How to Schedule Your First Visit at Hilltop Unit Using the TDCJ Online Scheduler

The TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler is where you request and book visits after your relationship gets approved. You'll see options like Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet when selecting a visit type. One thing to know: Video/Tablet visits in this scheduler are not the same as the Securus Video program - those are completely separate systems.

First, create your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. You have to do this yourself - TDCJ staff can't create visitor accounts for you. Don't show up at the unit expecting someone at the front desk to set it up.

1. Enter a valid email address - this is what your scheduler account will be tied to.
2. Open the registration email - after you submit your email, the system sends a message with a 7-digit validation code and a link.
3. Use the link and 7-digit code to finish registration - follow the prompts to complete setup.
4. 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.

During setup, you'll complete a Background Questionnaire. Answer every question - the system won't let you continue until it's done.

• ✓ Enter your phone number as XXX XXX XXXX, using spaces (no dashes).

Once your account is set up, add the inmate you want to visit by searching their TDCJ number or SID number. The number must be exactly 8 digits - if you're missing one or added an extra, the search won't find them.

Don't know the TDCJ or SID number? Use the TDCJ Offender Search tool to find it, then come back and enter the 8-digit number into the scheduler.

After finding the right person, select your relationship and submit a request. This goes to the inmate's unit of assignment, where TDCJ staff will verify the relationship.

While waiting, your request appears under

Once verified, you're ready to book at Hilltop Unit. Pick your visit type first - Regular, Contact, or Video/Tablet. (Again, Video/Tablet here is not the Securus Video program.) Not every visit type shows up in every situation. If an option you expected is missing, it could be due to your relationship type, the facility's setup, or the inmate's visitation privileges.

1. Confirm you’re verified - if your loved one is still listed under “Relation Requests Pending Approval,” you’re not ready to schedule yet.
2. Use “Review Open Dates” to see what’s available - the scheduler will show you a dropdown of dates you can request.
3. Watch for “missing” weeks - dates that fall during a week when the inmate already has a scheduled visit will not appear as options.
4. Pick a date, then check times - once you select a date, move on to viewing the available time slots for that visit type.

Common Pitfalls

• ✓ Don’t use a “temporary” email address - once the account is created, it can’t be deleted and the email address can’t be changed.
• ✓ Don’t wait for staff to set it up - you must create your own scheduler account; TDCJ staff can’t create it for you.

• ✓ If you’re stuck in setup, go back and finish every Background Questionnaire question; unanswered items will block you from moving forward.
• ✓ If your profile won’t save, re-check your phone number formatting: XXX XXX XXXX with spaces and no dashes.