Setting Up the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler (step-by-step for Hobby Unit visitors)

You'll need to create your own visitor account - TDCJ staff can't do this for you. Start by entering a valid email address you can access immediately. The system will send you a 7-digit validation code and a link to complete registration. Once that's done, you can set up your visitor profile and add the person you want to visit at the Hobby Unit.

1. Click “Create an Account” and enter your email - use an email you can open immediately.
2. Check your inbox for the scheduler email - it will include a 7-digit validation code and a registration link.
3. Validate your email - enter the 7-digit code or follow the link from the email.
4. Finish registration - complete the remaining prompts to finalize your account.

Before adding an inmate or requesting approval, you'll need to complete the background questionnaire and visitor profile in the scheduler. The system won't consider your account ready until these fields are filled out.

• ✓ Complete the background questionnaire in the scheduler
• ✓ Fill out all required visitor profile fields
• ✓ Enter your phone number in the format the scheduler accepts (if the number isn’t formatted correctly, it can block you from moving forward)

With your profile complete, you can add the inmate you want to visit. You'll need their TDCJ number or SID - exactly 8 digits, so double-check before submitting. You'll also select your relationship to the inmate. This request doesn't approve instantly. It goes to the inmate's unit of assignment, where TDCJ staff verify the relationship before you can schedule visits.

1. Open “Add Inmate” (or the inmate search) - this is where you connect the inmate to your visitor profile.
2. Enter the inmate’s TDCJ number or SID - it must be exactly 8 digits.
3. Select your relationship - choose the closest match from the relationship dropdown.
4. Submit the request for approval - the scheduler sends the relationship request to the inmate’s unit of assignment for staff verification.

Sometimes, even after your relationship is verified, you won't see a "Schedule Visit" button next to the inmate's name. If the scheduler shows "Call Unit" instead (or the button area is blank), call the inmate's unit of assignment to arrange the visit directly.

Troubleshooting

• ✓ Don’t try to “fix” a bad signup by changing your email later - once an account is created for an email address, it can’t be deleted and the email can’t be changed
• ✓ If you’ve already submitted a relationship request, look for it and wait for verification instead of re-submitting over and over
• ✓ If the inmate’s location looks odd or blank, check again later - location updates happen throughout the day (and a blank location can mean a transfer)
• ✓ Remember that you must create your own scheduler account; TDCJ staff can’t create visitor accounts for you
• ✓ If you see “Call Unit” instead of “Schedule Visit,” call the inmate’s unit of assignment to schedule the visit

The most common hang-up? The approval step. Relationship requests must be verified by TDCJ staff at the inmate's unit before scheduling opens up. If you're stuck waiting, check the inmate listing in your profile periodically. Watch for when scheduling becomes available - or when the scheduler switches to "Call Unit." If you see that prompt, stop clicking around and call the unit to arrange your visit directly.