Understanding Hobby Unit's Visitor List Rules: Who Can Visit and How Often You Can Change Names
Visiting at the Hobby Unit starts with one key piece of paperwork: the inmate's approved Visitors List. Here's how the list works, who can be on it, and how often names can change—so you can plan ahead.
Each inmate at the Hobby Unit can have up to 10 names on their approved Visitors List. Only people on that list can visit, so prioritize family and friends most likely to come in person - especially if several people want to visit over time.
Bring the right ID: If you’re 18 or older, you’ll need a current government-issued photo ID, and at least one ID you use must show your current physical address (with limited exceptions).
For institutional inmates, changes to the Visitors List - adding or removing names - can only happen once every six months. You can't swap someone in or out week to week. Think carefully about who should take up one of those 10 spots before submitting a change.
For inmates in a state jail, intermediate sanction facility (ISF), or substance abuse felony punishment (SAFP) program, the window is shorter: list changes can be made once every 60 days. The key point? How often you can update depends on the type of custody or program.
- ✓ Treat the 10 spots like a priority list - add the people most likely to visit consistently.
- ✓ Plan around the change window - institutional inmates can change names every six months; state jail/ISF/SAFP inmates every 60 days.
- ✓ Avoid last-minute swaps - if someone can’t visit for a while, changing the list may lock you into that decision until the next allowed change.
Call the Hobby Unit before you drive out. It's the simplest way to confirm the inmate is still assigned there and has visitation privileges - before you spend the time and money traveling.
If you're using the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler, you'll need to create your own visitor account - staff can't do it for you. Once your account exists, staff can help update details like names and addresses. Not sure everything's in place? Call the unit before traveling so you don't show up only to find something still needs processing.
- ✓ Make sure you’ve created your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account (staff cannot create it for you).
- ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation of the inmate’s assignment and visitation before traveling.
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older, bring a current government-issued photo ID, and make sure at least one ID you use shows your current physical address (with limited exceptions).
Find an Inmate at Hobby Unit, TX
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
