TDCJ visitation: how to visit someone in a Texas prison

How to set up a visit

TDCJ lists three steps on its visitation page: create an account, wait for the account to be approved, then schedule the visit. Before you travel:

1. Use the TDCJ inmate search to confirm the person's unit and that they have visitation privileges.
2. Check the Unit Visitation Schedule to make sure visitation has not been cancelled. If it is cancelled, the person cannot attend.
3. Make sure you are on the person's approved visitors list. If you are not sure, contact the unit (the unit directory has the numbers).
4. Arrange special visits, or visits that need an accommodation, before the day of the visit.

Video visitation

TDCJ offers in-person and video visitation. On top of in-person visits, each inmate is allowed one 60-minute video visit per month. Video visits run through Securus, at $10 a visit, or through tablet kiosks at no cost (as TDCJ lists them). The unit schedule shows which visit types each unit offers. For how video visits work in general, see video visits with someone in jail or prison.

ID and who can visit

• Every visitor 18 or older must show a current, official government-issued ID that lists a current physical address. If the ID is not accepted, TDCJ may ask for more proof, such as a birth certificate or a photo credit card.
• Children 17 and younger may be asked for ID, such as a birth certificate, a DPS ID or a student ID.
• Each inmate gets one visit per weekend. If several people are on the visitors list, coordinate with each other and with the inmate so nobody is turned away at the unit.

Dress code

TDCJ asks visitors to dress conservatively. The duty warden makes the final decision.

• Allowed: sandals, flip-flops and open-toe shoes; sleeveless shirts and dresses that cover the shoulders; shorts and skirts no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing; capri pants and long pants.
• Not allowed: tight, revealing or see-through clothing, and clothing with pictures or words that may be seen as profane or offensive.
• Length rules do not apply to young children (generally 10 and younger).

What you can and cannot bring

Allowed inside the secure area: a small wallet, clear plastic (Ziploc type) bag or change purse; $35 in coins, or a credit or debit card, for the visiting room vending machines. With infants or small children: up to three diapers, baby wipes and two baby bottles (a sippy cup for toddlers), in a clear plastic bag.

Not allowed: food, purses, diaper bags, briefcases, cameras, strollers, toys, photographs, paper money, knives, drugs, medication (prescribed medicine is decided case by case), tobacco, lighters, cell phones and any other electronic device. Vehicles on TDCJ property can be searched, so lock your car and keep the truck bed clear of tools.

If a visit is ended or you are removed from the list

Visits can be ended, and visitors removed from the visitors list, for improper conduct. A person removed from the list can send a written appeal to the Director's Review Committee, PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342, within 14 days of the date on the written notice.

Questions

Sources

We opened each of these pages on October 14, 2026. Rules and numbers change, so check the source before you act.

• Visitation, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Visit steps, video visits, ID, dress code, allowed items and the one-visit-per-weekend rule.
• Unit Visitation Schedule, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Visit types, days and times for each unit.
• Unit Directory, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Contact details for each unit.
• TDCJ Inmate Search, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Search fields, who is included and how often it is updated.