How to Set Up Your TDCJ Visitation Account (Avoid Common Pitfalls)

You'll need to create your own visitor account to use the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. TDCJ staff can't do this for you. If you're stuck at registration, the fix isn't calling the unit - it's going back through the sign-up process and making sure your information is entered correctly.

Once your account exists, staff can only help update certain details like names and addresses. Everything else is on you. Fill in every required field marked with an asterisk (*) on your Visitor Profile, and complete the Background Questionnaire in full. The system blocks you from moving forward until every question is answered.

Pick an email address you can reliably access, and double-check it before submitting. Once an account is tied to an email, that account can't be deleted and the email can't be changed. The system sends a validation email with a 7-digit code and a link to complete registration - miss that message, and you're stuck.

• ✓ Use an email you control and expect to keep long-term
• ✓ Avoid temporary or shared email addresses if you can
• ✓ Re-check spelling before submitting (a typo can lock you into the wrong email)

The scheduler is picky about phone numbers. Enter yours exactly like this: XXX XXX XXXX - spaces only, no dashes. Formats like 123-456-7890, (123) 456-7890, or 1234567890 can trigger validation errors even though the number itself is correct.

1. Go to the login screen - start where you normally sign in.
2. Enter your email address - use the same email you registered with.
3. Click “Forgot Password/Reset Password” - this triggers the reset process.
4. Check your email for the reset message - the scheduler emails the steps you need to reset your password, and you may be asked to use a validation link or code from that email to finish.

When adding an inmate, you'll need their TDCJ or SID number - exactly 8 digits. This trips people up often. Miss a digit, add an extra one, or skip a leading zero, and the scheduler won't find a match.

After you submit an inmate relationship request, it won't be ready for scheduling right away. The request sits on your home page under "Relation Requests Pending Approval" until unit staff review it. Once approved, it moves to "Verified Inmate Relations" - and only then can you schedule a visit (look for the Schedule Visit option next to their name).

• ✓ Look for your request under “Relation Requests Pending Approval” after you submit it
• ✓ Wait for it to move to “Verified Inmate Relations” before you expect scheduling to work
• ✓ If the scheduler indicates you need to call the unit to schedule, follow that instruction