What Photo ID You Need to Visit Someone at Hobby Unit

You'll need photo identification to visit someone at the Hobby Unit. Staff check IDs during check-in, so don't plan to figure it out when you get there. Have your ID ready before you make the trip.

If you’re 18 or older, TDCJ requires a current, official government-issued photo ID for visitation. In other words, adults can’t use a student ID card as their primary ID for entry - bring a government ID that’s valid and up to date.

Here's a detail that catches people off guard: at least one of your ID documents must show your current physical address. If your photo ID has an old address, bring a second document that reflects where you live now.

TDCJ may require ID for visitors 17 or younger too. A birth certificate, state-issued ID, or student ID card all work. If you're bringing a child, have one of these ready.

If you're a certified victim of family violence with address protection, TDCJ waives the current-address requirement. You won't need to show an ID with your physical address on it.

• ✓ If you’re 18+, bring a current, official government-issued photo ID.
• ✓ Make sure at least one ID document used to confirm your identity shows your current physical address (unless the address-protection exception applies).
• ✓ If you’re a certified victim of family violence with address protection, bring the certification documentation with your government-issued ID.
• ✓ If you’re bringing a visitor age 17 or younger, be ready with ID such as a birth certificate, a state-issued ID, or a student ID card.
• ✓ Remember: student ID cards are only acceptable for visitors 17 and younger - not for adults.