Visiting an inmate at the Dallas County Jail isn’t difficult, but it can be tough to schedule during the week. Visiting is restricted to two hours each weekday – with no visitation on Wednesdays – and the days of the week you can visit are determined by the inmate’s last name.

This narrow window won’t work for everyone, particularly anyone who works evenings and weekends or has child-care issues.

Video visitation options offer some flexibility, but there are still plenty of rules and restrictions you must understand before setting off for a visit. A dress code is strictly enforced, and violating any of the rules could result in a permanent visitation ban.

Online Visitation

Friends, family members, attorneys, and public officials can schedule video visits through Securus Video Connect. 

This allows anyone who has internet access to be able to connect with inmates, regardless of the work or visitation schedule. It can also save you the transportation time and costs of getting to the jail. However, these visits are monitored and recorded. Don’t discuss the case or say anything during the visit that could be considered incriminating in court. 

You can use your phone, tablet, or computer to chat. The inmate has access to portals within the jail.

First, create a secure account at www.VideoVisitAnywhere.com.

Next, download the app. 

• iOS (Apple) Devices: Download from the App Store​ (requires iOS 15 or later)
• Android Devices: Download from Google Play​ (requires Android 10.0 or higher)

After that, you will need to deposit money into the account (there is a fee to use a credit card or money order for the initial deposit). While the app itself is free, there is a per-minute rate for each call. A 20-minute call typically costs $5 to $10, but may be cheaper than paying for parking at the jail. E-messaging costs start at 25 cents per message.

If your friend or family member is allowed to call you, you’ll need to make sure your number is approved and that your account has an available balance.

You can schedule these visits through the app by selecting “video connect,” then choose an available time slot.

In-Person Visits

All jail facilities in Dallas County operate on the same visitation schedule. Visitor signups begin 30 minutes before the start of visiting hours.

The hours are restrictive. If you can’t visit during these times, the options for an on-site video visit are more flexible.

You can only visit in-person on days of the week that correspond with the first letter of the inmate’s last name:

A through L: Mondays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

M through Z: Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

No visitors will be processed after 8:30 p.m.

All inmates can be visited on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but no visitors will be processed after 1:30 p.m.

On-Site Video Visits 

Video visits are available via kiosks at the jail. Though you still must go to the jail for the visit – and schedule it in advance – the days and hours are a bit more flexible, so you can use this option if your work schedule or other responsibilities conflict with in-person visiting hours.

Once again, these visits are monitored and recorded, so be very careful about what you say.

Any video visit must be scheduled a minimum of 72 hours in advance. Requests are typically approved within about 72 hours of the request. Each visit lasts a maximum of 20 minutes. If you – or the inmate – are late for the appointment, it will be deducted from that 20 minutes. Inmates are limited to no more than two on-site video visits per week.

There is no visitation on Wednesdays, and no children under age 17 are allowed during the week. Onsite video visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m on all other days, including weekends.

Visitors must:

• Be at least 17 or older
• Present a valid government-issued photo ID when registering

Any visitor under age 17 must have a parent or guardian present, and must visit on the weekend. No one under 17 will be permitted on weekdays.

All video visits are monitored electronically and recorded. If you refuse to consent to this, your visit will be canceled.

Any scheduled video visit can be denied, canceled, or terminated if either the visitor or the inmate acts inappropriately. This includes any visitors who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or have items that may be considered contraband, including:

• Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Weapons
• Displaying gang signs or symbols

No nudity is permitted, and all visitors must adhere to the dress code.

Special Visitation 

If you live more than 75 miles from Dallas, you may be eligible for a one-time “Special Visit.” 

They are a one-time visit reserved for people who “could not have reasonably anticipated to visit.”

You are not required to be on the inmate’s visitors card. Special Visits can take place at any time except feeding times and under emergency conditions.

You must show proof of residence.

Special visits will not be automatically granted. They are a one-time occurrence and are reserved for a visitor or visitors who live more than 75 miles from the jail and “could not have reasonably anticipated to visit, at the time the inmate completed the visiting card.”

Dress Code

This is open to interpretation, so don’t take any risks. If you’re unsure whether an article of clothing might be considered “revealing” or “tight,” don’t wear it.

The following items are prohibited:

• Sundresses
• Halter tops
• Shorts that may be considered “revealing”
• Swimwear
• Open-toed sandals
• Flip-flops
• Sheer or transparent garments
• Jeans with tears or holes
• Leotards
• Low-cut blouses or dresses
• Spandex or tight-fitting pants or blouses
• Leggings
• Backless tops
• Pajamas
• Hats, caps, or non-religious headgear
• Garments without sleeves
• Any skirt that is two inches or more above the knee
• Dresses or skirts with a high-cut split mid-back, front or side
• Khaki, green, institutional, or military-style clothing

Prohibited Items

If you’re caught with any of these items, you may lose your visiting privileges:

• Cameras
• Purses or handbags
• Umbrellas
• Cell phones
• Pagers
• Packages
• Cigarettes, lighters, or matches
• Mace
• Paper sacks
• Any glass or metal container
• Weapons of any kind
• Knives or sharp objects

Please note: Certain baby gear is also prohibited. This includes glass bottles, strollers, blankets, and toys. If you’re visiting with an infant and won’t have a vehicle, please contact the jail to find out what you can bring and whether there is a place where you can stow any necessary items during your visit.

Penalties for Rule Violations

Penalties vary based on the violation, but a first-offense dress-code violation can lead to suspension of visitation privileges for 30 days.

• Temporary bans: Visitors may be banned from future visits for a specified period (30 or 60 days, for example).
• Permanent bans: Repeated or serious violations can result in a permanent ban from visiting.
• Visit cancellation: Visits can be terminated or canceled for various rule violations, including dress code violations or disruptive behavior.
• Disciplinary proceedings: Visitors may face disciplinary actions if they’re caught with contraband items or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Prosecution: In some cases, particularly those involving contraband, violations may lead to legal prosecution.

More Dallas County Resources

How to find an inmate

What happens after you’re arrested

How to get someone out of jail

How much is bail in Dallas County?

Dallas County warrant search: How to see if you have one