Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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How Remote Video Visits Work (Securus): Scheduling, Cost, and Limits

Remote video visits work well when you can't get to the unit in person—but they follow different rules than both in-person visits and tablet video visits. Here's how Securus remote video visitation works, what it costs, and the limits you'll need to plan around.

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
How Remote Video Visits Work (Securus): Scheduling, Cost, and Limits

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For kiosk-based remote video visits, you schedule through the vendor’s website (Securus). If you’re not seeing the time slots you expected, double-check that you’re in the remote video visit system - not the tablet visitation portal - so you’re booking the right kind of visit.

Remote video visits have limits. TDCJ allows one per month for eligible inmates, and it's in addition to contact or general (in-person) visits. The remote visit doesn't replace in-person visiting - it's a separate option with its own cap.

Each remote video visit can last up to 60 minutes. If you're coordinating around kids, work breaks, or time zones, that's the window to plan for.

Securus video visitations cost $10.00 per visit. Pick a time when you can use the full session without interruptions.

How Remote Video Visits Work (Securus): Scheduling, Cost, and Limits

The most common scheduling mistake? Using the wrong site. Tablet video visits go through the TDCJ visitation portal. Remote video visits (kiosk-based) are scheduled through Securus. If you're stuck, first confirm which type of video visit the person you're visiting is approved for, then book through the matching system.

  • ✓ Confirm the inmate is eligible for a remote video visit this month (remote visits are limited to one per month for eligible inmates).
  • ✓ If you already used the remote visit for the month, plan for the next month instead of repeatedly trying to book.
  • ✓ If you’re trying to schedule a tablet visit, use the tablet visitation portal - not the vendor site.

Video won't connect? Audio not working? System won't let you finish scheduling? TDCJ directs you to contact the Securus Customer Service Center at (877) 578-3658. Have the basics ready when you call - who you're trying to visit and what went wrong - so they can troubleshoot faster.

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