Key Highlights
- Residency Restrictions: Pennsylvania has no statewide residency-distance restrictions in SORNA; SVP group homes are limited to five occupants per site. Local ordinances cannot impose independent zones (e.g., near schools or parks) because the state’s registry law fully occupies the field. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down county bans in Fross v. County of Allegheny, 20 A.3d 1193 (Pa. 2011), confirming statewide preemption. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.25(f) Fross v. County of Allegheny
- Presence / Proximity Rules: There are no statewide presence or proximity restrictions in statute—registrants are not barred from schools, parks, or public spaces by law. However, parole or probation conditions can impose individual geographic limits. Municipalities cannot create their own exclusion zones under Fross v. County of Allegheny. PSP Megan’s Law FAQ Fross v. County of Allegheny
- Duration of Registration: Duration is set by tier: Tier I – 15 years, Tier II – 25 years, Tier III and SVP – lifetime. For pre-2012 Subchapter I cases, duration is 10 years or lifetime depending on the offense. Duration affects only how long a person must remain registered. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15(a)
- Tiering / Level System: Tiers affect only duration and verification frequency, not housing, supervision, or disclosure. Tier I verifies annually, Tier II semiannually, Tier III/SVP quarterly. Assignment is based on offense tables and court SVP determinations. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.14 PSP Registration Details
At a Glance
- People convicted/adjudicated of listed sexual offenses must register with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) under Subchapter H (offense date on/after Dec. 20, 2012) or Subchapter I (offense date before Dec. 20, 2012). See 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.10–.42 (H) and § 9799.51–.75 (I).
- Initial deadline: If moving into PA or starting work/school here, appear in person within 3 business days of establishing residence, employment, or enrollment. Incarcerated PA offenders are registered before release or at sentencing. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.19(i), (k), (l).
- Verification: Tier I annually; Tier II semiannually; Tier III quarterly; SVP quarterly; transients monthly; certain Subchapter I registrants annually. See § 9799.15(e)–(h) and PSP’s registration page.
- Primary method: In person at an approved PSP Registration/Verification Site. Site finder: Verification Sites.
- ⚠️ All changes (name, residence, job/school, phones, vehicles, internet IDs, lodging) must be reported in person within 3 business days. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15(g).
- ⚠️ International travel requires 21-day advance in-person notice. § 9799.15(i).
- ⚠️ Transients must appear monthly until a residence is established. § 9799.15(h)(1).
- ⚠️ Noncompliance is a criminal offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1. § 9799.22.
- ⚠️ Public posting required under [§ 9799.28] and [§ 9799.63]; see PSP Megan’s Law site.
Official Links
What this means in practice
- PSP runs the registry and posts information online.
- Most people must show up in person on a schedule; changes are due within 3 business days.
- International trips require 21-day advance notice.
Watch-outs
- Transients must report monthly until housed.
- Missing deadlines can be charged as a felony.
Validated with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97, PSP’s Registration Details, and DOJ SMART’s 2024 review.
Reviewed 10/13/2025
Who Must Register & Duration
Individuals in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.13 (Subchapter H) and § 9799.55 (Subchapter I) including out-of-state offenders who live, work, or study in PA. Tiers and durations set by § 9799.14 and § 9799.15(a).
Duration: Duration is set by tier: Tier I – 15 years, Tier II – 25 years, Tier III and SVP – lifetime. For pre-2012 Subchapter I cases, duration is 10 years or lifetime depending on the offense. Duration affects only how long a person must remain registered. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15(a)
Deadlines & Reporting Triggers
- Initial arrival: 3 business days to appear after establishing PA residence, employment, or school. § 9799.19(i).
- Pre-release or sentencing registration for PA convictions. § 9799.19(k),(l).
- Regular verifications by tier/SVP/transient status. § 9799.15(e)–(h).
- Updates (residence, job, school, phones, vehicles, lodging, internet IDs, license) within 3 business days in person. § 9799.15(g).
- International travel: 21 days before departure in person. § 9799.15(i).
What this means in practice
- Arrive in PA? 3 business days to appear.
- PA convictions register before release/at sentencing.
- Keep your annual/semiannual/quarterly/monthly dates.
Watch-outs
- Every change (home, job/school, phones, vehicles, internet IDs, temporary lodging) is due in person within 3 days (Subchapter H).
- International trips: 21 days ahead.
See § 9799.19 and § 9799.15(e)–(i).
Verification & In-Person Requirements
- All verification occurs in person at PSP sites. See PSP Registration Details and Site Finder.
- Tiers: I annual; II semiannual; III quarterly; SVP quarterly; transient monthly; Subchapter I per statute.
What this means in practice
- Verification is in person at PSP or approved sites; frequency depends on your tier or status.
PSP guidance and § 9799.15(e)–(h); site list: finder.
Residency, Presence, & Loitering Restrictions
No statewide residency-distance rule. Group homes for SVPs limited to five per site (§ 9799.25(f)). Local zoning or parole may restrict housing.
What this means in practice
- No statewide home-distance rule; SVP group homes have headcount limits; local zoning/parole can still restrict housing.
See § 9799.25(f) and PSP FAQ.
Employment, Education, & Internet Use
- Report job/school changes within 3 business days in person. § 9799.15(g)(3)–(4).
- Report internet IDs (emails/usernames) within 3 days. § 9799.15(g)(8).
- Occupational license info must also be reported. § 9799.15(g)(9).
What this means in practice
- Report job/school changes and internet IDs within 3 business days (in person).
Public Website Exposure
- PSP must publish registrants online. § 9799.28 and § 9799.63.
- Website: Megan’s Law Public Portal.
