U.S. Sex Offense Registry Hub

U.S. registry systems are guided by federal laws and implemented by states. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) — Title I of the Adam Walsh Act (2006) — sets minimum national standards, administered by the DOJ’s SMART Office. States still write their own statutes and procedures, so details vary.

What SORNA Does

Sets minimum registration and notification standards nationwide.
Requires periodic in-person verification and timely updates.
Provides federal guidance (current law & guidelines).

Federal Liability

Crossing state lines and failing to register can trigger federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2250. See DOJ overview: SORNA at DOJ.

International Megan’s Law (IML)

IML adds international travel notice requirements and a passport identifier for certain registrants. See State Department overview or SMART Office brief (PDF).

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Common Registry Duties (Most States)

Register home, work, and school addresses within required deadlines.
Verify periodically in person or by mail, usually every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on tier.
Update internet identifiers and vehicles if your state requires it.
Notify your registry agency before traveling; most require in-state notice, and federal law requires advance notice abroad.
Keep copies/receipts for every submission and update.

Gotchas

Missing a mailed verification letter can count as failure to register.
Short hotel stays can trigger “temporary residence” status.

Where to Confirm

Federal overview: SMART Office SORNA · Data snapshot: BJS — 2022 Update.

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Moving Between States (Interstate Transfers)

If you are under supervision (probation/parole), interstate moves are handled through the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS). ICAOS governs how supervision transfers work across all 50 states, DC, and territories. If you’re not under supervision, you still must comply with registration rules in both the origin and destination states.

Before You Move

Contact your current registering agency to confirm exit steps and deadlines.
Confirm the destination state’s initial registration window and documents needed.
Bring proof of housing/employment if requested.

Learn More

About the Compact: CSG — ICAOS Overview · Official site: interstatecompact.org.

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Quick Checklists

Travel / Vacation

Check if your destination state has a short-stay registration trigger.
For international trips, ask your registering agency about IML notice requirements and timing. See State Dept — IML.
Keep itinerary copies and confirmations; document all contacts with agencies (dates, times, names).

Address / Job / School Changes

Know your state’s deadline (some are 48–72 hours).
Update internet identifiers if your email/usernames change.
Retain stamped receipts or delivery tracking for any mailed forms.

Documentation Tip

Create a simple “compliance folder” (paper or cloud) with copies of every registry action and verification. It’s invaluable if questions arise later.

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Data & Research

Big Picture

National research from the U.S. Sentencing Commission and Bureau of Justice Statistics provides context on reoffending, supervision outcomes, and registry system design.

For legal baselines and the latest federal rule updates, see DOJ’s SORNA pages and the 2021 Federal Register rule: SORNA Registration Requirements (Final Rule).

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Advocacy, Legal Aid & Reentry (National)

Legal & Policy

Reentry & Support