Key Highlights
- Residency Restrictions: New York has no statewide or local post-supervision residency ban; local ordinances are preempted under People v. Diack; SARA’s 1,000-foot school rule applies only as a supervision condition; see Executive Law §259-c(14).
- Presence / Proximity Rules: While on parole or probation, certain Level 3 or child-victim offenders must avoid school grounds or child-care facilities without written permission; see Penal Law §65.10(4-a) and Executive Law §259-c(14).
- Duration of Registration: Registration lasts 20 years for Level 1 and life for Level 2, Level 3, or designated offenders, with narrow judicial relief possible after 30 years; see Correction Law §168-h and DCJS FAQ.
- Tiering / Level System: Risk levels 1–3 set by the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders and courts determine verification cadence, public website visibility, and registration duration; Levels 2–3 appear on the public NY Sex Offender Registry with photo and address, while Level 1 remains law-enforcement only. Tiering follows the Candice’s Law framework for risk-based management and notification; see Correction Law §168-l and DCJS Risk Levels.
At a Glance
- Persons convicted of registerable sex offenses under Correction Law Article 6-C (SORA), and persons with equivalent out-of-state or federal convictions. See § 168-a.
- Initial deadline: Register at sentencing or at least 10 days before release/discharge. Movers to NY must notify DCJS within 10 days of establishing residence. See § 168-c(2) and DCJS FAQ.
- Verification: Level 3 and designated offenders verify address every 90 days in person; Levels 1–2 appear for updated photos (every 3 years / annually). See § 168-f.
- Primary method: In-person verification at local law enforcement with written change notices to DCJS. Mail-back annual verification forms as directed. See § 168-f.
- ⚠️ Designation as sexual predator / sexually violent / predicate extends registration for life.
- ⚠️ Out-of-state equivalents can trigger registration. See § 168-k.
- ⚠️ Failure to verify or update within 10 days is a felony. See § 168-t.
- ⚠️ Photo schedule differs by level – check DCJS reminders.
Official Links
Who Must Register & Duration
Those convicted of registerable sex offenses under SORA, including comparable out-of-state, federal, or military offenses, and certain non-residents who work or attend school in NY. See Art. 6-C and DCJS FAQ.
Duration: Registration lasts 20 years for Level 1 and life for Level 2, Level 3, or designated offenders, with narrow judicial relief possible after 30 years; see Correction Law §168-h and DCJS FAQ.
Deadlines & Reporting Triggers
- Initial registration before release or at sentencing; movers to NY must notify DCJS within 10 days of establishing residence. See § 168-c(2).
- Annual verification mailer must be returned within 10 days of receipt. See § 168-f(2).
- Report changes of address, employment, school, or internet identifiers within 10 days. See § 168-f(3)–(4).
Verification & In-Person Requirements
- Level 3 or designated offenders verify address every 90 days in person with local law enforcement. See § 168-f(3).
- Level 1–2 provide updated photo in person (3-year cycle); Level 3 annually. See § 168-f(2)(b-2),(b-3).
What this means in practice
- Appear in person with local law enforcement on the schedule for your level.
- Bring ID and keep receipts as proof of compliance.
See § 168-f(3).
Residency, Presence, & Loitering Restrictions
SORA imposes no statewide residency bans once off supervision; local ordinances are pre-empted (People v. Diack, 2015). Parole or probation can impose school-zone restrictions under Penal Law § 65.10(4-a).
What this means in practice
- NY has no statewide residency ban after supervision.
- Supervision orders may limit living within 1 000 ft of schools.
Employment, Education, & Internet Use
- Provide employer and school information and report changes within 10 days. See § 168-f(4).
- Internet identifiers must be reported and updated within 10 days under e-STOP. See § 168-a(18).
What this means in practice
- Report work and school changes within 10 days.
- Update internet identifiers under e-STOP.
See § 168-a(18) and DCJS FAQ.
Public Website Exposure
Travel & Relocation (Interstate Moves)
- Moving out of state requires notifying DCJS within 10 days and registering in the new state. See § 168-j.
- Short visits without residence/work/school usually don’t trigger registration duties.
Visiting or Traveling in the State
- Non-resident workers or students in NY must register within 10 days of starting. See § 168-a.
- Tourists without NY residence, employment, or school generally do not register.
Compliance & Enforcement
Relief Paths
- Level 1 registrants end after 20 years unless designated predicate/violent. See § 168-h(1).
- Level 2 may petition for removal after 30 years (no designation). See § 168-o(1).
- Risk level modification available after one year. See § 168-o(2).
Special Populations
Costs & Payments
- $10 fee for address or status changes. See § 168-b(8).
- Court filing fees may apply for petitions or motions. See CourtHelp guide.
Recent Changes & Litigation
Compliance Checklists & Scripts
New Arrival: First 30 Days
- Within 10 days of moving to NY, register with DCJS if required.
- Notify local law enforcement of address, employment, and school.
- Confirm schedule for in-person verification with local agency.
Moving Out / Traveling
- Notify local law enforcement and DCJS of departure address and new location.
- Ensure continuing registration in the new jurisdiction.
Records Request Template
To: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Subject: Request for Sex Offender Registration Record
I hereby request a copy of my current registration record under SORA (Article 6-C), including risk level, designation, and history of modifications. I am enclosing proof of identity. Please advise of any fees required.
Thank you.