What to Know If Your Loved One Is on Mississippi’s Sex Offender Registry

Mississippi's Sex Offender Registry (MSOR) is the statewide system tracking sex-offender registrations and updates. Families typically get involved at key moments: when someone first registers, when they're trying to get back into compliance, or when an incarcerated loved one is nearing release and needs to complete the right steps with the right paperwork.

For direct answers from MSOR, you have two options: the hotline at 601-987-1540 and email at MSOR@dps.ms.gov. Call when you're up against a deadline, need to confirm what happens next, or want quick clarification before your loved one shows up to register. Email works better when you're sharing details in writing, following up on a question, or want a record of what you asked and what they told you.

Budget for an $11.00 registration fee each time your loved one registers with MSOR. Since it applies per registration, treat it as a recurring cost that comes up whenever a registration is completed.

One deadline that trips people up: registration forms issued by the sheriff's office are only valid for three business days. That short window matters if your loved one is dealing with a release from custody, correcting a problem, or coordinating transportation. Wait too long and the form expires - meaning they may need to start over. If you're helping from the outside, treat those three business days like a countdown. Get the paperwork, confirm what's needed, and move quickly so registration can be completed while the form is still good.

International travel requires extra lead time. MSOR requires the International Travel Form at least 21 days before departure. If you're helping plan a trip, start earlier than you think - gather the details, complete the form, and submit it with time to spare so you're not scrambling as the departure date approaches.

• ✓ Mail the completed International Travel Form to: 3891 Highway 468 W Pearl, MS 39208
• ✓ Email the completed International Travel Form to: MSOR@dps.ms.gov
• ✓ Fax the completed International Travel Form to: 601-933-2695

The International Travel Form asks for information MSOR uses to match the travel to the registrant and confirm where they'll be. Expect to provide passport details, a travel itinerary, and the address of the overseas residence. If you're assisting, gather everything in one place first - passport info, dates, destinations, and the foreign address - so the form can be completed accurately and submitted on time.

Checklist

• ✓ Keep MSOR’s contact info handy: hotline 601-987-1540 and email MSOR@dps.ms.gov
• ✓ Budget for the $11.00 fee each time your loved one registers
• ✓ If a sheriff’s office issues a registration form, treat it as time-sensitive - those forms are valid for three business days
• ✓ For international travel, start planning early and complete the International Travel Form at least 21 days before departure
• ✓ Gather the key travel details up front (passport details, itinerary, and the address of the residence outside the country)
• ✓ Submit the completed International Travel Form by mail, email, or fax using MSOR’s listed options

If anything feels unclear - especially around timing, paperwork, or what's required for a specific situation - call MSOR's hotline (601-987-1540) or email (MSOR@dps.ms.gov) to confirm the next step before your loved one takes action. I also recommend keeping copies of any forms you submit and any receipts or paperwork from the sheriff's office. Those documents can matter when someone is registering, re-registering, or preparing for release.