What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for Your Lewis Unit Visit: ID and Prohibited Items Checklist

If you’re 18 or older, you’ll need a current government-issued photo ID to check in for visitation at the Lewis Unit. Plan on having it out and ready when you arrive - staff will verify it before you’re allowed to proceed.

Bringing a child visitor (17 or younger)? They may need to show identification too. A birth certificate or state-issued ID works. Student IDs are also accepted, but only for visitors 17 and under.

Don't bring anything you plan to hand to the person you're visiting. Items intended for delivery to an inmate are prohibited - paper money and tobacco products are specifically called out as examples.

Electronics are a common reason visitors get delayed or turned away. Cell phones and smartwatches are prohibited, along with other electronic or wireless devices. Laptop computers, cameras, and digital recorders are also banned. The rule of thumb: if it powers on, records, connects, or transmits, leave it behind.

Previsit Checklist

• ✓ Bring a current government-issued photo ID if you’re 18 or older.
• ✓ Leave your cell phone and smartwatch behind - don’t bring electronic or wireless devices onto TDCJ property.
• ✓ Don’t bring prohibited electronics like laptops, cameras, or digital recorders.
• ✓ Don’t bring paper money, tobacco products, or anything intended to be delivered to an inmate.
• ✓ Check your pockets and bags for lighters and matches before you leave home (or lock them away before you enter the property).

1. Confirm the person you’re visiting is at the Lewis Unit and eligible for visits - verify they’re assigned to the unit you plan to visit and that they have visitation privileges before you travel.
2. Check updates, then call for final confirmation - TDCJ visitation information is updated at least once daily on weekdays (and multiple times per day on visitation days), but you should still call the unit to confirm before you make the trip.