Chapter 2 When Do You Have to Register?

Last Updated: January 23, 2025. Report error / Make suggestion

Each state decides which individuals with sex or kidnapping convictions have to register with law enforcement and be placed on the public registry. In Washington, you must register with law enforcement if:

• You move to Washington from a different state or country;
• You move from one address in Washington to another address in Washington;
• You are leaving jail or prison;¹
• You attend work or school in Washington (even if you don’t live in Washington); or
• You are visiting Washington for 10 days or more.

Generally, the law requires you register within three business days after moving to Washington, after moving within Washington, after release from confinement (jail, prison, etc.), or after arriving in Washington when you plan to visit for 10 days or more. Additionally, you must register three business days prior to taking classes or working at a college or university. Failure to follow the law may risk being charged with crimes like failure to register. A business day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a local, state, or federal holiday. RCW 9A.44.128(Section 2).

If you lack a fixed address (e.g. are homeless, couch-surfing, etc.) and you remain in a county for more than 24 hours then you must register within 3 business days of arriving in the county. You must also report to the Sheriff’s Office each week.

To find more information about Washington’s specific registration requirements, please read RCW 9A.44.130.

1. In addition, if you receive a report date following your sentencing hearing, you also have to update your address with the sheriff’s office prior to reporting to jail, as well as when you are released from jail. ↩︎

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