Homeless Sex Offender Registration Guidelines

1. In-Person Registration Requirements (Mandatory)

A homeless sex offender must register in-person with the County Sheriff for the following registrations:

  • Initial registration, and
  • Court-ordered anniversary registrations, as applicable (every 90 days, six months, or one year).

Online registration is NOT permitted for initial or anniversary registrations.

If online location registration is unavailable, the offender must register in-person every 30 days as required by Ohio law.  There are a limited number of online time slots available Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  If no time slot is available, you must register in-person.

2. Thirty-Day Location Registration Requirement for Homeless Sex Offenders

After completing the required in-person initial and anniversary registrations:

  • A homeless sex offender must register his or her location every thirty (30) days until a fixed residential address is obtained.
  • When registering, the offender must provide a detailed description of the place where the offender intends to stay for the next thirty (30) days, as required by Ohio Revised Code § 2950.04.
  • This thirty-day location registration requirement continues until the offender establishes a fixed residential address.

3. Definition of Fixed Residence Address

Under Ohio law:

  • A “fixed residence address” does NOT include a temporary address, including places a homeless person stays or intends to stay.

4. Online Thirty-Day Registration Process (Homeless Sex Offenders Only)

  • This online registration system may be used ONLY by homeless sex offenders for thirty-day address verification registrations.
  • A homeless sex offender may submit an online registration no later than twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the selected verification date.  NOTE:  There are a limited number of time slots available, so register early.  Otherwise, you must register in-person.
  • The offender must select a date for verification.
  • A Deputy Sheriff will conduct in-person verification at the reported location on the selected date.
  • The offender must be physically present at the reported location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the selected verification date.

5. Obtaining a Fixed Residence Address

  • If a homeless sex offender obtains a fixed residence address, the offender must provide written notice to the County Sheriff no later than the end of the first business day after obtaining that address.

6. Prohibited Use of Online Registration

  • This online registration system shall not be used for:
    • Initial registration, or
    • Court-ordered anniversary registration requirements.

7. Enforcement and Penalties

  • Failure to be present at the designated location on the selected verification date may result in criminal charges.
  • Any misuse of this system may result in criminal charges.