Wash. Rev. Code » Title 9A · Chapter 9A.44
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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The duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130 shall continue for the duration provided in this section.
(1) For an adult convicted in this state of a class A felony, or an adult convicted of any sex offense or kidnapping offense who has one or more prior convictions for a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the duty to register shall continue indefinitely.
(2) For an adult convicted in this state of a class B felony who does not have one or more prior convictions for a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the duty to register shall end fifteen years after the last date of release from confinement, if any, (including full-time residential treatment) pursuant to the conviction, or entry of the judgment and sentence, if the adult has spent fifteen consecutive years in the community without being convicted of a disqualifying offense during that time period.
(3) For an adult convicted in this state of a class C felony, a violation of RCW 9.68A.090 or 9A.44.096, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a class C felony, and the adult does not have one or more prior convictions for a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the duty to register shall end ten years after the last date of release from confinement, if any, (including full-time residential treatment) pursuant to the conviction, or entry of the judgment and sentence, if the adult has spent ten consecutive years in the community without being convicted of a disqualifying offense during that time period.
(4)(a) For a person required to register under RCW 9A.44.130(1)(b), the duty to register will end three years after the last date of release from confinement, including full-time residential treatment, if any, or entry of disposition if the person is required to register for a class A offense committed at age 15, 16, or 17.
(b) For a person required to register under RCW 9A.44.130(1)(b) who does not meet the description provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section [(a) of this subsection], the duty to register will end two years after the last date of release from confinement, including full-time residential treatment, if any, or entry of disposition.
(5) Except as provided in RCW 9A.44.142, for a person required to register for a federal, tribal, or out-of-state conviction, the duty to register shall continue indefinitely.
(6) For a person who is or has been determined to be a sexually violent predator pursuant to chapter 71.09 RCW, the duty to register shall continue for the person's lifetime.
(7) Nothing in this section prevents a person from being relieved of the duty to register under RCW 9A.44.142, 9A.44.143, and 13.40.162.
(8) Nothing in RCW 9.94A.637 relating to discharge of an offender shall be construed as operating to relieve the offender of his or her duty to register pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130.
(9) For purposes of determining whether a person has been convicted of more than one sex offense, failure to register as a sex offender or kidnapping offender is not a sex or kidnapping offense.
(10) The provisions of this section and RCW 9A.44.141 through 9A.44.143 apply equally to a person who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity under chapter 10.77 RCW of a sex offense or kidnapping offense.
[ 2023 c 150 s 7; 2020 c 249 s 2; 2015 c 261 s 6; 2010 c 267 s 4; 2002 c 25 s 1; 2001 c 170 s 2; 2000 c 91 s 3; 1998 c 220 s 3; 1997 c 113 s 4; 1996 c 275 s 12. Prior: 1995 c 268 s 4; 1995 c 248 s 2; 1995 c 195 s 2; 1991 c 274 s 3; 1990 c 3 s 408.]

Notes:

Findings—Intent—2023 c 150: See note following RCW 9A.44.130.
Application—2010 c 267: See note following RCW 9A.44.128.
Effective date—2002 c 25: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 12, 2002]." [ 2002 c 25 s 3.]
Intent—2001 c 170: "The legislature intends to amend the lifetime sex offender registration requirement so that it is narrowly tailored to meet the requirements of the Jacob Wetterling act." [ 2001 c 170 s 1.]
Severability—1998 c 220: See note following RCW 9A.44.130.
Findings—1997 c 113: See note following RCW 4.24.550.
Finding—1996 c 275: See note following RCW 9.94A.505.
Purpose—1995 c 268: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Finding and intent—1991 c 274: See note following RCW 9A.44.130.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 46 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1994–2026 · leading case: State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996).
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State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996). · cites it 27× “HEISKELL'S RIGHT TO EQUAL PROTECTION IS NOT VIOLATED Heiskell contends, without substantial authorities or argument, "RCW 9A.44.140 is unconstitutionally vague or denies the appellant equal protection of the law.”
State v. Heiskell, 129 Wash. 2d 113 (Wash. 1996). · cites it 27× “140(4)’s disparate treatment of juveniles under 15 and juveniles over 15.”
