The 10-Person Visitors List: Who Can Visit and How Often an Inmate Can Change It
TDCJ limits each inmate's approved Visitors List to 10 people, and changes only happen on a set schedule. If you're trying to get added—or you've been removed—here's how the rule works and what you can do about it.
Each TDCJ inmate can have up to 10 names on their official Visitors List. This is the approved group of people allowed to visit during authorized hours. The cap is strict - once all 10 slots are filled, someone has to come off before anyone new can be added.
Plan ahead: With only 10 slots total, it helps to decide early who absolutely needs to be on the list so you don’t get stuck waiting for the next change window.
How often the list can change depends on the facility type. Institutional inmates can only add or delete names once every six months. State jail inmates - along with those in an Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) or Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP) program - get a shorter window: once every 60 days. This timing matters if you're trying to get added quickly. When an inmate's list is full, you can't be added until their next change window opens. So if you were just removed or someone needs to be swapped out, the schedule could mean the difference between visiting soon and waiting months.
Quick rule of thumb: Institutional inmates can change the list every 6 months. State jail, ISF, and SAFP inmates can change the list every 60 days.
- Create your visitor account - Set up your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account.
- Submit a relationship request - Use the visitation system to send the relationship request connected to the inmate you want to visit.
- Wait for verification and a decision - TDCJ staff review and verify the relationship, then either approve or deny the request.
Warning: You have to register yourself - TDCJ staff cannot create visitor accounts for you.
If you've been removed from an inmate's Visitors List, you can appeal in writing to the Director's Review Committee (DRC). Mail your appeal to: Director's Review Committee (DRC), PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342. The deadline is tight - your appeal must be submitted within 14 days of the date on the written removal notice from the unit. If you're considering an appeal, start immediately so you're not racing the clock.
- ✓ Mail a written appeal to the Director’s Review Committee (DRC), PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342
- ✓ Include enough information to identify the inmate and show you were removed from the inmate’s Visitors List
- ✓ Explain why you believe the removal was incorrect
- ✓ Include your current contact information
- ✓ Add any supporting documents you have
- ✓ Send it within 14 days of the date on the written notice of removal
Deadline reminder: Your appeal has to be submitted within 14 days of the written notice date - late appeals may not be considered.
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