National Sex Offender Search for Employment Screening
Our national sex offender search uses the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW).
That site links state, territorial, and tribal registries into one search.
Consequently, you screen every participating jurisdiction with a single order.
What Is the National Sex Offender Search?
The search draws on the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website.
NSOPW is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and participating jurisdictions.
It links public state, territorial, and tribal sex offender registries into one national search site.
Congress named the site for Dru Sjodin, a North Dakota student, in 2006.
Each jurisdiction hosts and updates its own registry data.
Therefore, results reflect the most current information each jurisdiction provides.
Because the search covers many registries at once, it suits employment and volunteer screening.
However, treat it as one part of a complete background check.
Search at a glance
- SourceDru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website
- CoverageState, District of Columbia, territorial, and tribal registries
- Federal lawSORNA, 34 U.S.C. § 20901 et seq.
- Our price$4 per search
- TurnaroundSame-day; near-instant in most cases
What a Sex Offender Registry Check Shows
Registry details vary, because each jurisdiction decides what it publishes.
However, most records include the items below.
Name and Aliases
First, the record lists the offender’s registered name and known aliases.
Photo and Description
It also shows a photo, physical description, and distinguishing marks.
Registered Addresses
Additionally, the record lists current residence and other registered addresses.
Offense and Conviction
The record then names the offense and the conviction details.
Risk Level or Tier
Furthermore, many jurisdictions publish a risk level or tier.
Vehicle Information
Some registries also list vehicles that the offender owns or drives.
The 3 Tiers of the Sex Offender Registry
The federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) sorts offenders into three tiers.
Specifically, 34 U.S.C. § 20911 defines each tier by the offense of conviction.
The tier then sets how long and how often the offender must register.
15 years · verify yearly
Tier I: Lowest Level
Tier I covers every sex offender outside Tier II and Tier III.
These offenders register for 15 years.
Additionally, they verify their information in person once a year.
25 years · verify every 6 months
Tier II: Mid Level
Tier II covers offenses punishable by more than one year that involve minors.
For example, it includes sex trafficking, enticement, and using a minor in a sexual performance.
It also includes producing or distributing child pornography.
Life · verify every 3 months
Tier III: Most Severe
Tier III covers the most serious offenses punishable by more than one year.
For example, it includes aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse.
It also includes abusive sexual contact with a child under 13 and kidnapping of a minor.
Each jurisdiction may use its own classification system and risk levels.
Therefore, the level on a state registry may differ from the federal tier.
See 34 U.S.C. § 20915 for registration periods.
State Limits on Employer Use of Registry Data
Some states restrict what their registries publish or how employers may use them.
Therefore, know these limits before you rely on a result.
NRS 179B.270
Nevada
This search does not include results from the State of Nevada Sex Offender Registry.
Nevada law bars use of its registry website for employment purposes.
ORS 163A.215
Oregon
Oregon’s public website lists only offenders classified as Level 3.
Specifically, those offenders present the highest risk of reoffending.
Cal. Penal Code § 290.46(j)
California
California restricts use of its Megan’s Law website information for employment.
However, the law allows use to protect a person at risk.
Therefore, verify California convictions through a county criminal court search.
Level-Based Posting
Washington and Massachusetts
These states publish offenders according to their risk level.
Consequently, lower-level registrants may not appear in public results.
How to Verify a Sex Offender Registry Hit
A registry search matches records by name.
Therefore, treat every hit as a lead and not as a final answer.
First, compare the photo, date of birth, and address with your candidate.
Next, confirm the conviction with a county criminal court search.
The FCRA allows consumer reporting agencies to report convictions regardless of age.
However, the law also demands maximum possible accuracy.
Finally, complete pre-adverse action steps before you reject a candidate.
Who should run this search
- Schools, childcare centers, and youth programs.
- Healthcare and home care providers.
- Churches, nonprofits, and volunteer groups.
- In-home service and delivery companies.
- Any employer whose staff serve vulnerable people.
How to Order a Sex Offender Registry Check for Employment
Open an Account
First, open a business account online.
You can also add optional Multiple Authentication Factor (MAF) security for every user.
Collect the Authorization
Next, provide the FCRA disclosure and collect a signed authorization.
Enter the Candidate’s Name
Then enter the full legal name and date of birth.
Additionally, include any former names.
Review the Results
Finally, review the results, which usually arrive within moments.
Sample National Sex Offender Report
The sample below uses a fictitious offender to show the report layout.
Sex Offender Registry Record: New York
Conviction information
Sample only. The offender, addresses, and results shown are fictitious.
National Sex Offender Search Questions and Answers
What is a national sex offender search?
A national sex offender search queries the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website.
That site links state, territorial, and tribal registries into one search.
Therefore, one order checks every participating jurisdiction.
What shows up on a sex offender registry check?
A registry record usually shows the offender’s name, aliases, photo, and physical description.
Additionally, it lists registered addresses, the offense, and the conviction.
Some jurisdictions also show a risk level and vehicle details.
How much does the search cost, and how long does it take?
The search costs $4 per name.
Furthermore, turnaround is same-day, and most results arrive near-instantly.
Does the national sex offender search cover every state?
The national site links registries from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, territories, and tribes.
However, our employment results exclude the Nevada registry because Nevada bars that use.
Additionally, Oregon publishes only its Level 3 offenders.
Can an employer act on a sex offender registry hit?
First, confirm that the record belongs to your candidate.
Next, verify the conviction with a county criminal court search.
Finally, follow FCRA adverse action steps, because some states restrict employer use of registry data.
Run a National Sex Offender Search Today
Open your account now, and protect the people your organization serves.
Questions? Call (800) 661-0278 or email support@usabackground.com.
BCS Background Screening LLC provides this page for general information only, and it is not legal advice. Therefore, consult qualified counsel about state registry laws and your Fair Credit Reporting Act duties.