Setting Up the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler (so you can schedule visits at Johnston Unit)

You need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account - staff can't do it for you. Once your account exists, staff may be able to help update information, but the initial setup is on you.

After you submit your email address, check your inbox for a message with a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish your registration.

Watch the phone number field when filling out your visitor profile. The scheduler expects the format "XXX XXX XXXX" with spaces - no dashes. Typing it as 555-123-4567 can cause problems.

To schedule visits, add the inmate to your profile by searching with their TDCJ number or SID number. The number must be exactly 8 digits - double-check you didn't miss one or add an extra digit before submitting.

Once your relationship is confirmed, you'll normally see a Schedule Visit button next to the inmate's name. If visitation privileges have been removed, that button won't appear. Instead, you'll see "Not Approved for Visits" - meaning you can't schedule through the portal right now.

Sometimes the Schedule Visit button is missing or replaced with "Call Unit." If that happens, stop re-entering your info and call the inmate's assigned unit instead. Find out what's needed, and confirm the inmate is at that unit with active visitation privileges before you travel.

When scheduling, you might see: "Will this visit include any children under 17 years of age?" This prompt appears when an inmate is restricted from having visitors 17 or under. If you see it, the visit can't include anyone in that age group.