LOPEZ UNIT
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Guides for This Facility
Sending Money to an Inmate at Lopez Unit: Deposit Methods, Fees, and Approved‑List Rules
Getting money onto an inmate's account is usually straightforward—until a deposit gets rejected for a rule you didn't know existed. Here's what you need to know about deposit options, online fees, and the sender-eligibility rule that trips people up most often.
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How to Schedule Your First Visit to Lopez Unit Using the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler
Getting your first visit scheduled at Lopez Unit comes down to setting up the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler correctly. Pay close attention to your email, phone number format, and the inmate's ID number.
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How to Write to Someone at Lopez Unit: Correct Mailing Format, Books, and Mail Rules
Getting mail right the first time saves days of delay and a lot of frustration. Use the correct envelope format, follow the publication rules, and try e‑messages when you need something faster.
Read GuideAt a Glance
Visitation
- You must create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account; unit staff cannot create accounts for visitors.
- The scheduler sends a verification email containing a 7‑digit validation code and link to complete registration.
- Contact visits allow one embrace and kiss at the start and one at the end; holding hands is permitted if hands remain on the table in view of staff.
Communication
- You must register your telephone number at texasprisonphone.com to receive calls from Lopez Unit inmates.
- Vendor phone support is available to help with registration and call-related issues.
- E-messages to Lopez Unit inmates are sent via JPay and require the purchase of electronic stamps on the JPay site.
Mail & Letters
- The envelope must include the inmate’s full name, TDCJ number, and the unit address.
- Unit addresses for Lopez Unit are available on the agency website and in the unit guide.
- Newspapers, magazines, and books may be mailed to inmates only by the publisher, publication supplier, bookstore, or online bookseller.
Sending Money
- Only senders on an inmate's Approved Visitation List or the Inmate Telephone List may deposit money for Lopez Unit inmates.
- Money orders and cashier's checks must be accompanied by a deposit slip and mailed to Inmate Trust Fund PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060.
- eCommDirect (texas.gov/eCommDirect) is an accepted online option where senders enter the offender number and name to confirm the recipient.
Inmate Lookup
- The TDCJ or SID number used to add an inmate to a visitor profile must be eight digits.
- When a visitor submits a Relationship Request via the scheduler, the request is sent to the inmate’s unit for staff verification.
- The scheduler lists visit types including Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet; exact availability depends on relationship and facility design.
Contact Info
- To receive calls from a TDCJ inmate you must register your telephone number online at texasprisonphone.com and you may need the inmate's TDCJ ID number.
- Visitation scheduler accounts require an email validation step that includes a 7‑digit code and a link to complete registration.
- The scheduler lists multiple visit types (including Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet); which types are available depends on relationship and facility layout.
Facility Info
- Lopez Unit's scheduler lists Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet visit types; availability depends on the visitor–inmate relationship and inmate privileges.
- Visitation may be restricted or discontinued for rule violations, security concerns, lockdowns, escapes, disturbances, or health and safety emergencies.
- Prohibited items include alcohol, controlled substances, weapons, paper money, tobacco, lighters, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, cameras, and digital recorders.
Based on official sources and community feedback. Learn how we verify
Topic Overviews
Visitation
Every visitor to Lopez Unit needs their own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account—unit staff can't create one for you. After signing up, check your email for a verification link and 7-digit validation code. Enter phone numbers in the required format (XXX XXX XXXX) and use the inmate's 8-digit TDCJ or SID number to add them to your profile. The scheduler shows visit types like Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet. If no dates appear, the inmate may already have a visit scheduled—availability also depends on their privileges and the facility's layout. Contact visits allow one embrace and kiss at the start and end, plus hand-holding if hands stay visible on the table. Confirm the inmate's assignment and privileges before traveling. Paper money, phones, electronics, tobacco, and lighters are all prohibited inside the secure perimeter.
Read full guideCommunication
Staying connected with someone at Lopez Unit starts with the approved phone and messaging systems. To receive calls, register your number at texasprisonphone.com—have the inmate's TDCJ ID ready. The vendor's phone support can help if you hit registration snags. For electronic messages, use JPay at www.jpay.com. Create an account, buy the required "electronic stamps," and your message will be delivered. Video visits and tablet communication exist at some Texas units, but availability varies—Lopez Unit may not offer everything you've seen elsewhere. Check the facility page for unit-specific rules before calling, scheduling video, or sending e-messages.
Mail & Letters
When mailing Lopez Unit, list the inmate's full name, TDCJ number, and unit address clearly on the envelope. Not sure you have the right address? Confirm it on the agency website or unit guide before sending anything. Texas uses a centralized digital mail system that screens incoming correspondence—accepted pages may be scanned and delivered to inmates via secure tablets. Want to send books, magazines, or newspapers? They must come directly from the publisher, a bookstore, or an online bookseller, and they're still subject to review and possible rejection. Legal/privileged mail and verified publisher shipments may follow a different process and sometimes go directly to the unit.
Read full guideSending Money
Only approved senders can deposit money for Lopez Unit inmates—your name must appear on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or Inmate Telephone List (effective September 1, 2020). To mail funds, send a money order or cashier's check with a deposit slip to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060. Follow the instructions exactly: no cash, no personal checks, and no personal letters tucked in with the money order. Prefer online? Use eCommDirect at texas.gov/eCommDirect. Enter the offender number and name to confirm the recipient. Fees run $3.75 per commissary purchase and $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount, with a combined fee if you do both at once.
Read full guideCommon Questions
Showing 6 of 23How do I create and verify a visitation account for Lopez Unit?
Create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account (Lopez Unit staff can’t create it for you), then check your email for the verification link and 7-digit validation code. When registering, use the (XXX XXX XXXX) phone format and the inmate’s 8-digit TDCJ or SID number to add them. Relationship Requests are sent to the unit for verification and will show as “Relation Requests Pending Approval” until approved.
VisitationWhat visit types can I schedule at Lopez Unit and how do I know which are available?
The scheduler lists visit types including Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet (which is separate from Securus Video). Not every option will be available for every inmate—availability depends on privileges, relationship status, and the unit’s layout. Remote video/tablet access varies by unit and is handled through the approved video scheduling system.
VisitationWhat can I bring into the visitation area at Lopez Unit and what items are prohibited?
Inside the secure perimeter, allowed items include a small wallet or clear plastic bag and up to $35 in coins; visitors with infants may bring limited baby supplies (up to three diapers, wipes, and two bottles). Prohibited items include paper money, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, cameras, digital recorders, tobacco, lighters, and other electronic or wireless devices. Confirm current allowances with the unit before you travel.
VisitationHow do I receive phone calls from an inmate at Lopez Unit?
Register your telephone number online at texasprisonphone.com to receive calls. You may need the inmate’s TDCJ ID during sign-up. If you have trouble with registration or calls, contact the vendor’s phone support.
CommunicationHow can I send electronic messages to an inmate at Lopez Unit?
Send electronic messages through JPay at www.jpay.com. You’ll need to create a JPay account and purchase the required electronic stamps before sending messages.
CommunicationAre video visits or inmate tablets available at Lopez Unit?
Video visits and tablet features vary by unit. Check the Lopez Unit facility page to confirm what’s offered, and follow the vendor’s scheduling and payment steps if those services are available.
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Did You Know?
You must create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account — TDCJ staff cannot create accounts for visitors.
This guide is based on feedback from dozens of families and official facility documentation. Learn how we verify