How to Set Up Your TDCJ Visitation Scheduler Account Without Losing Your Mind

You have to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. TDCJ staff cannot do this for you, so calling the unit won't help if you're stuck at sign-up. Once your account exists, staff may be able to update details like your name or address. But that initial account creation? That's on you.

1. Click “Create an Account” - Start from the scheduler login screen and choose the option to create a new account.
2. Enter your email address and submit - Use an email address you can access right now.
3. Open the validation email - After you submit your email, the system sends you a message with a 7-digit validation code and a link.
4. Use the link and enter the 7-digit code - Follow the instructions in that email to complete your registration.

This trips people up because the number looks correct even when it isn't. If you type dashes (like 555-555-5555) or run the digits together (like 5555555555), you can get blocked or flagged as incomplete when filling out your visitor profile.

1. Open the option to add/search for an inmate - In your scheduler profile, look for the inmate search/add feature.
2. Choose the search type - You can search using the inmate’s TDCJ number or SID number.
3. Enter the number as exactly 8 digits - The TDCJ or SID number must be 8 digits in length.
4. Select the correct person and save - Once the search returns the right person, add them to your profile.

The biggest mistake here is accidentally changing the number. Double-check that you didn't drop any leading zeros, add extra characters, or paste in spaces before or after the 8 digits. If the scheduler can't match the number exactly, you won't be able to add the inmate to your account.

Profile Requirements

• ✓ Use a working email address and complete the email validation (you will receive a 7-digit code and a registration link)
• ✓ Complete the background questionnaire when prompted
• ✓ Create and save your password
• ✓ Fill out all required profile fields (pay attention to any fields marked as required)
• ✓ Enter your telephone number as XXX XXX XXXX (spaces only, no dashes)
• ✓ When adding an inmate, enter the TDCJ or SID number as exactly 8 digits

Don't skip the email validation step. The scheduler sends a 7-digit validation code and a link so you can finish registration. You need to complete that process before you can schedule visits.

Common Errors

• ✓ Validation email never showed up: search your inbox for the message with the 7-digit validation code and the registration link, then use them to finish account registration
• ✓ Phone number keeps failing: retype it in XXX XXX XXXX format with spaces only (no dashes)
• ✓ Inmate cannot be found or will not add: confirm the TDCJ or SID number is exactly 8 digits, and make sure you did not drop leading zeros
• ✓ You are trying to get staff to “set up the account” for you: visitor accounts must be created by the visitor, staff cannot create them