Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56 (2026)

Registration procedures and applicability.

✓ current as of May 2026

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§ 9799.56. Registration procedures and applicability.

(a) Registration.--

(1) (i) Offenders and sexually violent predators shall be required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police as specified in section 9799.54 (relating to applicability).

(ii) Offenders and sexually violent predators shall be required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police upon release from incarceration, upon parole from a State or county correctional facility or upon the commencement of a sentence of intermediate punishment or probation.

(iii) For purposes of registration, offenders and sexually violent predators shall provide the Pennsylvania State Police with all current or intended residences, all information concerning current or intended employment and all information concerning current or intended enrollment as a student.

(2) Offenders and sexually violent predators shall inform the Pennsylvania State Police within three business days of:

(i) A change of residence or establishment of an additional residence or residences. In the case of an individual who has a residence as defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "residence" in section 9799.53 (relating to definitions), the individual shall inform the Pennsylvania State Police of the following:

(A) the location of a temporary habitat or other temporary place of abode or dwelling, including a homeless shelter or park, where the individual is lodged;

(B) a list of places the individual eats, frequents and engages in leisure activities and any planned destinations, including those outside this Commonwealth; and

The duty to provide the information specified in this subparagraph shall apply until the individual establishes a residence as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition of "residence" in section 9799.53. If the individual who has a residence as defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "residence" in section 9799.53 changes or adds to the places listed in this subparagraph during a 30-day period, the individual shall list these when reregistering during the next 30-day period.

(ii) A change of employer or employment location for a period of time that will exceed 14 days or for an aggregate period of time that will exceed 30 days during a calendar year, or termination of employment.

(iii) A change of institution or location at which the person is enrolled as a student, or termination of enrollment.

(iv) Becoming employed or enrolled as a student if the person has not previously provided that information to the Pennsylvania State Police.

(2.1) Registration with a new law enforcement agency shall occur no later than three business days after establishing residence in another state.

(3) The registration period required in section 9799.55(a) and (a.1) (relating to registration) shall be tolled when an offender is recommitted for a parole violation or sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment. In such cases, the Department of Corrections or county correctional facility shall notify the Pennsylvania State Police of the admission of the offender.

(4) This paragraph shall apply to all offenders and sexually violent predators:

(i) Where the offender or sexually violent predator was granted parole by the Pennsylvania Parole Board or the court or is sentenced to probation or intermediate punishment, probation with restrictions or is placed in the State drug treatment program, the board or county office of probation and parole shall collect registration information from the offender or sexually violent predator and forward that registration information to the Pennsylvania State Police. The Department of Corrections or county correctional facility shall not release the offender or sexually violent predator until it receives verification from the Pennsylvania State Police that the Pennsylvania State Police have received the registration information. Verification by the Pennsylvania State Police may occur by electronic means, including e-mail or facsimile transmission. Where the offender or sexually violent predator is scheduled to be released from a State or county correctional facility because of the expiration of the maximum term of incarceration, the Department of Corrections or county correctional facility shall collect the information from the offender or sexually violent predator no later than 10 days prior to the maximum expiration date. The registration information shall be forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Police.

(ii) Where the offender or sexually violent predator scheduled to be released from a State or county correctional facility due to the maximum expiration date refuses to provide the registration information, the Department of Corrections or county correctional facility shall notify the Pennsylvania State Police or police department with jurisdiction over the facility of the failure to provide registration information and of the expected date, time and location of the release of the offender or sexually violent predator.

(b) Individuals convicted or sentenced by a court or adjudicated delinquent in jurisdictions outside this Commonwealth or sentenced by court martial.--

(1) (Reserved).

(2) (Reserved).

(3) (Reserved).

