What to Know Before You Drive to Cotulla Unit: A Pre-Visit Checklist

Before you hit the road, confirm two things: the inmate is assigned to Cotulla Unit, and they currently have visitation privileges. Both can change without much notice. Check TDCJ's visitation/inmate information online first, then call the unit directly for final confirmation before you travel.

Verify Cotulla Unit's visitation schedule for your planned day - and check for cancellations. Even if someone is eligible for visits, they can't receive visitors when visitation has been canceled unit-wide. Look for cancellation notices before you leave, and only treat the schedule as confirmed once you've checked it close to departure time.

Bring valid photo ID. TDCJ publishes a specific list of acceptable IDs - don't assume any card in your wallet will work. If you're 18 or older, you'll need government-issued photo identification. Double-check yours against TDCJ's acceptable-ID list before you drive.

Check your clothing before you leave the house, not in the parking lot. TDCJ has visitation clothing guidelines, and Cotulla Unit enforces them. If you're unsure whether something will pass, swap it for a more conservative option now. Being out of compliance can mean getting turned away after you've already made the trip.

• ✓ Check TDCJ’s prohibited-items list before you travel to Cotulla Unit.
• ✓ Leave prohibited items at home (don’t plan to “just keep it in your pocket” or “take it back if they say no”).
• ✓ Do a quick car and bag sweep before you leave - make sure you aren’t accidentally bringing anything that isn’t allowed.

Not sure you're on the inmate's approved Visitors List? Call the unit and ask before you travel. Being approved is what matters at the door - even if you've visited at another time or another unit. This matters beyond visiting, too. Since September 1, 2020, only people on an inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List can deposit money into that inmate's trust account. If you're running into deposit issues or trying to help out financially, confirming your approved status can save a lot of frustration.

1. Call Cotulla Unit the morning you plan to drive - ask if there are any last-minute restrictions, schedule changes, or cancellations that would affect visits.
2. Confirm assignment and visitation status one more time - verify the inmate is assigned to Cotulla Unit and has visitation privileges before you get on the road.