What Is a Sex Offender Registry (SOR) Search?
When hiring employees, onboarding volunteers, or screening tenants, organizations carry a responsibility to protect people and property. One essential but often misunderstood tool in this process is the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) Search.
Whether you’re an HR manager or a small business owner, understanding what a SOR search is—and what it reveals—can be the difference between informed decision-making and avoidable risk.
What Does a SOR Search Do?
A Sex Offender Registry Search identifies whether an individual is listed on state or national sex offender registries. These databases are maintained by government agencies and include individuals who have been convicted of sex-related crimes and are required to register.
Unlike a standard criminal database search, a SOR search focuses specifically on sexual offenses and registry status, offering a deeper layer of insight—especially for positions involving access to vulnerable populations.
What Information Does a SOR Search Include?
A comprehensive SOR Search may return:
- Name and aliases
- Physical description and photo (if available)
- Registered address and jurisdiction
- Conviction details and offense type
- Risk level or tier (when provided by the state)
This information is drawn from state and federal registries across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal jurisdictions.
Who Should Use a SOR Search?
Any organization that interacts with the public—especially vulnerable groups—should include a Sex Offender Registry check in their screening process. This includes:
- Employers performing pre-employment screenings
- Property managers screening tenants
- Nonprofits and schools onboarding volunteers
- Service-based businesses sending workers into homes
If your business relies on trust, a SOR search adds a crucial layer of confidence to your decisions.
Why Isn’t This Part of Every Background Check?
Not all background checks automatically include a SOR search. Some providers treat it as an optional add-on or include only partial coverage. At National Crime Search (NCS), we include it in every Feature Criminal Package to take the guesswork out of your hands and provide you with a complete and accurate report.
Learn More: Why Should I Include a SOR Search?
Now that you understand what a Sex Offender Registry Search is, the next question is why it’s so important to include it. Learn about the risks of skipping this search—and the peace of mind it can bring—in our next post:
👉 Why Should I Include a SOR Search in My Screening Process?
Why NCS Is Your Best Option
At National Crime Search, we make it simple to include SOR checks in your background screening packages. Our reports are:
✅ Fast — Get results quickly, without delays
✅ Compliant — Stay aligned with state and federal laws
✅ Affordable — Pricing that works for small businesses and large teams alike
✅ Human-backed — Real people review and support every step
Let’s make your screening process smarter, safer, and more complete.
