How to Set Up Your TDCJ Online Visitation Account (avoid permanent-email & phone-format traps)

Everyone who wants to visit needs their own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. TDCJ staff can't create one for you, so don't wait until the last minute hoping someone at the unit will "set you up." Helping a parent or relative who isn't comfortable online? Sit with them while they register - just make sure the account goes under their information, not yours.

Before you type in an email address, pause. In the TDCJ visitation system, once an account is created with an email, that account can't be deleted - and the email can't be changed. Ever. Pick an address you'll still control months (or years) from now.

• ✓ Use a personal email you expect to keep long-term (not a work or school email).
• ✓ Avoid temporary/throwaway addresses.
• ✓ Pick an email you can reliably access and recover (password resets, security checks, etc.).
• ✓ Don’t use a shared “family” email if more than one person might try to manage visits - each visitor needs their own account.

After you submit your email address, the system sends a confirmation email with two things: a link to continue registration and a 7-digit validation code. You'll enter that code to prove you own the address and finish setting up your account.

1. Submit your email - Enter the email you’re going to use for the account and submit it.
2. Find the registration email - Check your inbox, then your spam/junk folder.
3. Use the link and the 7-digit code - Open the email and follow the link to complete registration, using the 7-digit validation code when prompted.
4. If nothing arrives, try again after a short wait - Give it a few minutes, then re-check spam/junk and request the email/code again if the system allows it.

Part of account creation is a Background Questionnaire. Every single question must be answered - skip one, and the system blocks you from moving forward. Give yourself a few uninterrupted minutes so you don't rush and accidentally leave something blank.

• ✓ Set aside a few minutes where you can finish the questionnaire in one sitting.
• ✓ Read each question carefully and make sure none are left unanswered.
• ✓ If you’re unsure on a question, pause and verify your information before you submit - because blanks will stop the process.

The phone-number field is pickier than most websites. It requires this exact format: XXX XXX XXXX - spaces only, no dashes. Type parentheses, hyphens, or anything else, and the form will reject it until you fix the formatting.

1. Go back to your profile details - Find the telephone-number field where you entered your contact info.
2. Re-enter the number with spaces - Type it as `123 456 7890` (XXX XXX XXXX), with no dashes.
3. Save and continue - Submit the change, then retry the step you were on.

To add someone to your visitor profile, you'll search by their TDCJ number or SID number - it must be exactly 8 digits. Have that number ready before you start; it saves time and avoids frustration.

Don't know their 8-digit TDCJ or SID number? Look it up first using the TDCJ Offender Search. Once you have it, come back to the scheduler and use it to find and add them to your profile.

1. Find the 8-digit number - Get the inmate’s TDCJ or SID number; if you don’t have it, use the TDCJ Offender Search to look it up.
2. Search by the number in the scheduler - In the “Add Inmate”/search area, enter the 8-digit TDCJ or SID number.
3. Confirm you found the right person - Verify the match before you save them to your visitor profile.

One more thing before you register: the TDCJ visitation portal is only available to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you live outside those countries, you'll need to find an alternate way to request visits.