Sex Offender Lookup | Registered Sex Offenders Database

Understanding Sex Offender Registries and Megan's Law

Sex offender registries are public databases maintained by each state to track individuals convicted of sexual offenses. These registries were established following the implementation of Megan's Law, named after seven-year-old Megan Kanka, who was killed by a known sex offender living in her neighborhood. The law requires sex offenders to register with local authorities and makes their information available to the public.

What Information is Available in Sex Offender Registries?

State sex offender registries typically contain the following information about registered individuals:

• Personal Information: Full name, aliases, date of birth, physical description
• Address Information: Current residential address, work address, school address
• Offense Details: Type of sexual offense, conviction date, jurisdiction
• Registration Status: Classification level, registration requirements, compliance status
• Photos: Current photograph updated regularly based on state requirements
• Vehicle Information: License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions (where applicable)

How to Use Sex Offender Registry Search Tools

When searching sex offender registries, you can typically search by:

• Name Search: Enter first and last name to find specific individuals
• Address Search: Enter an address to find registered sex offenders in the area
• Geographic Search: Search by city, county, or ZIP code
• School Search: Find registered sex offenders near schools and childcare facilities
• Map View: Visual representation showing offender locations on an interactive map

Sex Offender Classification Levels

Most states use a three-tier classification system for registered sex offenders:

• Level 1 (Low Risk): Offenders considered at low risk for re-offense
• Level 2 (Moderate Risk): Offenders with moderate risk of re-offense
• Level 3 (High Risk): Offenders considered high risk and may require community notification

Registration Requirements and Compliance

Sex offenders must comply with various registration requirements, including:

• Regular in-person registration updates (frequency varies by state and risk level)
• Notification of address changes within specified timeframes
• Employment and education reporting requirements
• Travel notification for extended trips or relocation
• Internet identifier reporting (email addresses, social media accounts)

Important Safety Considerations

While sex offender registries are valuable tools for public safety, it's important to remember:

• The information should be used for protection, not harassment or vigilante justice
• Registry information may not always be current due to reporting delays
• Many sexual offenses are committed by individuals not on the registry
• The registry focuses on convicted offenders and may not include all dangerous individuals
• False accusations can result in legal consequences

National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

The National Sex Offender Public Website, maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice, provides a centralized search tool that queries multiple state registries simultaneously. This free service allows users to search across participating states for comprehensive results, making it easier to track offenders who may have moved between states.

Staying Informed and Protected

To maximize your safety and stay informed:

• Regularly check local sex offender registries, especially when moving to a new area
• Sign up for notification alerts if your state offers them
• Educate family members, especially children, about personal safety
• Report any suspicious activity or non-compliance to local authorities
• Verify information through official sources before taking any action

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Offender Registry Searches