Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Visit to Moore Unit (and How to Avoid Them)
Most denied visits at Moore Unit come down to a few preventable mistakes: not confirming visit details, showing up without the right ID, or bringing items that won't make it past the secure perimeter. Use the sections below as a quick check before you leave home.
Before you spend time and money traveling, confirm two things: your loved one is actually assigned to the unit you're visiting, and they currently have visitation privileges. This single step prevents a lot of wasted trips - especially if you're working from old information or assuming nothing has changed since your last visit.
Even when everything looks fine on your end, call the unit before you head out. A quick phone call catches problems early - like a scheduling mix-up - before you're stuck in the parking lot trying to salvage the day.
Note: Using the online visitation scheduler? You're responsible for managing your own account, and it's tied permanently to the email you used. A quick double-check (and a phone call) can save you from showing up with something set up wrong.
If you're 18 or older, bring a current, government-issued photo ID. At least one form of ID must show your current physical address. There's a narrow exception for victims of family violence certified by the attorney general for address protection - but for most visitors, the safest move is making sure your ID is current and your address is up to date before you go.
Prohibited Items and Money
- ✓ Paper money
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Diaper bags
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Baby strollers
- ✓ Toys
- ✓ Photographs (and photo albums)
- ✓ Knives
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Unauthorized medications
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Laptop computers
- ✓ Digital recorders
- ✓ Any other electronic/wireless devices
Money catches a lot of visitors off guard at the gate. Don't bring paper cash past the secure perimeter - only coins are allowed, up to $35. Keep what you carry simple: a small wallet, plus a clear plastic bag (Ziploc-type) or change purse. Bringing a baby? Plan ahead so you're not turned around for a bag issue. Baby supplies are allowed but must be stored in a clear plastic bag. Limits apply: no more than three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles.
Don't wait until the last minute to set up the online visitation scheduler. Visitors must create their own accounts - TDCJ staff can't do it for you. If your account isn't ready when you need it, you'll be scrambling when you should be focused on the visit.
Warning: Once an account is created for an email address, it can’t be deleted - and the email address can’t be changed. Use an email you expect to keep.
- Confirm the person you’re visiting is at Moore Unit and has visitation privileges - don’t assume they’re still assigned there or still eligible for visits.
- Call the unit before you travel - get final confirmation before you leave.
- Check your ID before you walk out the door - if you’re 18+, bring a current government-issued photo ID, and make sure at least one ID you’re using shows your current physical address.
- Bring coins only (up to $35) - leave paper cash behind.
- Leave electronics and other prohibited items behind - no cell phones or other electronic/wireless devices past the secured perimeter.
Reminder: Baby items must be in a clear plastic bag, with limits: no more than three diapers, wipes, and two bottles. Pack only what's allowed to avoid being turned away.
Find an Inmate at Billy Moore Unit
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
