NSOPW — The National Search Tool
Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website
The NSOPW is a free, federally operated website that searches sex offender registries across all 50 states, territories, and tribal jurisdictions simultaneously.
Search NSOPW.gov →Search by: Name, zip code, county, city/town, or address radius
Coverage: All 50 states + DC + territories + 200+ tribal jurisdictions
Cost: Free — funded by the U.S. Department of Justice
🔍 Search the National Registry Now
NSOPW lets you search all 50 states, DC, territories, and 200+ tribal registries in one search — completely free.
Search Sex Offender Registries on NSOPW.gov →Free service operated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Search by name, location, or address.
How Sex Offender Registries Work
Federal Law: SORNA
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (2006) established minimum national standards. Offenders are classified into three tiers based on offense severity, with registration periods of 15 years, 25 years, or lifetime.
State Variations
Each state implements its own registry with varying rules. Some states require all offenders to register for life. Others allow removal after a period of compliance. Notification requirements (who gets told when an offender moves in) also vary by state.
What's Typically Public
Name, photo, address, offense description, vehicle information, and physical description. Some states include employer information and known aliases. Juvenile offenders are typically excluded from public registries.
Highest Rates by State (per 100K)
| Rank | State | Registrants | Per 100K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | 33,421 | 790 |
| 2 | Arkansas | 19,500 | 640 |
| 3 | Alaska | 3,500 | 473 |
| 4 | South Dakota | 4,300 | 471 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 26,972 | 459 |
| 6 | Delaware | 4,400 | 427 |
| 7 | Missouri | 26,500 | 427 |
| 8 | Wyoming | 2,500 | 421 |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 2,800 | 410 |
| 10 | Michigan | 40,391 | 402 |
Source: State registry data aggregated by GuardKids (2024). Rates calculated using U.S. Census population estimates.
View all 50 states →State-by-State Registry Directory
Every state maintains its own public sex offender registry. Use the links below to search any state's registry directly.
Limitations of Sex Offender Registries
While registries are a valuable tool, they have important limitations that parents should understand:
- →Most abusers aren't on registries. The vast majority of child sexual abuse is committed by people who have never been caught or convicted.
- →Compliance varies. Studies suggest 20–30% of registered offenders fail to maintain current address information.
- →Online threats aren't captured. Registries track physical addresses. They don't track online usernames, gaming accounts, or social media profiles.
- →False sense of security. Checking a registry is useful but should never be your only protection. Most threats to children come from people they already know.
How to Protect Your Family
- ✓Search NSOPW for your home address, school zones, and anywhere your children spend time
- ✓Sign up for notifications — most state registries offer email alerts when an offender moves near you
- ✓Search before hiring babysitters, tutors, coaches, or anyone who will be alone with your children
- ✓Remember: the registry is one tool among many. Online safety, open communication, and awareness of warning signs are equally important