How to Get Approved to Visit an Inmate at FCI Texarkana: Step-by-Step Checklist
Getting approved to visit at FCI Texarkana comes down to one main task: completing the visitor paperwork so the institution can review and clear you. Follow these steps to avoid the most common slowdowns.
Before you can visit someone at FCI Texarkana, your name has to be on the inmate's approved visiting list. Show up without being approved first, and you'll be turned away, no matter how far you traveled.
You'll need to fill out the BP-A0629 visitor questionnaire and release form, then send it back as instructed. The form asks for basic identifying information about you (full legal name, current address) and details about the inmate so staff can match your application to the right person. When you're ready to return it, use the institution address printed on the form or the address on the facility's official information page. Don't rely on an old address from a social post or message thread.
Part of BP-A0629 includes a signed release authorizing the Warden to obtain criminal records and related information about you. This is standard. It lets the institution run the checks they need before deciding whether to add you to the visiting list. Read that section carefully before signing if you have questions about what you're authorizing. An unsigned or incomplete authorization can hold up the entire review.
Once you've completed BP-A0629, return it to the institution using the address on the form or the facility's official page. From there, processing typically includes running the background inquiries tied to the release you signed. Be patient. Approval is not instant, and you usually won't be able to schedule a visit until the inmate has been notified that you're approved and added to the list.
The authorization you sign on BP-A0629 allows the institution to look into your criminal record history and related details. That can include inquiries to law enforcement or crime information agencies that maintain arrest and conviction records. The goal is straightforward: help the Warden make an informed decision about whether the visit can be approved safely.
Note: If any required information is missing or the release section isn't properly signed, staff may not be able to complete the record checks tied to your application. That means your approval can stall.
Even after you're approved, schedules can change. Before you head out for a visit, call the facility at 603-342-4000 to confirm the current visiting schedule.
Approval isn't automatic, and visit access can be limited even after you're on the list. By law, inmates are entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month. That said, the Warden can restrict visit length or cap the number of visitors at one time to manage safety and avoid overcrowding in the visiting room. If you think your application has been delayed or your visits are being restricted, the best next step is to follow up through the facility's regular channels and confirm what's currently allowed.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Fill out BP-A0629 clearly so every field is readable
- ✓ Complete every required section (do not skip items that apply to you)
- ✓ Use your current legal name and current address
- ✓ Include the inmate’s identifying information exactly as requested (register number if you have it)
- ✓ Sign and date where the form requires it, including the authorization/release section
- ✓ If you run out of space, follow the form’s instructions for adding additional details
- ✓ Make a copy or take photos for your records before you send it
Find an Inmate at FCI TEXARKANA, TX
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