State v. Ward, 870 P.2d 295 (Wash. 1994). · cites it 6× “RCW 9A.44.140(1)(b), (c). In all cases, including persons convicted of a class A *510 felony, adult sexual offenders may petition to the superior court to be relieved of the duty to register, and may be relieved of the duty to register if he or she shows, with clear and…”
State v. ANJ, 225 P.3d 956 (Wash. 2010). · cites it 2× “RCW 9A.44.140. Anderson says he told A.N.”
State v. A.N.J., 168 Wash. 2d 91 (Wash. 2010). · cites it 2× “argues that he was misled as to both the direct and collateral consequences of his plea, but since he was correctly informed that he had an obligation to register as a sex offender, it is unnecessary for us to decide whether a current statutory duty to register as a sex offender…”
In Re Meyer, 16 P.3d 563 (Wash. 2001). · cites it 2× “NOTES [1] Both of these statutes are part of the 1990 community protection act, Laws of 1990, ch.”
In re the Pers. Restraint of Meyer, 142 Wash. 2d 608 (Wash. 2001). · cites it 2× “Both of these statutes are part of the 1990 community protection act, Laws of 1990, ch.”
State v. McMillan, 217 P.3d 374 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 6× “RCW 9A.44.140 permits a person having a duty to register under RCW 9A.”
State v. McMillan, 152 Wash. App. 423 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 6× “RCW 9A.44.140 permits a person having a duty to register under RCW 9A.”
State v. Durrett, 150 Wash. App. 402 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 3× “Durrett, pointing primarily to provisions in former RCW 9A.44.140 (2006), argues that failure to register is an ongoing, single offense that does not terminate until certain statutory events occur.”
State v. Gossage, 138 Wash. App. 298 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 3× “¶14 Gossage’s petition documented that his offense is a class B felony covered by RCW 9A.44.140(3), and that he has been crime-free for 10 years following his release from custody.”
United States v. Joshua Elkins, 683 F.3d 1039 (9th Cir. 2012). “” Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1). Elkins may apply to be relieved of the obligation to register upon a showing “by a preponderance of the evidence that [he] is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant removal from the central registry of sex offenders.”
Show all 46 citing cases →
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1) — 3 cases
United States v. Joshua Elkins, 683 F.3d 1039 (9th Cir. 2012). “” Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1). Elkins may apply to be relieved of the obligation to register upon a showing “by a preponderance of the evidence that [he] is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant removal from the central registry of sex offenders.”
State Of Washington, V. Zachary Irwin Pond (Wash. Ct. App. 2026).
State Of Washington v. Jayson Lee Boyd (Wash. Ct. App. 2017).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1)(a) — 2 cases
State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996). “HEISKELL'S RIGHT TO EQUAL PROTECTION IS NOT VIOLATED Heiskell contends, without substantial authorities or argument, "RCW 9A.44.140 is unconstitutionally vague or denies the appellant equal protection of the law.”
State v. Heiskell, 129 Wash. 2d 113 (Wash. 1996). “140(4)’s disparate treatment of juveniles under 15 and juveniles over 15.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1)(b) — 2 cases
State v. Ward, 870 P.2d 295 (Wash. 1994). “RCW 9A.44.140(1)(b), (c). In all cases, including persons convicted of a class A *510 felony, adult sexual offenders may petition to the superior court to be relieved of the duty to register, and may be relieved of the duty to register if he or she shows, with clear and…”
State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996). “HEISKELL'S RIGHT TO EQUAL PROTECTION IS NOT VIOLATED Heiskell contends, without substantial authorities or argument, "RCW 9A.44.140 is unconstitutionally vague or denies the appellant equal protection of the law.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(1)(c)(1997) — 1 case
State Of Washington v. Jayson Lee Boyd (Wash. Ct. App. 2017).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(11)(a) — 1 case
State v. Green, 230 P.3d 654 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(2) — 8 cases
State v. Ward, 870 P.2d 295 (Wash. 1994). “RCW 9A.44.140(1)(b), (c). In all cases, including persons convicted of a class A *510 felony, adult sexual offenders may petition to the superior court to be relieved of the duty to register, and may be relieved of the duty to register if he or she shows, with clear and…”
Doe v. Attorney Gen., 426 Mass. 136 (Mass. 1997).
