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Missouri

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

Visitors register afterUnclear

Missouri requires non-residents who have a temporary residence, work, volunteer, or attend school in the state to register within three business days. The day count is unsettled: the pre-2026 law used more than seven days in a twelve-month period, while the current text says more than a part-time period, which is undefined. Presence bans near schools, child care facilities, and parks apply based on conviction, and Halloween rules apply to registrants present in Missouri.

Registering as a visitor

When it's required
Required, but the law doesn't state a clear number of days.
Deadline
Register in person with the county (or city not within a county) registration official within three business days of the triggering status; registration lasts for the duration of the temporary residence, work, or schooling.
Where
Registration official (sheriff, or police in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County) of the county of temporary residence; for work/school, county of work first, then school, then volunteering
Also required if
  • Working in Missouri, including as a volunteer or intern, full-time or part-time
  • Attending any school, trade school, professional school, or institution of higher education, full- or part-time

Public registry

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

Notes could not verify § 589.417 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol registry practice; whether visiting registrants appear publicly, and whether records are removed after departure, is unresolved.

Places registrants can't go

  • Schools (buildings, grounds, school conveyances)Covered offenders may not be present in or loiter within 500 feet of school property or school vehicles when persons under 18 are present; narrow exception for parents/guardians following § 566.149.2 permission procedure.Applies to: People convicted of listed chapter 566/568/573 offenses or equivalents from another state, tribal, federal, or military jurisdiction — regardless of Missouri registration
  • Child care facilitiesCovered offenders may not knowingly be physically present in or loiter within 500 feet of, or approach, contact, or communicate with any child under 18 at a child care facility when minors are present; exception for parent/guardian/custodian of a child there.Applies to: Covered offenders under § 566.148
  • Public parks with playgrounds or pools, athletic complexesMissouri restricts presence/loitering near such places under § 566.150, but the exact scope and covered offenses were not verified from official text.Applies to: Covered offenders (scope unverified)
  • Halloween (October 31)Registrants must avoid Halloween contact with children, stay inside their residence 5:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. absent just cause such as work or medical emergency, and keep outside lights off after 5 p.m.; violation is a class A misdemeanor. The 'no candy' sign requirement was held unconstitutional compelled speech in Sanderson v. Bailey (E.D. Mo. 2024).Applies to: Anyone required to register under §§ 589.400–589.425, including while in Missouri

Laws cited

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

Research notes

The controlling day count is ambiguous: the 2026 amendment replaced 'more than seven days in a twelve-month period' with 'more than a part-time period,' which is undefined in § 589.400; §§ 589.404 and related definitions were not read. § 589.400 was amended three times in 2026, so language may be in flux. Public listing practice and the exact text of § 566.150 were not verified from official sources. § 566.147 residency restrictions (1,000 feet) were not read but may bear on a 'temporary residence.' Smith v. St. Louis County Police (Mo. banc 2023) reads coverage broadly for those who 'has been' required to register elsewhere.

Common questions

Do registered sex offenders have to register when visiting Missouri?

Visitors must register in some circumstances, but the law doesn't set a clear number of days. Register in person with the county (or city not within a county) registration official within three business days of the triggering status; registration lasts for the duration of the temporary residence, work, or schooling.

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

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

Are there places registrants can't go in Missouri?

The state restricts registrants from: schools (buildings, grounds, school conveyances); child care facilities; public parks with playgrounds or pools, athletic complexes; halloween (october 31). 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.