(4) An individual who has a residence, is employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who has been convicted of or sentenced by a court or court martialed for a sexually violent offense or a similar offense under the laws of the United States or one of its territories or possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation, or who was required to register under a sexual offender statute in the jurisdiction where convicted, sentenced or court martialed, shall register at an approved registration site within three business days of the individual's arrival in this Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply to the individual as follows:

(i) If the individual has been classified as a sexually violent predator as defined in section 9799.53 or determined under the laws of the other jurisdiction or by reason of court martial to be subject to active notification and lifetime registration on the basis of a statutorily authorized administrative or judicial decision or on the basis of a statute or administrative rule requiring active notification and lifetime registration based solely on the offense for which the individual was convicted, sentenced or court martialed, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered a sexually violent predator and subject to lifetime registration under section 9799.55(b). The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of this section and sections 9799.60 (relating to verification of residence), 9799.62 (relating to other notification) and 9799.63(c)(1) (relating to information made available on Internet and electronic notification), except that the individual shall not be required to receive counseling unless required to do so by the other jurisdiction or by reason of court martial.

(ii) Except as provided in subparagraphs (i) and (iv), if the individual has been convicted or sentenced by a court or court martialed for an offense listed in section 9799.55(b) or an equivalent offense, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered an offender and be subject to lifetime registration under section 9799.55(b). The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of this section and sections 9799.60 and 9799.63(c)(2).

(iii) Except as provided in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iv) and (v), if the individual has been convicted or sentenced by a court or court martialed for an offense listed in section 9799.55(a) or an equivalent offense, the individual shall be, notwithstanding section 9799.53, considered an offender and subject to registration under this subchapter. The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of this section and sections 9799.60 and 9799.63(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of 10 years or for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction or required to register by reason of court martial, whichever is greater, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior compliance with registration requirements.

(iv) Except as provided in subparagraph (i) and notwithstanding subparagraph (v), if the individual is subject to active notification in the other jurisdiction or subject to active notification by reason of court martial, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered an offender and subject to this section and sections 9799.60, 9799.62 and 9799.63(c)(1). If the individual was convicted of or sentenced in the other jurisdiction or sentenced by court martial for an offense listed in section 9799.55(b) or an equivalent offense, the individual shall be subject to this subchapter for the individual's lifetime. If the individual was convicted of or sentenced in the other jurisdiction or sentenced by court martial for an offense listed in section 9799.55(a) or an equivalent offense, the individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of 10 years or for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction or required to register by reason of court martial, whichever is greater, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior compliance with registration requirements. Otherwise, the individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction or required to register by reason of court martial, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior compliance with registration requirements.

(v) Except as provided in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), if the individual is subject to passive notification in the other jurisdiction or subject to passive notification by reason of court martial, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered an offender and subject to this section and sections 9799.60 and 9799.63(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction or required to register by reason of court martial, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior compliance with registration requirements.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 63 (relating to juvenile matters) and except as provided in paragraph (4), an individual who has a residence, is employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who is required to register as a sex offender under the laws of the United States or one of its territories or possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation as a result of a juvenile adjudication shall register at an approved registration site within three business days of the individual's arrival in this Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply to the individual as follows:

(i) If the individual has been classified as a sexually violent predator as defined in section 9799.53 or determined under the laws of the other jurisdiction to be subject to active notification and lifetime registration on the basis of a statutorily authorized administrative or judicial decision or on the basis of a statute or administrative rule requiring active notification and lifetime registration based solely on the offense for which the individual was adjudicated, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered a sexually violent predator and subject to lifetime registration under section 9799.55(b). The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of this section and sections 9799.60 and 9799.63(c)(1), except that the individual shall not be required to receive counseling unless required to do so by the other jurisdiction.

(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (i), if the individual is subject to active notification in the other jurisdiction, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered an offender and subject to registration under this subchapter. The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of this section and sections 9799.60, 9799.62 and 9799.63(c)(1). The individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior compliance with registration requirements.

(iii) Except as provided in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), if the individual is subject to passive notification in the other jurisdiction, the individual shall, notwithstanding section 9799.53, be considered an offender and be subject to this section and sections 9799.60 and 9799.63(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for which the individual was required to register in the other jurisdiction, less any credit due to the individual as a result of prior registration compliance.

