Before You Drive to Michael Unit: A Pre-Visit Checklist
A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Use this checklist to confirm the basics, bring the right ID, and avoid common items that get visitors turned away at Michael Unit.
Before you hit the road, confirm two things: the person you're visiting is currently assigned to Michael Unit, and they still have visitation privileges. Transfers and status changes happen. Even if you visited last month, check again before you travel. Make sure you're approved as a visitor for that specific inmate, too. If you're not certain your name is cleared - or you're bringing someone whose approval status is unclear - call the unit to verify before you leave.
Michael Unit's regular visiting days are Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Don't rely on memory or a screenshot from last month - verify the current schedule before you drive. Check for cancellations, too. Unit-wide cancellations are posted on the TDCJ homepage. A quick call to the unit can confirm you're not heading into a closed visiting day.
Online scheduling reminder: If you’re using the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler, you must create your own account - TDCJ staff can’t create visitor accounts for you.
If you're 18 or older, bring a current, government-issued photo ID. Staff will look at it closely. This is one of the fastest ways visits get delayed or denied - showing up without acceptable identification.
Double-check that you're approved to visit the specific inmate you're coming to see. Bringing children or someone whose status you're unsure about? Confirm in advance. Call the unit - it's the fastest way to avoid showing up and discovering an approval issue at the door.
Money Electronics and Belongings
- ✓ Leave cash at home - if you bring money, bring coins only, and no more than $35 total.
No phones: Cell phones aren’t allowed inside the secure perimeter. Leave yours at home or secured in your vehicle before you enter.
Plan your outfit ahead of time. Keep it simple. If you're unsure whether something will pass, swap it for something more conservative before you leave. Bringing children? Confirm ahead of time that they're permitted to visit this inmate and that everyone in your group is cleared to enter.
Final Quick Checks
- ✓ Current government-issued photo ID for every visitor age 18+
- ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to Michael Unit and has visitation privileges
- ✓ Confirm you’re an approved visitor (call the unit if you’re unsure)
- ✓ Re-check the schedule and look for any posted visitation cancellations
- ✓ Coins only if you’re bringing money (no more than $35); leave cash behind
- ✓ Leave your cell phone behind (not allowed inside the secure perimeter)
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