Before Your First Visit to Tarrant County Jail: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Your first visit can go smoothly if you show up with the right ID and keep things simple. Here's a quick pack list for Tarrant County Jail so you don't get turned away at the door.
If you’re 18 or older, you’ll need a photo ID to visit. Tarrant County Jail accepts a Real ID or driver’s license, a passport, a military ID, an immigration ID, or a Mexican Consulate card.
Under 18? A valid school photo ID works. You'll also need an adult (18+) with you - no exceptions for anyone 17 or younger. If you're using a temporary paper driver's license, make sure it's current. No photo on it? Bring another form of photo ID as backup.
Prohibited-items
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Matches
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Electronic recording devices
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Backpacks
- ✓ Bags
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Unlabeled prescription medication
Note: No food or drinks are allowed in the visitation areas, except items allowed for infants.
Infant-exceptions
- ✓ One diaper bag
- ✓ A blanket that fits into the diaper bag
- ✓ Bottles that fit into the diaper bag
- ✓ An infant carrier
Bringing an infant carrier? Expect staff to visually inspect it during screening. Keep your baby with you and under your control the entire visit - staff can end things early if anything disrupts safety or order.
Dress conservatively. During your visit, stay calm and follow staff directions. Visits can be cut short if anyone's behavior threatens safety, security, or the orderly operation of the facility.
Previsit-checklist
- ✓ Pack an accepted photo ID (adults 18+: Real ID/driver’s license, passport, military ID, immigration ID, or Mexican Consulate card)
- ✓ Leave tobacco, lighters/matches, cameras/recording devices, cell phones, backpacks, bags, purses, and unlabeled prescription medication at home or in your vehicle
- ✓ If you’re bringing an infant, bring only one diaper bag, plus a blanket and bottles that fit inside it, and an infant carrier
- ✓ Plan to stay inside once you enter - no in-and-out re-entry during visitation
- ✓ Don’t bring food or drinks into visitation (infant items are the exception)
Once you're inside, you're in for the duration - no stepping out and coming back. Give yourself extra time to get through screening without feeling rushed, especially if you're wrangling kids or infant gear.
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