to federal prison self-surrender?

Defendants may bring up to $200 in cash for deposit into their commissary account. The cash should be carried in a flat wallet along with identification and any prescribed medications in original bottles. Amounts over $200 may be refused or require additional documentation. The cash is deposited into the inmate's commissary account during intake processing.

Q: Can you delay federal self-surrender?

Any request for extension of the self-surrender date, such as for a medical emergency, must be made by motion to the sentencing judge before the original surrender date. The BOP has no authority to grant extensions. Only the court can modify the surrender date. Failure to file a motion and obtain court approval before the surrender date, and then failing to appear, constitutes escape and results in criminal prosecution.

Self-surrender is the process by which a federal defendant who has been granted voluntary surrender by the court reports directly to the designated Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to begin serving a sentence of imprisonment, rather than being taken into custody immediately upon sentencing. Courts grant self-surrender in the majority of non-violent cases when the defendant is not deemed a flight risk or danger to the community. The procedure is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 3143, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32, and BOP Program Statement 5880.33, Designation and Sentence Computation Manual.

Self-surrender allows defendants time after sentencing—typically 30 to 90 days—to arrange personal affairs, complete medical care, and report on an assigned date. Failure to report on time constitutes escape under 18 U.S.C. § 3146 and results in immediate issuance of a federal arrest warrant.^[1] |title_mode=replace

Court-Ordered Self-Surrender

At sentencing, the district judge determines whether the defendant will be remanded into custody or permitted to self-surrender. If voluntary surrender is granted, the judgment and commitment order (Form AO 235) specifies:

The designated BOP institution
The exact date and time to report (usually between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.)
The name and telephone number of the facility

The U.S. Marshals Service transmits the judgment to the BOP Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas, which formally designates the facility and notifies the defendant in writing of the reporting instructions. Defendants are typically given 45–90 days from sentencing, though shorter or longer periods may be ordered.

Pre-Surrender Procedures

Approximately 3–6 weeks before the surrender date, the defendant receives an official letter from the DSCC containing:

Facility name, address, and telephone number
Exact reporting date and time (almost always 2:00 p.m.)
List of allowable property and clothing
Instructions for transportation and parking
Warning that failure to report constitutes escape

Defendants must confirm receipt of the letter with their probation officer. Any request for extension (e.g., medical emergency) must be made by motion to the sentencing judge before the original surrender date; the BOP has no authority to grant extensions.

What to Bring and Restrictions

BOP policy permits only the following items upon self-surrender:

One plain wedding band (no stones)
Prescription eyeglasses (no cases)
Prescribed medical devices (e.g., CPAP machine with documentation)
Legal papers related to the case
One small religious medallion or book
Flat wallet containing identification, up to $200 cash (for commissary deposit), and prescribed medication in original bottles

All other property—including cell phones, jewelry, luggage, food, and civilian clothing—is prohibited and will be confiscated or returned to family members. Defendants should wear simple, conservative clothing (e.g., khakis and collared shirt); clothing with logos or excessive pockets may be rejected.

Arrival and Intake Process

Defendants must arrive at the exact time specified (usually 2:00 p.m.). Late arrival—even by minutes—may result in refusal of admission and arrest by the U.S. Marshals. Upon arrival:

Staff verify identity and paperwork
Property is searched and inventoried
Medical screening and psychological evaluation occur
Fingerprints, photographs, and DNA sample are collected
The defendant is strip-searched and issued institution clothing
Initial orientation and assignment to a housing unit follow (often the same day or within 24–48 hours)

Family members are not permitted inside the facility and must depart immediately after drop-off.

Consequences of Failure to Surrender

Failure to report on time is prosecuted as bail jumping (18 U.S.C. § 3146) or escape (18 U.S.C. § 751), carrying additional sentences of up to 10 years. The U.S. Marshals Service issues a nationwide warrant, and any period of delay does not count toward the original sentence. Defendants who surrender late are almost always denied future voluntary surrender privileges and may face enhanced security classification.

Terminology

Voluntary Surrender – Court-authorized self-reporting to prison
DSCC – Designation and Sentence Computation Center (Grand Prairie, Texas)
AO 235 – Judgment and Commitment Order form
Escape – Criminal offense for failing to report on time
2:00 p.m. Rule – Nationwide BOP standard reporting time for self-surrenders

External links

References

↑ "Voluntary Surrender". Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved November 30, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is self-surrender?

Self-surrender is when a defendant voluntarily reports to a designated federal prison facility to begin serving their sentence, rather than being taken into custody.

Q: What should I bring to self-surrender?

Bring your surrender letter, government-issued ID, prescription medications with documentation, and minimal personal items. Leave valuables and most belongings at home.

Q: What happens when I arrive for self-surrender?

You will be processed through intake including paperwork, medical screening, photographs, fingerprints, and assignment to housing.

[1] "Voluntary Surrender". Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved November 30, 2025.

[1]