(c) Registration information to local police.--

(1) The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide the information obtained under this section and sections 9799.57 (relating to sentencing court information) and 9799.60 to the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments of the municipalities in which the individual will establish a residence or be employed or enrolled as a student. In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police shall provide this officer with the address at which the individual will establish a residence or be employed or enrolled as a student following the individual's release from incarceration, parole or probation.

(2) The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice to the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments of the municipalities notified under paragraph (1) when an individual fails to comply with the registration requirements of this section or section 9799.60 and request, as appropriate, that these police departments assist in locating and apprehending the individual.

(3) The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice to the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments of the municipalities notified under paragraph (1) when they are in receipt of information indicating that the individual will no longer have a residence or be employed or be enrolled as a student in the municipality.

(d) Penalty.--An individual subject to registration under this subchapter who fails to register with the Pennsylvania State Police as required by this section may be subject to prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.2 (relating to failure to comply with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. I registration requirements).

(e) Registration sites.--An individual subject to section 9799.55 shall register and submit to fingerprinting and photographing as required by this subchapter at approved registration sites.

(June 12, 2018, P.L.140, No.29, eff. imd.; June 30, 2021, P.L.260, No.59, eff. imd.)

2021 Amendment. Act 59 amended subsec. (a)(4)(i).

2018 Amendment. Act 29 reenacted section 9799.56.

Cross References. Section 9799.56 is referred to in sections 9799.54, 9799.55, 9799.61, 9799.62, 9799.63, 9799.67 of this title; section 4915.2 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 33 cases (20 in the last 5 years), 2018–2025 · leading case: Com. v. Crenshaw, E., 306 A.3d 383 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023).

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Com. v. Crenshaw, E., 306 A.3d 383 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023). · cites it 6× “See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.56(a)(2), 9799.60(b). - 13 - J-A02020-23 J-A02030-23 The term “active notification” utilized in § 56(b)(4)(i) and (iv) is defined as “[n]otification in accordance with [§ 62] (relating to other notification) or a process whereby law enforcement, pursuant…”

Com. v. Beauchamps, N., 2024 Pa. Super. 160 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2024). “as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56[.]” 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915.”

T.S. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). · cites it 7× “§ 9793 (relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an offense if the individual knowingly fails to: (1) register with [PSP] as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56 (relating to registration procedures and applicability); (2) verify the individual’s…”

M.G. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). · cites it 6× “42 Pa. C.S. §9799.56(a)(1). In addition, offenders must notify the State Police “within three business days of” any changes in residence, employment or employment location, or enrollment status in an educational institution.”

L.S. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). · cites it 5× “42 Pa. C.S. §9799.56(a)(1). In addition, offenders must notify the State Police “within three business days of” any changes in residence, employment or employment location, or enrollment status in an educational institution.”

Com. v. Kling, R. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2021). · cites it 5× “§ 9793 (relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an offense if the individual knowingly fails to: (1) register with the Pennsylvania State Police as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56 (relating to registration procedures and applicability); (Footnote…”

P.O. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2024). · cites it 5× “42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(a). 9 because Petitioner’s registration term of years did not commence until he complied with his affirmative and mandatory duty to register, the Section 9799.”

Commonwealth v. Roberts, W., Aplt. (Pa. 2025). · cites it 5× “56” or “under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.60.” The statute cannot function without proof of both components.”

B.W. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). · cites it 4× “56(a)(1) of Act 29, 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(a)(1). Offenders must appear in person annually to verify registration 9 Currently pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is Commonwealth v.”

Commonwealth, Aplt. v. Witmayer, M. (Pa. 2020). · cites it 3× “42 Pa.C.S. §9799.56(a)(2).11 As well, the majority of these offenders are subject only to a ten-year reporting requirement rather than the fifteen or twenty-five year periods considered in Muniz, compare 42 Pa.”

