In general, registration begins when the offender gets out of prison if they serve a sentence. Some areas offer a grace period, giving the offender anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to register. This usually requires a visit to the local sheriff’s department and paying a fee. Offenders need to re-register when they: Relocate to another location for an extended period Enroll in school Temporarily relocate Many states also have rules about how often offenders need to re-register or update their file, how often officers will visit their residence, and the requirements for keeping a state-issued photo ID.