MI
Michigan
Visitors register only after a month or more, or never.
Michigan's SORA has no day-count rule that makes a visiting registrant register for a short trip. Registration is instead triggered by residing, working (including volunteering), or enrolling as a student, with in-person reporting reportedly within 3 business days. Since March 2021 there is no statewide school or park presence or loitering ban, though local ordinances and supervision conditions can still apply.
Registering as a visitor
- When it's required
- Not required for visitors.
- Where
- The local registering authority with jurisdiction - local police agency, county sheriff, or a Michigan State Police post.
- Also required if
- Establishing a residence or domicile in Michigan
- Employment in Michigan, including volunteer and contractual work
- Enrollment as a student in Michigan
Public registry
The law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.
Public website contents are governed by MCL 28.728, which was not read in this session. MSP materials note the 2021 amendments stopped publishing registrant tier, and some tier I and juvenile cases are excluded, unconfirmed. Whether a non-resident who registered for work or school remains listed after leaving could not be verified; MDOC policy indicates non-residents have no ongoing Michigan reporting duties while living elsewhere, suggesting the record persists in the database.
Places registrants can't go
- Schools / student safety zonesThe former 1,000-foot live, work, or loiter restrictions were repealed by Public Act 295 of 2020, effective March 24, 2021 (repealing MCL 28.733-28.736). No statewide SORA presence ban remains.Applies to: All registrants
- Parks, day cares, playgrounds, librariesNo statewide SORA prohibition found after the 2021 repeal; local ordinances or venue trespass rules may still apply.Applies to: All registrants
- Halloween or holiday eventsNo SORA provision found; restrictions exist only as parole or probation conditions for people under supervision.Applies to: People on probation, parole, or interstate compact supervision
Laws cited
- MCL 28.722 (definitions of residence, student, employee) · Michigan Legislature
- MCL 28.725 (reporting duties; (2)(b) 7-day temporary residence; (3) non-resident employment, 3 business days) · Michigan Legislature
- Michigan State Police, SORA registrant notification (repeal of MCL 28.733-28.736 by PA 295 of 2020) · Michigan State Police
- MDOC Policy Directive 01.06.115, Sex Offenders Registration Act · Michigan Department of Corrections
Last checked September 19, 2026 · full review September 19, 2026
Research notes
MCL 28.723, 28.724, 28.724a, and 28.728 were not read on an official site; the legislature site refused direct fetch and the fetch budget ran out. The 3-business-day initial registration deadline comes from secondary sources and is unverified. The MDOC directive dates to April 2014 and predates the 2021 SORA rewrite. MCL 28.725(2)(b) and 28.727's 7-day temporary lodging reporting applies to Michigan's own registrants traveling, not to out-of-state visitors. Local ordinances, supervision conditions, and interstate compact rules can add duties. Retroactivity questions for pre-2011 convictions remain live after Does v. Snyder and PA 295 of 2020.
Common questions
Do registered sex offenders have to register when visiting Michigan?
Visitors don't have to register.
Will a visiting registrant appear on Michigan's public registry?
Michigan's law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.
Are there places registrants can't go in Michigan?
The state restricts registrants from: schools / student safety zones; parks, day cares, playgrounds, libraries; halloween or holiday events. 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.