Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

Before You Drive to the Unit: Your Pre-Visit Checklist

A little preparation can save you a wasted trip. Use this checklist to confirm visitation is actually available, then show up with the right ID and nothing that will get you turned away.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Before you drive to a TDCJ unit, confirm two things: the inmate is assigned to the unit you plan to visit, and the inmate has visitation privileges. If either one isn't true, you can do everything else right and still get turned away.

Tip: Call the unit before you leave home. It's the simplest way to avoid a long drive for a visit that can't happen.

Visitation information changes, and timing matters. Schedule info is updated once daily on weekdays and multiple times per day on visitation days. A last check on the day you plan to travel can help you catch changes before you're already on the road.

TDCJ visiting hours are normally Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you're planning a weekend trip, treat those as your baseline hours. Then confirm the unit's current schedule before you go.

TDCJ uses a weekly visiting cycle that runs Monday through Sunday. Eligible inmates are normally allowed one visit per cycle, so plan accordingly. This is especially worth tracking if you've already visited earlier in the same Monday-to-Sunday window.

What to Bring

  • ✓ Check your clothing before you leave to make sure it complies with the unit’s visitation clothing guidelines.
  • ✓ Do not bring cash, except coins totaling no more than $35.

Phone reminder: Cell phones are not allowed inside the secure perimeter. Leave yours secured elsewhere before you enter.

Some inmates are restricted from having visitors age 17 or under. If you see the prompt "Will this visit include any children under 17 years of age?", that means no visitors aged 17 or under may join that scheduled visit.

Exception for the inmate's child: A child of the inmate who is under 18 may be allowed, but only if a Non‑Victim Child Affidavit for that child is on file in the inmate's classification folder.

  1. Call the unit before you leave, get final confirmation that you can visit that day.
  2. Confirm the inmate’s status: make sure the inmate is assigned to the unit you are traveling to and has visitation privileges.

Security check: Vehicles and visitors are subject to search by unit staff. Do not bring prohibited items onto the unit. Remember: no cell phones inside the secure perimeter, and coins only (up to $35).

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