MSP - Sex Offender Registry FAQs

Sex Offender Registry FAQs

Does Michigan provide sex offender information via the Internet?

Yes. Convicted sex offenders who qualify under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, Act 295 of 1994, are listed on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) website. The Internet address is www.mipsor.state.mi.us.
How much information about offenders is provided to the public?

The Public Sex Offender Registry site includes an offender's registerable offense, his/her photo (when available), a physical description, the offender's last reported address, whether the offender is enrolled at a post secondary school, employment address(es), vehicle information, and any known aliases. This information can be printed from the web page.
How do I sign up to receive an email notification when a sex offender moves into my neighborhood?

Step1: Access the Public Sex Offender Registry site. Go to the "Search Criteria" page. Click on the link, in the upper left corner of the page, "Sign Up For Email Alerts."

Step 2: Enter your full email address twice and click "Continue Registration." An email address is required so that the registry can provide you notification when a registered sex offender moves into the zip code(s) you have designated or within a one mile radius of the address you have designated. Your email data will not be shared with any other individuals or organizations.

Step 3: Once you complete Step 2, a notice will be sent to the email address provided. Click on the link provided in the email to activate your account.

Step 4: To activate your account, select a password at least 8-12 characters long. Re-enter the same password to verify. This password can contain numbers or letters.
Next, select a "Hint Question" from the drop down list then type the answer to the question selected. The "Hint Question" is required by the system to allow you to receive your password via email if it is forgotten.

Step 5: You may now either enter one to six zip codes or an address and then click on "SAVE." Each time an offender moves, attends school, or becomes employed within one of the listed zip codes or within one mile of the listed address, a notification will be sent to the email address provided. Note: Notification will not be provided if an offender moves out of the area.
How do I change the zip code or address designations?

To change your zip code or address designations, go to the "Search Criteria" screen and click on "Already have an account, click here to log in." Then enter your full email address and password to access your account information. You may then use the "Email Alert Account Information" screen to change, add, or remove (up to a total of six) zip codes or change or remove an address.
I never received an email notification to allow me to complete my registration. Why not?

Because all browsers work differently, the email may have been automatically saved in a folder other than the "new" mail folder. Please check all incoming folders (Spam, Bulk Mail, etc.) of your email service.

If you get an error message stating "The email address you have submitted is already on file with the PSOR Email Alert System!" this signifies you have already submitted your email address.

You have five days to complete the account activation process detailed in question 3. If, for some reason, you do not receive an email notification within five days or do not complete the activation, any account information will be removed from the system. After five days you may try the account creation process again.
How do I deactivate my email notification account?

To deactivate your account, go to the "Search Criteria" screen and click on "Already have an account, click here to log in." Enter your full email address and password to access your account information. Next, click on "deactivate your account."

A notification stating your account has been deactivated will be sent to the email provided.
My screen does not seem to be formatted correctly. Why not?

This web site is optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or newer browser. Use of other browsers may produce unexpected results.
There is a sex offender that moved into my zip code but I was not notified. Can you tell me why?

Offenders have 3 days to register at their new address. It may be the offender has yet to register.

Try to access your "Email Alert Account Information" screen. It may be that your activation was never completed. This is a multi-step process. If all steps were not completed, you will not receive notification on any offenders. If you cannot access your email alert account, try to register for email alerts again.

Also, check to make sure the zip codes or address are listed correctly.
Can I download the entire list of sex offenders and their information from the Internet?

The entire list of registered sex offenders and the corresponding information is not available for download at this time. You can, however, print each page you access.
Can the offender's victim information be released?

No. Michigan law does not allow dissemination of victim information.
I know of someone who was convicted of a sex crime in Michigan, but his/her name is not on the list. Why not?

There are several reasons a sex offender may not be on the Public Sex Offender Registry, including:

The offender is an adjudicated juvenile.
The offender is deceased.
The offender is not a Michigan resident.
The offender is registered for a single Tier 1 offense.
The offender's conviction was not a listed offense requiring registration.
The offender's conviction date was prior to October 1, 1995, and the offender was no longer involved with the criminal justice system for that offense at that time.

Can you provide additional search tips or information concerning errors I have received while searching for an offender?

