How to Get on an Inmate's Visitors List at Hobby Unit — and What to Do if You're Removed

Each inmate at Hobby Unit can have a maximum of 10 names on their official Visitors List. That limit matters - it's the gatekeeper for who gets approved to visit. If the list is already full, the inmate has to remove someone before adding you.

How quickly an inmate can add or delete names depends on their custody type. Institutional inmates can make Visitors List changes once every six months. State jail, intermediate sanction facility (ISF), and substance abuse felony punishment (SAFP) inmates can make changes once every 60 days. Timing matters here: if the list is full or you miss a change window, you could be waiting months before you can be added.

1. Ask the inmate to add you to their Visitors List - the inmate controls who is submitted for approval, and the list is capped at 10 names.
2. Have the inmate plan the update around the allowed change window - list changes can only happen on the schedule that applies to them (institutional vs. state jail/ISF/SAFP).
3. Call Hobby Unit before you make plans - confirm the inmate is assigned to the unit and has visitation privileges.
4. Create your own account in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler - you’ll need your own account to use the scheduler.
5. Re-check the schedule and cancellations right before you travel - confirm the unit visitation schedule and verify visitation hasn’t been canceled so you don’t make a wasted trip.

Removed from an inmate's Visitors List? You can appeal in writing to the Director's Review Committee (DRC). The deadline is tight - 14 days from the date on your written removal notice. Start your letter as soon as you get it. Mail your appeal to: Director's Review Committee (DRC), PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342.

• ✓ Find the date on your written notice of removal and count 14 days from that date.
• ✓ Write your appeal addressed to the Director’s Review Committee (DRC).
• ✓ Mail it to: DRC, PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342.
• ✓ Send it early enough that it’s submitted within the 14-day deadline.

Avoid Delays

• ✓ Call the unit before you travel to confirm the inmate is assigned there and has visitation privileges.
• ✓ Confirm the unit visitation schedule before you leave.
• ✓ Verify visitation hasn’t been canceled before traveling.

Being on the right lists affects more than just visiting. Since September 1, 2020, only senders on an inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List can deposit money to inmates. If you're not on either list - or you were removed - you won't be able to help with commissary or other needs until that's resolved.