State v. Burr, 598 N.W.2d 147 (N.D. 1999).
State v. Heiskell, 895 P.2d 848 (Wash. Ct. App. 1995).
State Of Washington v. Jayson Lee Boyd (Wash. Ct. App. 2017).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(3) — 15 cases
State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996). “HEISKELL'S RIGHT TO EQUAL PROTECTION IS NOT VIOLATED Heiskell contends, without substantial authorities or argument, "RCW 9A.44.140 is unconstitutionally vague or denies the appellant equal protection of the law.”
State v. Heiskell, 129 Wash. 2d 113 (Wash. 1996). “140(4)’s disparate treatment of juveniles under 15 and juveniles over 15.”
In Re Meyer, 16 P.3d 563 (Wash. 2001). “NOTES [1] Both of these statutes are part of the 1990 community protection act, Laws of 1990, ch.”
In re the Pers. Restraint of Meyer, 142 Wash. 2d 608 (Wash. 2001). “Both of these statutes are part of the 1990 community protection act, Laws of 1990, ch.”
Roe v. Farwell, 999 F. Supp. 174 (D. Mass. 1998).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(3)(2002) — 1 case
State Of Washington v. Andre Terrell Taylor (Wash. Ct. App. 2019).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(3)(a) — 7 cases
State v. McMillan, 217 P.3d 374 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). “RCW 9A.44.140 permits a person having a duty to register under RCW 9A.”
State v. McMillan, 152 Wash. App. 423 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). “RCW 9A.44.140 permits a person having a duty to register under RCW 9A.”
State v. Gossage, 138 Wash. App. 298 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). “¶14 Gossage’s petition documented that his offense is a class B felony covered by RCW 9A.44.140(3), and that he has been crime-free for 10 years following his release from custody.”
State v. Durrett, 150 Wash. App. 402 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). “Durrett, pointing primarily to provisions in former RCW 9A.44.140 (2006), argues that failure to register is an ongoing, single offense that does not terminate until certain statutory events occur.”
State v. Gossage, 156 P.3d 951 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(4) — 10 cases
State v. Heiskell, 916 P.2d 366 (Wash. 1996). “HEISKELL'S RIGHT TO EQUAL PROTECTION IS NOT VIOLATED Heiskell contends, without substantial authorities or argument, "RCW 9A.44.140 is unconstitutionally vague or denies the appellant equal protection of the law.”
State v. Heiskell, 129 Wash. 2d 113 (Wash. 1996). “140(4)’s disparate treatment of juveniles under 15 and juveniles over 15.”
State v. ANJ, 225 P.3d 956 (Wash. 2010). “RCW 9A.44.140. Anderson says he told A.N.”
State v. A.N.J., 168 Wash. 2d 91 (Wash. 2010). “argues that he was misled as to both the direct and collateral consequences of his plea, but since he was correctly informed that he had an obligation to register as a sex offender, it is unnecessary for us to decide whether a current statutory duty to register as a sex offender…”
State v. T.K., 971 P.2d 121 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(4)(b)(ii) — 2 cases
State v. R.P.H., 265 P.3d 890 (Wash. 2011).
State of Washington v. Hal Roger Harrison (Wash. Ct. App. 2014).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(6) — 4 cases
State v. Durrett, 150 Wash. App. 402 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). “Durrett, pointing primarily to provisions in former RCW 9A.44.140 (2006), argues that failure to register is an ongoing, single offense that does not terminate until certain statutory events occur.”
State v. Green, 230 P.3d 654 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010).
State v. Green, 156 Wash. App. 96 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010).
State v. Durrett, 208 P.3d 1174 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(a) — 1 case
State v. Durrett, 208 P.3d 1174 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.44.140(b) — 1 case
State v. Heiskell, 129 Wash. 2d 113 (Wash. 1996). “140(4)’s disparate treatment of juveniles under 15 and juveniles over 15.”
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