My search was not processed. It says I cannot search on "age" alone or "first name" alone.
At least one of the following fields must be populated to request a search: Last Name, City, Zip Code, or County.

Slow Internet Connection
Users with a slow internet connection may turn off the thumbnail photo feature to speed up page load time. To do this, choose "No" on the Search Criteria page when given the option, "Show Thumbnails."

There are new features on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry website. Can you explain these?

The new site allows users to perform a 1 mile radius search of a designated address. In the Search Criteria screen, users are allowed to click on "Search with 1 mile radius", enter an address, and click on "Submit". Addresses on the map are indicated by colored balloons. The yellow balloon indicates the address entered by the user. The blue balloon indicates a registered sex offender resides at that address. The red balloon indicates multiple sex offenders reside at that address.

Users are no longer allowed to search by campus/school but campus/school address is still listed in the Details of an offender's record.

Vehicle information and employment address(es) are now included in offenders' details page.

Where do the links at the side of the page take you?

The links displayed on the left side of most PSOR pages provide the following information:

Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): This site allows a search of offenders previously or currently under the jurisdiction or supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT): This site allows users to search the Michigan Criminal History Record database. It is updated daily with felony and misdemeanor arrest, charge and conviction information provided by law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the State of Michigan. This search does not include federal arrests or criminal records from other states.
Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Website: This link will take you to the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Registry, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a cooperative effort between the state agencies hosting public sexual offender registries and the federal government to provide sex offender information at a national level.
Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act: This link will take you to the Michigan Compiled Laws Page; specifically the Sex Offenders Registration Act 295 of 1994
Related Links: This link will take you to a page that provides many related sites concerning sex offender laws, information, and resources.

Who has to register as a sexual offender in Michigan?

Anyone who resides, works, or is a student in Michigan is required to register if any of the following apply:

Anyone convicted of a listed offense after October 1, 1995.

Anyone convicted of a listed offense on or before October 1, 1995, if on October 1, 1995, he/she was on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the Department of Corrections, or under the jurisdiction of the juvenile division of the probate court or the department of social services for that listed offense.

Anyone convicted of an offense on or before October 1, 1995, if on October 1, 1995, he or she is on probation or parole that has been transferred to this state for that offense or his or her probation or parole is transferred to this state after October 1, 1995 for that offense.

Anyone who is required to register or otherwise be identified as a sex or child offender or predator under a comparable statute from another state.
What are the listed offenses?

Pursuant to M.C.L. 28.722, the following are the listed offenses that require registration in Michigan:

Tier 1

Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Possession (M.C.L. 750.145c4)
Aggravated Indecent Exposure, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.335a(2)(b))
Unlawful Imprisonment, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.349b)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree, if the victim is more than 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520e)
Assault with Intent to Commit CSC in the Second Degree, if the victim is more than 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520g2)
Capturing/Distributing Image of Unclothed Person, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.539J)
Any violation of state law or local ordinance that by its nature constitutes a sexual offense against an individual who is less than 18 years of age.
Any offense committed by a person who was, at the time of the offense, a sexually delinquent person.
Any offense substantially similar to a listed offense under a law of the United States, any state, or any country or under tribal or military law.

Tier 2

Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (M.C.L. 750.145a)
Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (prior conviction) (M.C.L. 750.145b)
Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Producing/Financing (M.C.L. 750.145c2)
Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material Distributing/Promoting (M.C.L. 750.145c3)
Use of Internet/Computer System; Prohibited Communication (M.C.L. 750.145D1A)
Crime Against Nature or Sodomy, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.158)
Gross Indecency Between Male Persons, if the victim is between 13 and 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338)
Gross Indecency Between Female Persons, if the victim is between 13 and 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338a)
Gross Indecency Between Male & Female Persons, if the victim is between 13 and 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338b)
Soliciting, Accosting, or Inviting to Commit Prostitution or Immoral Act, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.448)
Pandering (M.C.L. 750.455)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree, if the victim is more than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520c)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree, if the victim is between 13 and 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520e)
Assault with Intent to Commit CSC in the Second Degree, if the victim is between 13 and 17 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520g2)
Any offense substantially similar to a listed offense under a law of the United States, any state, or any country or under tribal or military law.

