How to Create a TDCJ Visitation Account (Step‑by‑Step, without calling the unit)
Want to request a visit at a TDCJ unit (including Garza East)? You'll need to create your own account in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler first. Here are the exact steps, plus the common hang-ups that make people think they need to call the unit.
Every visitor needs their own account to use the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Unit staff can't create one for you. The email address you sign up with matters. Use one you control and can access right away. You'll need it for verification and every future login.
- Choose “Create an Account” in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler - this starts the registration process for first-time users.
- Enter a valid email address and submit it - use an inbox you can open immediately.
- Find the TDCJ email in your inbox - it includes a link to continue and a 7-digit validation code.
- Use the link and enter the 7-digit code to continue registration - once the code is accepted, you can move on to the next screens.
After verifying your email, you'll land on the Background Questionnaire. Every question is required. Leave anything blank, and you won't be able to move forward. If the system keeps you on the same page, scroll back through and check for missed questions before trying again.
Step3 Profile Phone
- ✓ Enter your phone number exactly like this: 123 456 7890
- ✓ Use spaces, not dashes (123-456-7890 will be rejected)
- ✓ Do not run the number together (1234567890 can cause problems)
- ✓ Avoid extra characters like parentheses ( (123) 456 7890 )
When adding the person you want to visit, you'll need their TDCJ number (also called the SID). It must be exactly 8 digits. Enter too few or too many, and the scheduler won't accept it. Double-check the number before you submit.
- Open the TDCJ Offender Search tool - it is on the TDCJ website.
- Search for the inmate - use the name (and any other details you know) to find the correct listing.
- Copy the 8-digit TDCJ/SID number and enter it in the scheduler - use that number when adding the inmate to your visitor profile.
After adding the inmate and selecting your relationship, scheduling isn't always immediate. The relationship has to be confirmed before it shows as verified and before you can schedule online. Once confirmed, you'll typically see a Schedule Visit option next to the inmate's name. If that button is missing or it says "Call Unit" instead, you'll need to call the inmate's unit of assignment (for example, Garza East Unit) to schedule. Even then, the unit can't bypass account creation for you. You still need your own visitor account first. The unit can only help with steps the scheduler won't let you complete online.
Note: "Call Unit" in the scheduler means the next step requires unit involvement, like verifying the relationship or handling a unit-specific restriction. When you see that label, calling the unit is how you move the visit forward.
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