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KY

Kentucky

The law requires visitors to register, but the trigger isn't clear.

Visitors register afterUnclear

Kentucky's presence law expressly covers out-of-state people who would have to register if they lived there. They cannot be on, or loiter within 1,000 feet of, schools, preschools, public playgrounds, licensed day cares, public pools, and splash pads without advance written permission. The registration trigger and day count for visitors could not be confirmed from official text.

Registering as a visitor

When it's required
Required, but the law doesn't state a clear number of days.
Deadline
Not verified from official text; KRS 17.510 was not read. Kentucky reportedly requires registration by out-of-state registrants who relocate to, work in, or study in Kentucky, but the deadline and day count could not be confirmed.
Also required if
  • employment in Kentucky (unverified)
  • enrollment as a student in Kentucky (unverified)
  • relocating to Kentucky (unverified)

Public registry

The law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.

Kentucky State Police runs a public registry, but whether a nonresident registering due to a temporary stay, job, or school is published, and for how long, was not verified; KRS 17.580 was not read.

Places registrants can't go

  • High school, middle school, elementary school, or preschool groundsCannot be on the grounds, loiter within 1,000 feet, or work in/operate a mobile business within 1,000 feet, absent advance written permission from the principal or school board after full disclosure.Applies to: Kentucky registrants and any person residing outside Kentucky who would be required to register if they lived there
  • Publicly owned or leased playgroundCannot be on the grounds, loiter within 1,000 feet, or work/operate a mobile business within 1,000 feet, absent written permission from the local legislative body.Applies to: Kentucky registrants and out-of-state persons who would be required to register
  • Licensed day care facilityCannot be on the grounds, loiter within 1,000 feet, or work/operate a mobile business within 1,000 feet, absent written permission from the day care director.Applies to: Kentucky registrants and out-of-state persons who would be required to register
  • Publicly owned or leased swimming pool or splash padCannot be on the grounds, loiter within 1,000 feet, or work/operate a mobile business within 1,000 feet, absent written permission from the local legislative body.Applies to: Kentucky registrants and out-of-state persons who would be required to register
  • Residence within 1,000 feet of school, preschool, playground, or licensed day careCannot reside there; registrant has a duty to ascertain nearby facilities and 90 days to comply if a new one opens.Applies to: Registrants (relevant if a stay amounts to residing)
  • Same residence as a minorBarred for registrants 18 or older whose offense was against a minor victim, unless a listed family relationship applies; only for offenses after July 14, 2018.Applies to: Registrants 18+ with minor-victim offenses

Laws cited

Last checked September 19, 2026 · full review September 19, 2026

Research notes

Only KRS 17.545 was read in official text. KRS 17.500 (definitions), 17.510 (registration duties), and 17.580 (public website) were not verified, so no day count, deadline, or registering agency is stated. No Halloween provisions appear in KRS 17.545; such conditions in Kentucky typically come from supervision terms. KRS 17.545(7)-(8) contain non-retroactivity clauses for some prohibitions. Local ordinances were not researched. Not legal advice.

Common questions

Do registered sex offenders have to register when visiting Kentucky?

Visitors must register in some circumstances, but the law doesn't set a clear number of days. Not verified from official text; KRS 17.510 was not read. Kentucky reportedly requires registration by out-of-state registrants who relocate to, work in, or study in Kentucky, but the deadline and day count could not be confirmed.

Will a visiting registrant appear on Kentucky's public registry?

Kentucky's law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.

Are there places registrants can't go in Kentucky?

The state restricts registrants from: high school, middle school, elementary school, or preschool grounds; publicly owned or leased playground; licensed day care facility; publicly owned or leased swimming pool or splash pad; residence within 1,000 feet of school, preschool, playground, or licensed day care; same residence as a minor. Details and who they apply to are listed on this page.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules may add requirements. Confirm with the state registry agency or an attorney before you travel.