Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Phone & Messaging

Setting Up Phone Calls from Your Incarcerated Loved One: Registration and Rules

Getting phone calls set up in TDCJ comes down to two things: registering your number correctly and knowing the call rules so you're not caught off guard by cutoffs, blocks, or billing changes.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Before you can receive calls from a TDCJ inmate, your phone number needs to be registered through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment. Have your loved one's TDCJ ID number handy. You'll need it to complete registration and link your number to their calling access.

Need help with the system? TDCJ's Inmate Technology office takes calls Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except state recognized holidays (effective February 2, 2026). For day-to-day calling, TDCJ telephones are generally available from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., though access can change when facility conditions require it.

Call time limit: Each call maxes out at 30 minutes. You'll hear a warning one minute before the system disconnects.

Privacy reminder: All calls are monitored and recorded, except calls to the attorney of record.

Only certain types of numbers can receive calls. TDCJ allows calls to home landline telephone numbers, post-paid cell phones, and pre-paid cell phones. If you're using a different kind of line, it may not accept the call even if you registered successfully.

Billing rules are changing. Effective December 1, 2025, Securus requires a funded AdvanceConnect account to pay for phone calls to TDCJ inmates. If you want calls to keep going without interruption, set up and fund the account before that date.

Temporary help during the change: Securus is offering one free 60-second call per month to phone numbers not associated with a funded AdvanceConnect account.

Having ongoing problems with vendor services (the Inmate Telephone System, e-messaging, inmate tablets, or Securus video visitation)? You can contact the ITS Contract Manager. Use the ITS Contact Form, mail written complaints to PO Box 4016, Huntsville, TX 77342-4016, or email offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov.

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Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at Jim Rudd Unit

Want to get phone calls from someone at the Jim Rudd Unit (TDCJ)? You'll need to handle a few things first, including registration and making sure your phone number is the right type to receive calls.

How to Register Your Phone to Receive Calls from an Inmate at Jim Rudd Unit

To receive calls from someone at the Jim Rudd Unit, you'll need two things: the inmate's TDCJ ID number and a phone number you can register as yours. During enrollment, you'll confirm you own the number - so use one that's actually listed in your name.