How to Schedule Your First Visit at Hobby Unit Using the TDCJ Online Scheduler
Scheduling your first visit can feel like a lot. But the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler is manageable once you know where people typically get stuck. Follow the steps below to set up your account, add your loved one, and book the right visit type for Hobby Unit.
You'll need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account before you can book a visit at Hobby Unit. Staff can't set one up for you, so plan to handle registration yourself. Once your account exists, staff can help update certain details like your name or address - but that initial setup has to come from you.
Warning: Choose your email carefully. Once an account is created for an email address, the account can’t be deleted and the email address can’t be changed.
After you submit your email during signup, check your inbox for a message with a link and a 7-digit validation code. You'll need both to finish registration and access the scheduler.
Once you're in the account setup flow, you'll hit the Background Questionnaire. There's no "skip for now" option here - every question must be answered before the system lets you move forward.
- ✓ Enter your phone number as: XXX XXX XXXX
- ✓ Use spaces between the number groups
- ✓ Don’t use dashes (for example, 555-123-4567 can get rejected)
Tip: Two common ways to get stuck: using an email you don't want long-term (it can't be changed later) and missing the registration email with your 7-digit validation code and link. Get those right, and the rest of setup usually goes smoothly.
To add an inmate to your profile, you'll need their TDCJ number or SID number. The system requires exactly 8 digits - double-check you're entering the full number before you submit.
- Go to the TDCJ Offender Search - Use the official TDCJ Offender Search tool if you don’t have the TDCJ/SID number.
- Find the TDCJ or SID number - Look up your loved one and note the number shown.
- Return to the scheduler and add the inmate - Enter the 8-digit TDCJ/SID number exactly as listed.
On the scheduling screen, you'll pick a visit type. The scheduler lists four options, including Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet. One thing that trips people up: "Video/Tablet" in the TDCJ scheduler is not the same as the Securus Video program.
Not every visit type will be available to you. What shows up depends on your relationship to the inmate, how the visitation area is set up, and the inmate's current privileges. If a type isn't listed, it's likely tied to one of those factors.
If you see "Call Unit" or "Not Approved for Visits," stop before you make the drive. Call Hobby Unit to confirm the inmate is assigned there and has visitation privileges - otherwise you risk showing up and getting turned away.
- ✓ Confirm the inmate is currently assigned to Hobby Unit
- ✓ Confirm the inmate has visitation privileges
- ✓ Have the inmate’s 8-digit TDCJ/SID number ready when you call
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