Before You Register a Phone for Inmate Calls at Alfred D. Hughes Unit
Registering your phone number is the first step to receiving calls from someone at TDCJ. Getting everything ready beforehand will save you time and frustration.
To receive calls, you'll need to register your phone number through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment. Have the inmate's TDCJ ID number ready - you can't complete registration without it. The TDCJ (or SID) number must be exactly 8 digits. Don't know it? Use the TDCJ Offender Search to look it up.
- ✓ The name on your driver license or state ID matches the name shown on the telephone listing or bill
- ✓ You are the registered owner of the telephone number you’re enrolling
- ✓ You agree to allow the inmate to call the telephone number
- ✓ You are at least 18 years old
Decide how you want to pay for calls before you enroll. You have three options: collect calls (you accept charges when the call comes in), a Friends & Family prepaid account (you deposit money to cover incoming calls), or an inmate prepaid debit account through Securus (either you or the inmate can add funds to their calling account).
Plan for short, focused conversations. Calls are limited to 30 minutes, and you’ll hear a warning message one minute before the system disconnects the call. If you’re trying to cover important updates - kids, bills, court dates - keep a quick list nearby so you can get through the essentials before the cutoff.
Assume every call is being listened to. All calls are monitored and recorded, except calls to the inmate's attorney of record. Also, double-check that your number qualifies: TDCJ allows calls to home landlines, post-paid cell phones, and pre-paid cell phones. Internet services, 800 numbers, businesses, pay phones, and international numbers are not allowed.
Note: These phone rules fall under TDCJ’s Inmate Telephone System and are tied to TDCJ disciplinary rules for eligible inmates.
Need help? TDCJ offers several support options. To find an inmate's ID number, use the online inmate search or call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283. For registration support, call (866) 806-7804. You can also email the Inmate Technology office at offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov.
Hours can be confusing: TDCJ pages list different weekday closing times - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on one page, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on another, and an "effective February 2, 2026" notice listing 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (except state holidays). Verify the current hours before calling so you don't reach a closed line.
Having trouble with Securus remote video visits - login issues, audio or video problems, or a visit that won't connect? Contact the Securus Customer Service Center at (877) 578-3658.
For complaints about vendor service related to the Inmate Telephone System, E-Messaging, inmate tablets, or Securus Video Visitation, go through Inmate Technology Services. Submit an ITS Contact Form, email offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov, or mail a written complaint to: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Information Technology Division, Inmate Technology Services Contract Manager, PO Box 4016, Huntsville, TX 77342-4016.
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