Key Highlights
- Residency Restrictions: Georgia imposes 1,000-foot residency bans from schools, childcare facilities, churches, and similar places, and local ordinances may add zones if consistent with state law and not banishment; see O.C.G.A. § 42-1-15 and _Mann v. Ga. Dep’t of Corr._, 282 Ga. 754 (2007) (opinion).
- Presence / Proximity Rules: Presence/employment limits within 1,000 feet of child-focused areas apply statewide, and local governments may layer compatible rules subject to constitutional limits; see O.C.G.A. § 42-1-16 and _Mann_ (opinion).
- Duration of Registration: Registration continues 10 years, life, or until judicial removal depending on level and compliance; see O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12(g).
- Tiering / Level System: SORRB assigns Level I (low risk, may petition after 10 years), Level II (moderate risk, lifetime unless court relief), and Level III (sexually dangerous predator, lifetime with quarterly verification); see SORRB Rules 183-1-2-.02 and O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12(a)(10).
At a Glance
- Register in person with the sheriff where you reside or sleep; the GBI maintains the statewide site. See OCGA § 42-1-12.
- Initial deadline: Initial registration within 72 hours after release, placement on supervision, or entry into Georgia; homeless persons register where they sleep. See § 42-1-12(e).
- Verification: Annual in-person renewal within the 72 hours before your birthday; SDPs have extra electronic monitoring duties. See § 42-1-12(f)(4).
- Primary method: In person at the sheriff (each county where you reside/sleep). Keep proof of each visit. See § 42-1-12.
- ⚠️ Address changes are reported before moving.
- ⚠️ If you live, work, or attend school in different counties, you may have multiple sheriff obligations.
- ⚠️ 1,000-foot housing/employment safety zones are strictly enforced in many areas. See § 42-1-15.
Official Links
What this means in practice
- Register in person with the sheriff; the GBI runs the statewide site.
- Most people renew annually within the 72 hours before your birthday.
- SDPs have extra monitoring under § 42-1-14.
Watch-outs
- Report address changes before you move.
- Working or studying in another county can create extra sheriff visits.
- 1,000-foot safety zones are strictly enforced in some counties.
See § 42-1-12 (registration/renewal) and § 42-1-15 (zones).
Reviewed 10/8/2025
Who Must Register & Duration
Those convicted of a listed offense (including certain out-of-state/federal equivalents) must register. Risk level is set by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board (SORRB) under § 42-1-14 and Board rules GAC 594-1.
Duration: Registration continues 10 years, life, or until judicial removal depending on level and compliance; see O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12(g).
Deadlines & Reporting Triggers
- Initial registration: within 72 hours of release/supervision/entry into Georgia; homeless register where they sleep. See § 42-1-12(e).
- Annual renewal: report within 72 hours before your birthday for photo/fingerprints. See § 42-1-12(f)(4).
- Address/employment/school changes: report before moving or changing; additional counties may be required if you work/attend school elsewhere. See § 42-1-12.
What this means in practice
- Initial registration within 72 hours; homeless register where they sleep.
- Renew each year within 72 hours before your birthday.
- Report changes before they happen.
See § 42-1-12(e), (f)(4).
Verification & In-Person Requirements
- In-person with the sheriff where you reside or sleep, annually before your birthday. See § 42-1-12(f)(4).
- Sexually Dangerous Predators (SDPs) have additional monitoring/verification conditions under § 42-1-14.
What this means in practice
- Go to the sheriff where you reside/sleep for the annual renewal.
- SDPs have additional monitoring responsibilities.
See § 42-1-12(f)(4) and § 42-1-14.
Residency, Presence, & Loitering Restrictions
Georgia enforces 1,000-foot buffers for residing, working, or loitering near listed child-focused places. See § 42-1-15. Local practices vary; check with your sheriff for maps and any local ordinances.
What this means in practice
- Georgia enforces 1,000-foot buffers around child-focused places.
- Local practice varies; ask your sheriff for maps.
See § 42-1-15.
Employment, Education, & Internet Use
Public Website Exposure
- GBI hosts the public registry search site. See GBI Public Registry.
Travel & Relocation (Interstate Moves)
- If you move out of Georgia, you must complete out-of-state move procedures with the sheriff before leaving and register in the new state as required. See § 42-1-12.
Visiting or Traveling in the State
Compliance & Enforcement
Relief Paths
Special Populations
- Homeless individuals register where they sleep and renew annually before their birthday. See § 42-1-12(e).
- SDPs: electronic monitoring and additional conditions under § 42-1-14.
Costs & Payments
- Sheriff offices may charge nominal fees for ID cards/copies; confirm locally.
Recent Changes & Litigation
- Rule: SORRB Rules (GAC 594-1) — risk classification/review; effective 2025-09. Updated procedural timelines and petition/reevaluation parameters for risk classifications. link
Compliance Checklists & Scripts
New Arrival: First 30 Days
Moving Out / Traveling
- Before moving: notify your sheriff, complete any out-of-state paperwork, and confirm reporting in the new state.
Records Request Template
To: GBI Sex Offender Registry Unit (GCICSexOffenders@gbi.ga.gov)
Subject: Registry File Request — [Your Name, DOB]
Pursuant to OCGA § 42-1-12 and applicable public records provisions, please provide my current registry record as maintained by your office, including:
• All registration dates and renewals (with photos/fingerprints dates)
• Current/previous addresses on file
• Any risk classification (Level I/II/SDP) notices from SORRB
• Any notices of violations or pending actions
I am attaching a copy of my government ID. Please advise of any fees and the preferred method of payment.
Thank you.Relief Petition Outline
1) Identify current classification and date of SORRB notice under § 42-1-14.
2) Cite SORRB rules for review/reevaluation (see GAC 594-1).
3) Attach treatment/compliance documentation; show absence of disqualifying conduct.
4) File in the appropriate court if judicial review is available; serve parties per rules.
5) Request order granting relief (reclassification/conditions) consistent with statute and rules.Tips for using these checklists
- Use the checklists to meet the 72-hour windows and keep receipts of notices.
Procedures pulled from § 42-1-12 and GBI materials cited above.