Generated: March 25, 2026
California Reentry Guide
Last updated: March 2026Tiered Registration (SB 384, 2021): Tier 1/2/3
📅 Your First 30 Days
Complete these steps as quickly as possible after release. Missing deadlines can trigger supervision violations.
Report to your parole or probation officer within 24 hours of release
Register with local law enforcement (police or sheriff) within 5 working days of establishing residence
Obtain California state ID or driver's license at your registered address
Notify supervision officer of any employment within 5 working days
Annual birthday re-registration is required for all tiers — mark your calendar
📋 Registry Obligations
California requires annual birthday re-registration for all tiers. Any change of address, employment, vehicle, or internet identifier must be reported within 5 working days.
Tier system: Tiered Registration (SB 384, 2021): Tier 1/2/3
🏠 Residency Restrictions
Under Jessica's Law (Prop 83), sex offenders cannot reside within 2,000 ft of a school or park where children regularly gather. Some counties add stricter rules. Tier 3 / SVP registrants often have individualized parole residence conditions that are more restrictive.
- ·2,000 ft from schools and parks (Prop 83, statewide)
- ·Some counties have stricter local ordinances
- ·Must notify law enforcement within 5 working days of any address change
- ·Cannot change address without parole officer approval if on active parole
- ·Must register internet identifiers (email addresses, screen names)
💡 Housing tip: The 2,000 ft rule severely limits housing options in urban areas. Contact your parole officer as early as possible — before release — to identify approved housing. Some counties have designated sex offender housing programs.
Find housing resources →💼 Fair-Chance Employers
Employers who explicitly accept applicants with sex offense records. View all fair-chance employers →
🎓 Education & Certifications
All courses on OpenPath require no background check. Many can be started immediately after release.
Construction & Trades
OSHA 10/30, Forklift, Welding
Transportation
CDL Prep, Logistics Fundamentals
Technology
Google IT Certificate, Python
Food Service
ServSafe, Food Handler Cert
📞 Key Contacts
Save these numbers. Know them before you need them.
⚖️ Legal Aid
🤝 Reentry Organizations
Legal advocacy and support for registrants in CA
Criminal justice reform advocacy
🏛️ Parole / Supervision Agency
CDCR Division of Adult Parole Operations: 916-445-6713 · cdcr.ca.gov
🆘 Crisis & Emergency Lines
📖 SORNA Tier Reference
California adopted tiered registration in 2021 (SB 384). Tier 3 / SVP registrants face the most extensive parole conditions, often including employment proximity restrictions near schools, parks, and daycares.
For complete tier definitions, offense classifications, and federal vs. state comparisons:
View Full California SORNA Guide →or visit: openpath.app/sorna-info
openpath.app/sorna-info#CA
Ready to start your job search?
All employers on OpenPath know you have a record — no surprises, no wasted applications.
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only. Laws change frequently. Always verify your specific requirements with your supervision officer and consult a qualified attorney.