How to Set Up Your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler Account (Hamilton Unit visitors)
Visiting someone at the Hamilton Unit? Your first step is setting up an account in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Here's how to create your account, add your loved one, and make sense of what the system shows you.
You'll need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account - staff can't do it for you. Once your account exists, they can help update certain details like your name or address. But the initial signup is on you. Head to: https://visitation.tdcj.texas.gov/Visitation/startLoginAction.action
- Click “Create an Account” and enter your email - use a valid email address you can access right now.
- Check your inbox for the registration message - the system sends a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish setting up your account.
- Complete registration using the link/code - follow the prompts to finish creating your visitor account.
- Choose your email carefully - once an account is created for an email address, that account can’t be deleted and the email address can’t be changed later.
After registering, complete every background question and finish your visitor profile before trying to add an inmate. The system won't let you skip ahead. Need to update your name or address later? TDCJ staff can help with that - but only after you've created your account.
When adding the person you want to visit, the scheduler asks for their TDCJ or SID number. Enter it as an 8-digit number exactly - too short or too long, and it won't match.
Tip: If you don’t know their 8-digit TDCJ/SID number, look it up using the TDCJ Offender Search: https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/start.action
After adding an inmate and submitting your relationship, don't expect instant approval. Your request sits under "Relation Requests Pending Approval" on your home page until TDCJ staff reviews it.
Once approved, the relationship moves to your verified list, and your home page shows what's next. Sometimes you'll see a "Schedule Visit" button - that means you can request a visit through the portal. Other times, the button is blank or says "Call Unit," meaning you'll need to phone the inmate's assigned unit to schedule.
Warning: The email address you use for the scheduler becomes permanent for that account - TDCJ won’t delete the account, and you can’t change the email later.
Stuck during setup? Check your email carefully. The scheduler sends a 7-digit validation code and a link to complete registration. If those messages aren't showing up, verify you entered your email correctly and check your spam folder before trying again.
Before Travel Verify
- ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to the Hamilton Unit before you plan your trip.
- ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation and ask whether your visit should be scheduled in the portal (“Schedule Visit”) or by phone (“Call Unit”/blank button).
- ✓ Verify the unit’s visitation schedule and confirm visitation has not been canceled before you travel.
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