How to Create a TDCJ Online Visitation Account (What Ferguson Unit Visitors Must Know)
Setting up your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account is mostly straightforward. But a couple of early choices can create long-term headaches if you rush. Follow the steps below so your account is complete and ready to add an inmate and schedule a visit.
Your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account is something you create yourself. TDCJ staff cannot set one up for you. They can only help with updates (like correcting information) after your account already exists. The other big reason to slow down and get it right: the email address you choose is permanent. Once an account is tied to an email, that account cannot be deleted, and the email cannot be changed.
Warning: Choose an email you plan to keep long-term. Once the account is created, the email address cannot be changed and the account cannot be deleted.
- Submit a valid email address - This is the email tied to your visitation account, so use one you can reliably access.
- Open the registration email from TDCJ - You will receive a message that includes a 7-digit validation code and a link.
- Enter the 7-digit validation code and follow the link to continue - The code and link are what move you into the rest of the registration process.
During registration, you'll create a password for the visitation scheduler. If you already have an account but forgot your password, use the Forgot Password/Reset Password option on the login screen. Enter your email address and follow the emailed steps to set a new one.
Once you submit a valid password, the system takes you to the Background Questionnaire. Every question must be answered before you can move on. If you stop partway through, your account stays stuck in that incomplete stage until you go back and finish.
Note: When the Background Questionnaire is submitted, you should see "Update Complete." If you see red text later on, something is still incomplete.
Step4 Visitor Profile
- ✓ Enter your phone number as XXX XXX XXXX (use spaces, no dashes).
- ✓ Use an email address you will keep, because TDCJ does not allow the email on an existing account to be changed later.
On the Visitor Profile page, watch for any red text. The scheduler uses red text to flag missing or incomplete information. Once your Visitor Profile is fully filled out, you'll land on the Home Page and see an "Add Inmate" button. That's your sign you're ready for the next step.
Once your profile is ready, you can add an inmate by searching with either the inmate's TDCJ number or SID number. The number must be 8 digits. If you don't have it, use the Offender Search feature on the TDCJ website to look it up. One more thing to plan for: each inmate is only allowed one visit per weekend. Coordinate with other approved visitors on the Visitors List so nobody shows up and gets turned away.
Reminder: You must create your own visitation scheduler account. TDCJ staff cannot create it for you, and they can only help with updates after the account has been created.
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