Tier 3

Gross Indecency Between Male Persons, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338)
Gross Indecency Between Female Persons, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338a)
Gross Indecency Between Male & Female Persons, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.338b)
Kidnapping, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.349)
Child Kidnapping, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.350)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (M.C.L. 750.520b)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520c)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree (M.C.L. 750.520d)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520e)
Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct Involving Sex Penetration (M.C.L. 750.520g1)
Assault with Intent to Commit CSC in the Second Degree, if the victim is less than 13 years of age (M.C.L. 750.520g2)
Any offense substantially similar to a listed offense under a law of the United States, any state, or any country or under tribal or military law.

What are the registry responsibilities of sex offenders?

They must report any change of address within three (3) days of changing or vacating a residence.
They must verify their address.
They must report employment and discontinuation of employment.
They must report vehicle information for vehicles owned by or operated by the offender and discontinuation of ownership or use.
They must provide all telephone numbers.
They must provide copies of passport and/or immigration documents.
They must report occupational licensing information.
They must report any name changes.
They must report email addresses and screen names.
They must report enrollment at an institution of higher learning or discontinuation of enrollment.
They must pay a one-time $50 fee.
They must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license or personal identification card.
They must sign all required registration forms.
They must not reside, work or loiter in a student safety zone.

How long must offenders remain registered as sex offenders?
- Tier 1 offenders must register for 15 years.
- Tier 2 offenders must register for 25 years.
- Tier 3 offenders must register for life.
How often must offenders verify their address?
- Tier 1 offenders must report in-person to a law enforcement agency not earlier than January 1st, and no later than January 15th of each year.
- Tier 2 offenders must report in person to a law enforcement agency not earlier than the 1st, and no later than the 15th of January, and July of each year.
- Tier 3 offenders must report in person to a law enforcement agency not earlier than the 1st, and no later than the 15th of January, April, July, and October of each year.
How do I obtain additional information on an offense committed by a registered offender?

If you know the county in which the offense was committed, you can contact the court of conviction to request a copy of the court file. A complete directory of Michigan Trial Courts can be found on the Michigan Courts website.

If you do not know the county in which the offense was committed, you can obtain a copy of the criminal history record (CHR) through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The criminal history record will include the county in which the offense occurred. You can then contact the court of conviction and request a copy of the court file. A search on ICHAT requires the individual's name and date of birth. There is a fee for each search. To access ICHAT, please click here.

Please note: A conviction will not appear on a criminal history check if the offender has a sealed or expunged record or was convicted in another state.
What is the difference between the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) and the Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR)?

The SOR is the database that contains the sex offender registration records (both public and non-public offender information) that is available only for law enforcement purposes.

The PSOR is the internet site that displays the public offender information contained in the SOR database for the public to view.
Are there juveniles on the PSOR?

No. Juvenile offenders do not appear on the Public Sex Offender Registry.
What happens when an offender moves to another state?

Offenders who move to another state are required to report to their local law enforcement 3 days prior to moving to provide their new address. The MSP Sex Offender Registration Unit then notifies the other state of the offender's reported new address. Offenders who move to another country are required to report to their local law enforcement 21 days prior to moving to provide their new address.

After leaving the state, offenders will no longer appear on the PSOR website and are no longer required to register in Michigan unless they relocate back to Michigan.

Once in the new state, they must comply with the registry requirements of that state.
Who should I contact if I know of an error on the web site?

If you are aware of an error regarding an offender's information on the website, you may either submit a tip to the SOR Registry or you can contact the law enforcement agency where the offender's listed address is located.
Who should I contact if I think an offender is in violation of the Sex Offenders Registration Act?

If you think an offender has moved and not changed his/her address on the registry, you should contact the local law enforcement agency where the offender is actually residing.
Are there websites similar to the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry where I can access information regarding registered sex offenders in other states?

Yes. Some states have Internet sites listing registered sex offenders within their state. A list of websites by state can be found at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice established the National Sex Offender Public Registry website at www.nsopr.gov. This site allows citizens to search the sex offender registries of participating states.
How can I remove my name from the Public Sex Offender Registry?

Sex offenders should contact the court in which they were convicted to determine if they are eligible to petition for removal.