Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Texas Inmates

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ or Agency) shall encourage offender visits consistent with security and classification guidelines. Offender visitation in TDCJ units shall be conducted in an accommodating manner, in keeping with the need to maintain order, the safety of persons and security of the unit. However, visitation is a privilege and may be temporarily restricted for an offender or a visitor, if rule violations occur or security concerns exist. Visitation may also be temporarily discontinued during unit lockdowns and other serious incidents, such as escapes or riots. Offender visitation is managed under the direction of each Warden and in accordance with the rules and guidelines outlined below. All offender visits, except for attorney-client visits, are subject to be electronically monitored. Unless otherwise noted, these rules and guidelines apply to both general (non-contact) visits and contact visits. To make visiting an inmate in Texas easier for everyone we have compiled the most important things to know before you visit:

• All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list.  The offender will establish this list during the initial intake process and may update the list periodically throughout their incarceration.
• In order for the offender to add you to their approved visitor's list, they must know your full name, date of birth, and current address.  If the inmate does not know this information you should send it to them in a letter.  You can verify you are an approved visitor by calling the unit.
• Before you attend a visiting session you should confirm the current location of the inmate by calling the facility.  At the same time, you should ensure that visitation times have not changed or been canceled for the day you plan on visiting.
• All visitors 18 and older must present a valid photo identification which can be any of the following:
  • State driver's license
  • State issued identification card, or Visa border-crossing ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • State Department of Public Safety ID
• Anyone 17 and under may also be required to present ID in the form of a birth certificate or student ID.
• All visitors and their vehicles will be searched and are required to pass through a metal detector.  The facility may utilize electronic detection devices and canines to aid in their search.

Some additional information you should know when visiting an inmate in TDCJ:

• Anyone visiting in a religious role also known as a spiritual visit must gain approval through the warden's office.
• Inmates are limited to one visit per weekend.
• Visits are usually two hours in duration, but the length of a visit may very if overcrowding exists or other circumstances arise.
• If you are traveling over 300 miles to visit you can arrange to have a special visit.  Special visits must be requested through the warden's office well in advance and are subject to approval.  Special visits can be as long as four hours in duration and can occur two days in a row.  Special visits are limited to once per month.
• Anyone who fails to listen to the directives of the staff, or who is disruptive/presents improper conduct will have their visit terminated and may be subject to having their visiting privileges revoked.
• You are allowed to bring up to $25 in quarters contained in a small clear Ziploc bag to purchase items from the visiting room vending machines.  Paper currency is not allowed.
• Cell phones, tablets, computers, cameras, recording devices, electronic devices of any kid, food, drinks, tobacco and related products such as lighters and matches are not allowed to enter the facility, leave these items in your car.
• If you are visiting in a pickup truck, the bed of the truck must be clear and have no items in it.  All vehicles must be secured with windows up and doors locked.
• Do not blast your car music anywhere on or around the unit grounds.
• If you are traveling with an infant or small child you are allowed to bring a clear Ziploc bag with up to three diapers, a small number of baby wipes, and two "sippy" cups or plastic baby bottles.
• All children must be attended and under the visitor's control at all times, disruptive children can cause your visit to terminate early.

For more information on visiting you can review the Offender Rules and Regulations for Visitation issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice:

Dress Code for Visitors of Texas Inmates

All visitors must adhere to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice dress code.  The dress code is strictly enforced, and violating it is grounds for your visit being denied.  To ensure compliance be sure to dress conservatively, read over the dress code rules, and always contact the facility if you have any additional questions.  We recommend you always leave a change of clothes in your car so that if an article of clothing you are wearing is deemed inappropriate, you can quickly change and not miss out on a visit.

• Any clothing that contains images or language that is offensive or profane is not allowed.
• Shorts and skirts can be no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing.
• Flip-flops, sandals, slippers, open-toed shoes and steel-toed boots are not allowed.
• All shirts on men and women must cover the shoulders, dresses included.
• Clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other large areas of skin is not allowed.
• No clothes that are tight fitting, including spandex, leggings, tank tops, tube tops etc. are not allowed.
• Clothing that is sheer or see-through is prohibited.