Travel & Relocation (Interstate Moves)
- Courts inform offenders to register in other jurisdictions within 3 business days of moving or working there. § 9799.23(a)(3).
- PSP shares international travel info with other states and federal partners. § 9799.18(d).
What this means in practice
- Moving, working, or attending school in another state triggers a duty to register there, generally within 3 business days.
Court notice and duty appear in § 9799.23(a)(3).
Visiting or Traveling in the State
- If registered elsewhere and coming to PA to live, work, or study, register within 3 business days. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.19(i)(1).
- Report temporary lodging (dates/addresses) within 3 business days when applicable. § 9799.15(g)(7).
- International trips require 21-day advance notice in person. § 9799.15(i).
What this means in practice
- Coming to PA to live/work/study? Appear within 3 business days.
- Report temporary lodging and give 21-day notice for international trips.
See § 9799.19(i) and § 9799.15(g), (i).
Compliance & Enforcement
Failure to register, verify, provide information, or keep details accurate is chargeable under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1; enforcement and arrest procedures are outlined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.22. PSP operates the public site under § 9799.28 and § 9799.63.
What this means in practice
- Missing deadlines or giving bad info can be charged as a felony; police may arrest for failure to register.
See 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1 and § 9799.22.
Relief Paths
- Possible court relief after 25 years for certain lifetime categories at judicial discretion. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15(a.2).
- Juvenile-specific termination process. § 9799.17.
- Key cases shaping retroactivity/classification: Muniz (2017), Lacombe (2020), Santana (2021).
What this means in practice
- Some lifetime categories can petition after 25 years with no serious crimes; juveniles have a separate termination process.
See § 9799.15(a.2) and § 9799.17.
Special Populations
- Transients: monthly in-person appearance until a residence is established. § 9799.15(h)(1).
- Juveniles/Sexually Violent Delinquent Children: distinct verification and rules. § 9799.15(h)(2)–(3).
- SVPs: quarterly verification and counseling attestation. § 9799.15(f).
What this means in practice
- Transients report monthly; juveniles/SVDCs and SVPs follow extra rules including counseling attestations.
See § 9799.15(f)–(h).
Costs & Payments
- No statewide registration fee in statute; travel/ID costs may apply. See PSP Registration Details and Verification Sites.
Recent Changes & Litigation
- Statute: Act 10 of 2018 & Act 29 of 2018 — 2017–2018; effective 2018-02-21 / 2018-06-12. Rebuilt SORNA after Muniz; created Subchapter I and revised Subchapter H. link
- Statute: Act 59 of 2021 — 2021; effective 2021-06-30. Amended § 9799.19 and related procedures for notice/registration. link
- Case: Commonwealth v. Muniz — Pa. Supreme Court (2017-07-19) — SORNA punitive as applied retroactively; prompted legislative changes. link
- Case: Commonwealth v. Lacombe — Pa. Supreme Court (2020-07-21) — Subchapter I upheld as nonpunitive on its face. link
- Case: Commonwealth v. Santana — Pa. Supreme Court (2021-12-22) — As-applied ruling affecting § 9799.19; statute later amended. link
- Rule: PSP Guidance—Registration Details; effective Ongoing. Explains intervals, 3-day updates, and 21-day international travel notice. link
Compliance Checklists & Scripts
New Arrival: First 30 Days
- Confirm Subchapter (H vs I) and tier. See § 9799.14.
- If you live/work/study in PA, appear in person within 3 business days. § 9799.19(i).
- Locate a PSP Verification Site and bring ID/case info. Site Finder.
- List all email/usernames, vehicles, phone numbers, and temporary lodging details. § 9799.15(g).
- Plan ahead for any international travel (give 21-day notice). § 9799.15(i).
Moving Out / Traveling
- Verify you’re current on PA duties. § 9799.25.
- Register in the new state within 3 business days of moving/working/schooling. § 9799.23(a)(3).
- Keep proof of appearances and copies of forms.
- If traveling internationally during the move, give 21-day notice. § 9799.15(i).
Records Request Template
To: Pennsylvania State Police, Megan’s Law Section, 1800 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Subject: Request for Registration Records (Public Information under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28 / § 9799.63)
I request copies or an index of public information maintained about me on the PSP Megan’s Law Registry, including verification dates and current tier/status. If additional records require a Right-to-Know request under 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq., please advise.
Name/AKA: ____ DOB: ____ PID/Case #: ____ Current Address: ____ Phone/Email: ____
Please provide electronic copies to: ____ or advise of duplication fees.
Signature/Date: ____Relief Petition Outline
Caption: Commonwealth v. [Name], CP-[County]-CR-[Number].
Relief Sought: Exemption/relief under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15(a.2) or termination under § 9799.17 (juveniles).
Allegations: (1) Statutory eligibility (years elapsed; no disqualifying convictions). (2) Compliance history. (3) Community ties/rehabilitation. (4) Any SOAB assessment if ordered.
Prayer: Grant exemption/termination or tailored relief per § 9799.15(a.2)(5). Attach: docket, sentencing order, tier notice, verification history. Serve DA as required.Tips for using these checklists
- Use the site finder, bring ID/case info, calendar your due dates, keep receipts of appearances, and plan 21-day notice for international travel.
PSP Registration Details and Verification Sites.
Citations
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.15 (periods; verification; changes; international travel)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.19 (initial registration)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.25 (verification mechanics)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.23 (court notice; duty to register in other jurisdictions)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28 (public Internet website)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.63 (public information; Subchapter I site duties)
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.1 (failure to comply—penalties)
- PSP—Registration Details (official guidance)
- PSP—Verification Sites (official locations)
- DOJ SMART—Pennsylvania (Apr. 1, 2024)