Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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How to Register Your Phone to Receive Calls from an Inmate (for Roy K. Robb families)

If your loved one is in TDCJ custody, your phone number must be enrolled before you can receive their calls. Have the inmate's TDCJ ID number ready—you'll need it.

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
How to Register Your Phone to Receive Calls from an Inmate (for Roy K. Robb families)

You must register your telephone number through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment system before receiving calls from a TDCJ inmate. Until your number is enrolled, the inmate simply can't call it. Getting this done early means you won't miss calls once they have phone access.

You'll need the inmate's TDCJ ID number during registration. If you don't have it handy, grab it first - the correct ID makes enrollment go much faster.

  1. Try the online inmate search - look up your loved one and note their TDCJ ID number exactly as it appears.
  2. Call for the ID if you can’t find it online - you can request help locating the TDCJ ID by phone at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.
How to Register Your Phone to Receive Calls from an Inmate (for Roy K. Robb families)

Enroll your number through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment website. You'll be asked for the inmate's TDCJ ID number, so have it pulled up or written down before you start.

  • ✓ Your driver license or state ID name matches the name on the telephone listing or phone bill for the number you’re registering
  • ✓ You can confirm you are the registered owner of the telephone number
  • ✓ You can confirm you agree to allow the inmate to call that telephone number
  • ✓ You are at least 18 years old

Call rules: Do not forward calls, make three-way calls, or use a speakerphone on calls you receive from the inmate.

If you get stuck during registration or need help with the phone system, you can email Inmate Technology Services at offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov.

For phone help, call (866) 806-7804. The Inmate Technology office answers calls Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (effective February 2, 2026), except state-recognized holidays. Some sources list hours as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - if you can't get through, try calling earlier in the day and double-check current hours.

Quick Rules

  • ✓ The name on your driver license or state ID matches the name on the phone bill/telephone listing for the number you’re registering
  • ✓ You can confirm you’re the registered owner of that phone number, and you’re at least 18 years old
  • ✓ You will not forward calls, make three-way calls, or use a speakerphone on inmate calls

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