A. Rivera v. PSP & Com. of PA (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2021). · cites it 3× “) at 5-6 (citing 8 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(b)(4)).) When a required registrant of another jurisdiction moves to Pennsylvania, PSP argues Pennsylvania will honor those out-of-state requirements and mirror the registration requirement of the state of conviction.”

Com. v. Crenshaw, E. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023). · cites it 3× “See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.56(a)(2), 9799.60(b). - 12 - J-A02020-23 J-A02030-23 In sum, the import of the above statutes is as follows.”

Show all 33 citing cases →

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(2) — 1 case

Com. v. J., R. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2020).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a) — 1 case

P.O. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2024). “42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(a). 9 because Petitioner’s registration term of years did not commence until he complied with his affirmative and mandatory duty to register, the Section 9799.”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(1) — 4 cases

M.G. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). “42 Pa. C.S. §9799.56(a)(1). In addition, offenders must notify the State Police “within three business days of” any changes in residence, employment or employment location, or enrollment status in an educational institution.”

L.S. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). “42 Pa. C.S. §9799.56(a)(1). In addition, offenders must notify the State Police “within three business days of” any changes in residence, employment or employment location, or enrollment status in an educational institution.”

T.S. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). “§ 9793 (relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an offense if the individual knowingly fails to: (1) register with [PSP] as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56 (relating to registration procedures and applicability); (2) verify the individual’s…”

B.W. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020). “56(a)(1) of Act 29, 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(a)(1). Offenders must appear in person annually to verify registration 9 Currently pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is Commonwealth v.”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(1)(ii) — 1 case

In Re: Baiel, S. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2025).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(1)(iii) — 2 cases

R. Byrd v. Ucbr (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2021).

Com. v. Walter, R. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2025).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(2) — 12 cases

Com. v. Crenshaw, E., 306 A.3d 383 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023). “See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.56(a)(2), 9799.60(b). - 13 - J-A02020-23 J-A02030-23 The term “active notification” utilized in § 56(b)(4)(i) and (iv) is defined as “[n]otification in accordance with [§ 62] (relating to other notification) or a process whereby law enforcement, pursuant…”

Commonwealth, Aplt. v. Witmayer, M. (Pa. 2020). “42 Pa.C.S. §9799.56(a)(2).11 As well, the majority of these offenders are subject only to a ten-year reporting requirement rather than the fifteen or twenty-five year periods considered in Muniz, compare 42 Pa.”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(3) — 1 case

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(4) — 2 cases

D. Lusik v. PSP (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2018).

A. T. B., III v. G. Little, Sec'y. of DOC & PSP (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2024).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(a)(4)(i) — 1 case

D.A. Bell, Sr. v. Pbpp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2024).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(b)(4) — 4 cases

A. Rivera v. PSP & Com. of PA (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2021). “) at 5-6 (citing 8 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56(b)(4)).) When a required registrant of another jurisdiction moves to Pennsylvania, PSP argues Pennsylvania will honor those out-of-state requirements and mirror the registration requirement of the state of conviction.”

Com. v. Crenshaw, E. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023). “See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.56(a)(2), 9799.60(b). - 12 - J-A02020-23 J-A02030-23 In sum, the import of the above statutes is as follows.”

Com. v. Munoz-Rodriguez, A., 2024 Pa. Super. 250 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2024).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(b)(4)(i) — 1 case

M.T. v. Psp (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2023).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(b)(4)(iii) — 1 case

K.D. Rockstaschel v. PSP (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2020).

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(b)(4)(v) — 1 case

Com. v. Crenshaw, E. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2023). “See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.56(a)(2), 9799.60(b). - 12 - J-A02020-23 J-A02030-23 In sum, the import of the above statutes is as follows.”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9799.56(d) — 9 cases

Com. v. Kling, R. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2021). “§ 9793 (relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an offense if the individual knowingly fails to: (1) register with the Pennsylvania State Police as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.56 (relating to registration procedures and applicability); (Footnote…”

Com. v. Wilson, K. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).

Com. v. Lemanski, B. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).

Com. v. Firpi, C. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).

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