How to Visit Facility
A smooth visit starts with timing. Dallas County Jail has specific sign-up windows, processing cutoffs, and limits on visit length and group size.
For in-person visits, sign-up begins 30 minutes before visiting hours start. Arrive early or you'll end up at the back of the line. There are also hard cutoffs for processing: weekdays at 8:30 p.m. and weekends at 1:30 p.m. If you show up close to those times, you may be turned away even if you're already on site.
Visits are short. Each inmate gets one 20-minute visit per day, so come prepared and have your group ready when you're called. Group size is capped at four people total, with a maximum of two adults and two minor children per visit.
For video visits (on-site or off-site), scheduling goes through Smart Communications. These aren't last-minute: all video visits must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance. Pick your date and time a few days ahead.
- Plan to arrive before sign-up starts. Visitor sign-up begins 30 minutes before the start of visiting hours, so build that extra time into your arrival.
- Avoid the weekday processing cutoff. On weekdays, visitors will not be processed after 8:30 p.m., so do not count on getting in if you show up near that time.
- Avoid the weekend processing cutoff. On weekends, visitors will not be processed after 1:30 p.m., so plan your trip earlier in the day.
- ✓ Each inmate is limited to one 20-minute visit per day.
- ✓ No more than four people may visit one inmate at a time.
- ✓ No more than two adults and two minor children may visit one inmate at a time.
- Use Smart Communications to schedule. On-site and off-site video visits must be scheduled through Smart Communications.
- Schedule at least 72 hours ahead. All video visits must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance, so reserve your slot early.
Note: Confirm current visiting hours and how the facility applies the processing cutoffs (weekdays 8:30 p.m., weekends 1:30 p.m.). Lines and processing can stop before the posted end time.
Note: Ask if there are exceptions to the one 20-minute visit per day limit. Also clarify how the facility counts minors under the "two adults and two minor children" rule.
Note: Verify you're using the correct Smart Communications scheduling page and double-check the 72-hour advance requirement before picking a date.
Find an Inmate at Dallas County Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.