Last Updated: June 10, 2025. Report error / Make suggestion
Since 1990, Washington State has required individuals with certain convictions to register with law enforcement and have their information be entered into a central database. “Conviction” means you either pled guilty or you were found guilty by a judge or jury. RCW 9.94A.030 (Section 9). This includes if you were convicted or adjudicated in juvenile court, adult court, and/or received a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). RCW 9A.44.130 (Section 1).
The registration process means you must go into the local county sheriff to register/provide contact information, you receive a risk level, and you may be placed on the public registry depending on criminal history and risk level. More information is below.
- Chapter 1: Who Has to Register?
- Chapter 2: When Do You Have to Register?
- Chapter 3: What Does Registration Mean?
- Chapter 4: How Long Do I Have to Register?
More Sex Offense Laws Guides
A Guide to Washington State Sex Offense Laws
This is a legal guide to help individuals understand Washington State sex and kidnapping offense laws. Both adults and juveniles with certain sex offense convictions have a duty or requirement […]
Sex Offense Registration Laws Guide for Visitors
There is no one size fits all approach for sex and kidnapping offense registry laws. Each State and United States Territory is responsible for creating their own sex offense registration […]