National Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification

The Office of the Attorney General has issued guidelines to interpret and implement Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA strengthened the national standards for sex offender registration and notification, eliminating potential loopholes for sex offenders to avoid registration requirements. The guidelines help states implement SORNA requirements in their current sex offender registration programs. They address: (1) principles for implementation; (2) the jurisdictions responsible for implementation; (3) the sex offenders required to register; (4) registration and notification requirements based on offenses and recidivism; (5) the information to be included in registries; (6) procedures for initial registration and updating; (7) duration of registration; (8) and means of enforcement. The final rules are effective on July 2, 2008.

73 Fed. Reg. 38,030 (July 2, 2008)
Final guidelines