How to Look Up an Inmate's TDCJ Number (Needed for Visits, Calls, and Deposits)
The TDCJ/SID number is an 8-digit ID that connects everything—visits, phone registration, and money deposits. Don't have it yet? You can usually find it in minutes through the TDCJ Offender Search.
Setting up a visit through the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler? The system requires the inmate's TDCJ or SID number in an 8-digit format. Miss a digit or type one wrong, and you'll hit a wall before you even get to pick a date.
You'll need that same number for phone calls too. Registering your phone to receive calls from a TDCJ inmate requires the inmate's TDCJ ID number. Planning to send money? TDCJ only allows deposits from people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List - so getting your visit and phone setup right often matters for deposits as well.
One wrong digit stops everything. The visitation scheduler requires an 8-digit TDCJ/SID number, and phone registration needs the TDCJ ID too. Deposit eligibility often depends on being on the approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List.
Don't know the number? TDCJ directs people to the Offender Search on their website. It's the fastest way to get the correct 8-digit number for visits or phone registration.
- Open the TDCJ Offender Search - use the Offender Search feature on the TDCJ website.
- Search for the person - look them up by the information you have (the goal is to pull up the correct match).
- Find the TDCJ/SID number in the results - once you locate the correct person, copy down the TDCJ or SID number.
- Use the number where you’re registering - enter the full 8 digits when you add the inmate in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler or when you register your phone number to receive calls.
Tip: Write the number down exactly as shown - all 8 digits. Dropping a leading zero will cause problems with the visitation scheduler.
If online search isn't working, TDCJ offers phone assistance. Call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283 to help locate an inmate's TDCJ ID number. You can also reach TDCJ by mail at Texas Department of Criminal Justice, PO Box 99, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099.
Calling about phone-related issues? Check the hours first. The Inmate Technology office answers calls Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (effective February 2, 2026), except state holidays. Hours can change, so confirm before you call.
- ✓ Call (936) 295-6371 to ask for help finding the inmate’s TDCJ ID number.
- ✓ Call (800) 535-0283 as an alternate phone option to find the number.
- ✓ If you need to contact TDCJ by mail, use: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, PO Box 99, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099.
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