What to Bring (and What to Leave in the Car) for Visitation at Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility
Visiting someone at Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility? Show up with the right ID and leave everything else in the car. That's the fastest way to avoid getting turned away at the door.
Anyone 17 or older needs a valid photo ID from the facility's accepted list. Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility accepts: a state driver license; a Texas Election Identification Certificate (DPS); a Texas personal identification card (DPS); a Texas license to carry (DPS); a U.S. military ID with your photo; a U.S. citizenship certificate with your photo; a U.S. passport; or a foreign government-issued ID (including a Mexico ID).
Got an expired ID? You might still be able to visit. The facility allows adult visitors (17 and older) to use an expired photo ID if you also bring one additional document: either a valid voter registration certificate or a utility bill showing your name and address. Bring both the expired ID and the backup document so staff can verify everything at check-in. This is one of the most common reasons visits get delayed or denied - so get your documents together before you leave home.
Prohibited Items Leave in Car
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Tablets
- ✓ Computers
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Recording devices
- ✓ Electronic devices of any kind
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Drinks
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Purses/bags
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Matches
- ✓ Smoking (not allowed within the facility)
No weapons are allowed in any part of the facility grounds. If you have anything that could be considered a weapon, leave it secured off-site before you arrive.
Expect screening when you arrive. Every visitor goes through a metal detector, and you may be searched. Bringing a bag or traveling with a child? Plan for extra attention - all bags, infant car seats, and strollers are subject to search. The facility may also use electronic detection devices or a canine. Travel light and double-check pockets and baby gear before you walk in.
Note: You’ll go through a metal detector, and the facility may use additional electronic detection tools or a canine if needed.
Accidentally bring a prohibited item? The consequences are immediate. Anyone caught with prohibited items - including children - will have their visit stopped and may lose visiting privileges entirely. The same applies to behavior: if you or a child with you ignores staff directives or becomes disruptive, the visit ends and privileges can be revoked. The rules are strict, but knowing them ahead of time helps you avoid a preventable problem.
- Do a quick pocket check before you go in - make sure you don’t have a phone, lighter, matches, tobacco, or any other prohibited item on you.
- Leave prohibited items in your car - electronics, food/drinks, and bags/purses are not allowed in visitation areas.
- Keep anything that could be a weapon off the property - no weapons are allowed anywhere on the facility grounds.
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