How to Set Up a TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler Account (Works for Ferguson Unit Visitors)
Planning to visit someone at the Ferguson Unit or another TDCJ facility? You'll need to set up your own Online Visitation Scheduler account first. Here's how to do it—and how to avoid the errors that trip most people up.
TDCJ staff can't create a visitor account for you - you have to do it yourself through the Online Visitation Scheduler. Once your account exists, staff may help with certain updates (like fixing a name or address), but the initial setup is on you.
Warning: Your email address is permanent in this system. After an account is created for an email address, the account can’t be deleted and the email address can’t be changed.
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- ✓ Use an email address you’ll keep long-term (you can’t change it later).
- ✓ Watch for the email with the 7-digit validation code and registration link.
- ✓ If you don’t see it, check your spam/junk folder before trying again.
After setting your password, you'll land on the Background Questionnaire. Every question must be answered before you can move forward - leave one blank and the system blocks you from the next step.
Note: Skipping questions on the Background Questionnaire will stall your progress. And if you registered with the wrong email, you're stuck with it - there's no way to change it later.
Pay close attention to the phone number field in your Visitor Profile. The system requires this exact format: XXX XXX XXXX (spaces only, no dashes). Type it with dashes and it'll reject it as invalid.
When adding the person you want to visit, you'll need their TDCJ or SID number. It must be exactly 8 digits - double-check before hitting submit.
To connect with the person you're visiting, add them to your profile using their 8-digit TDCJ/SID number. Enter all 8 digits - no more, no less - so the search finds the right record.
- Open the TDCJ Offender Search - go to https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/start.action.
- Search for the person - use the information you have (like name and date of birth) to find the correct listing.
- Write down the TDCJ/SID number - you’ll need the 8-digit number shown in the results.
- Return to the Online Visitation Scheduler - enter that 8-digit number to add the inmate to your profile.
Tip: If the number you enter doesn’t work, re-check that it’s exactly 8 digits. When you’re unsure of the right number, use the TDCJ Offender Search first to avoid delays.
Warning: Don’t use a “temporary” or soon-to-change email for registration. Once your account is created, the email can’t be changed and the account can’t be deleted.
The phone number field trips up a lot of people. It looks like a normal form field, but it's picky about formatting. Use spaces only (XXX XXX XXXX). If you typed 555-123-4567, delete the dashes and re-enter it as 555 123 4567.
Leaving the Background Questionnaire unfinished is another common hang-up. The scheduler won't let you proceed until every question has an answer. Scroll through and make sure nothing got skipped before you try to continue.
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