Before you drive to Polunsky Unit: a practical pre-visit checklist
A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Run through this checklist before heading to Polunsky Unit—it'll help you avoid getting turned away at the door or showing up on a canceled day.
Before you leave home, confirm the person you’re visiting is currently assigned to Polunsky Unit and has visitation privileges. Even if you checked recently, it’s worth verifying again - assignments and eligibility can change, and you don’t want to find out after you’ve already made the drive.
Next, verify the unit's visitation schedule and make sure visitation hasn't been canceled. Someone can be eligible for visits and still be unable to see you that day if the unit's visitation is shut down. Call the unit for final confirmation before you travel - especially if you're driving a long distance or visiting on a day when schedules tend to shift.
ID and Address Requirements
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older, bring a current, official government-issued photo ID.
- ✓ Make sure at least one ID you use shows your current physical address.
- ✓ If you have address protection as a certified victim of family violence, the current-physical-address requirement has an exception.
Do a quick clothing check before you walk out the door. Polunsky follows visitor dress guidelines, and being out of compliance can end your visit before it starts. Not sure about an outfit? Switch to something more conservative - your goal is getting through check-in without delays.
Leave cash at home or locked in your vehicle. Coins are the only exception, and they can't total more than $35. Take 30 seconds to check your wallet before you drive - this is one of the easiest ways to get slowed down at entry.
Contraband alert: Cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, cameras, digital recorders, and other electronic or wireless devices are contraband and aren’t permitted on TDCJ property or inside the secure perimeter.
Coordinate with everyone on the inmate's Visitors List before you go. Each inmate gets only one visit per weekend - if someone else visits first, you'll be turned away when you arrive. A quick check-in with family or friends (and with the inmate when possible) prevents a frustrating, avoidable trip.
- Call to confirm - Verify the person is assigned to Polunsky, has visitation privileges, and that visitation hasn’t been canceled.
- Pack your ID(s) - If you’re 18+, bring a current government-issued photo ID, and make sure at least one ID shows your current physical address.
- Do a last pocket-and-bag check - Leave phones, smartwatches, cameras, laptops, and other electronic/wireless devices behind; they’re contraband and not permitted.
- Fix your cash situation - Don’t bring cash except coins, and keep coins at $35 or less.
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