How to Register Your Phone Number to Receive Calls from an Inmate at Dolph Briscoe Unit

Before you can receive calls from someone at the Dolph Briscoe Unit (or any TDCJ facility), you need to register your phone number through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment. You'll need the inmate's TDCJ ID number to complete registration - so track that down first.

What to Have

• ✓ The inmate’s TDCJ ID number
• ✓ Your name exactly as it appears on your driver license or state ID
• ✓ A telephone listing or bill that reflects that same name (so it matches your ID)
• ✓ Confirmation that you (the person registering) are at least 18 years old

1. Open the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment - this is the online registration you must use before you can receive calls from a TDCJ inmate.
2. Enter the inmate’s TDCJ ID number - the enrollment requires the TDCJ number to match the person who will be calling you.
3. Fill in the registrant information - use your legal name as shown on your driver license or state ID, and make sure it matches the name on the telephone listing or bill.
4. Confirm the required permissions and rules - you’ll be asked to confirm you’re the registered owner of the phone number, you agree to allow the inmate to call it, and you will not forward calls, make three-way calls, or use a speakerphone on calls received from the inmate.

After you submit the enrollment, look for an on-screen confirmation that your number has been registered. That's your sign the system has your phone on file and ready to receive calls.

Don't have the TDCJ ID number? Use the online inmate search to find it. Once you have it, head back to the Friends & Family Enrollment to finish registering your phone.

Prefer to call? You can get help finding an inmate's TDCJ number at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.

Rules and Common Failures

• ✓ You are at least 18 years old (registrations can be rejected if the registrant can’t truthfully confirm this)
• ✓ You are the registered owner of the telephone number (using a number that isn’t in your name commonly causes problems)
• ✓ You agree to allow the inmate to call the telephone number (you must affirm permission during enrollment)
• ✓ The name on your driver license or state ID matches the name on the telephone listing or bill (even small differences can hold things up)
• ✓ You will not forward calls, make three-way calls, or use a speakerphone on calls received from the inmate (these are conditions of receiving calls)
• ✓ You understand eligible inmates are not allowed to speak to any adult who is not listed on their approved calling list (if someone else answers, the inmate may not be able to talk to them)

Most registration problems come down to paperwork mismatches or phone-use rules. If your name on file doesn't match the name on your phone bill, the system may reject you. Same goes for registering a number you don't actually own. Once calls start, avoid call forwarding, three-way calling, or speakerphone - you're required to confirm you won't use these features on inmate calls, and violations can cause issues.

For Inmate Telephone System (ITS) questions, call (866) 806-7804. If you need help finding an inmate's TDCJ ID number, try (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.