How to Set Up Your TDCJ Online Visitation Account (step-by-step)
Before you can schedule a visit, you'll need a TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. Here's how to register—plus the formatting mistakes that trip people up most often.
You have to create your own visitor account - TDCJ staff can't do it for you. They can help update certain details after your account exists, but the initial setup is on you. If you're planning to visit someone at any TDCJ unit, including East Texas Treatment Facility, getting your account right from the start saves headaches later.
Warning: Choose your email carefully. Once an account is created for an email address, the account can’t be deleted and the email address can’t be changed.
- Click “Create an Account” - this starts a brand-new visitor registration.
- Enter a valid email address - use an email you can access right now.
- Submit the email - the system will send you an email.
- Find the registration email - it includes a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish setting up your account.
Once you click the link in your registration email and set your password, you'll hit the Background Questionnaire. Every question is required. Skip one, and the system won't let you move forward - you'll have to go back and fill it in before you can finish setup.
Note: When you add an inmate to your profile, the inmate TDCJ or SID number must be exactly 8 digits long.
Step3 Formatting
- ✓ Enter your phone number as XXX XXX XXXX (use spaces, no dashes).
- ✓ Enter the inmate’s TDCJ or SID number as exactly 8 digits.
Reminder: Your account email is permanent in the system - once it’s used, the account can’t be deleted and the email can’t be changed.
- Go to the login screen - start where you normally sign in.
- Type the email for your account - use the same email you registered with.
- Click “Forgot Password/Reset Password” - this triggers the reset process.
- Open the email you receive and follow the steps - the message includes a reset link and instructions to set a new password.
Warning: If you used an email you can’t access (or typed it wrong), you can’t switch it later. Use a working, long-term email address you control.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Use an email you’ll keep access to (it can’t be changed or deleted later).
- ✓ Format your phone number as XXX XXX XXXX (spaces, no dashes).
- ✓ Double-check the inmate TDCJ/SID number is exactly 8 digits.
- ✓ Answer every Background Questionnaire question before moving on.
Find an Inmate at East Texas Treatment Facility
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
