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EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
The state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC when you got the order. If not, your order could be entered into the NCIC if you register it in California. All law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC database, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protection order in California?
Registration of your protection order is voluntary and will be done by the court upon request. The benefit is that once you register it, it can be entered in the Domestic Violence Restraining Order System, which may make police enforcement of it easier. In most counties, the clerk will take care of registering it in the System. However, in some counties, you may have to take a copy of the registered order to the police yourself for them to put it in the system. To find out how your county handles this, ask the court clerk. 1
To register your order, you will need to:
- fill out and sign the Register Out-of-State Restraining Order form (DV-600), which is available on the California Courts Self Help Center website or at the courthouse;
- attach a certified copy of your order to the form; and
- bring it to the court clerk. There is no fee for registering your out-of-state protection order in California.2
If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in California for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our California Advocates and Shelters page.
1 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 6404(a)
2 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 6404(b)
Do I have to register my protection order in California to get it enforced?
California state law gives full protection to an out-of-state protection order and allows the courts to enforce the order even if it contains provisions that could not be included in a California DVRO.1
Police officers also have to enforce out-of-state protection orders as long as you can show the officer a copy of the order and can truthfully tell the officer that you believe the order is still in effect. It does not have to be a certified copy, and it can even be an electronic copy.2 The order does not have to be entered into the state or federal registry in order to be enforced by a California police officer, but the officer does need to believe that it is a valid order.3
1 Cal.Fam.Code § 6402(a)
2 Cal.Fam.Code § 6403(a)
3 Cal.Fam.Code § 6403
Does it cost anything to register my protection order?
There is no fee for registering your protection order in California.1
1 Ann.Cal.Fam.Code § 6404(b)
What if I don't register my protection order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
According to federal and state laws, you do not need to register your protection order to get it enforced in California. However, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be harder for a law enforcement officer to check if your order is valid. So, it could take longer to get your order enforced.
If you are unsure if registering your order in California is right for you, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate. An advocate can help you decide what is safest for you. You can find domestic violence advocates in California on our Advocates and Shelters page.
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protection order?
The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, addresses this issue. VAWA says that the court cannot tell the abuser when you register or file your protective order in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to check that the clerk is aware of this law before you register your order. You may want to be especially careful if your address is confidential.
Despite this law, it is still possible that the abuser could somehow find out where you are living. Continue to think about your safety, even if you no longer live in the same state as the abuser. Our Safety Planning page has tips to get you started or build on what you are already doing. A local domestic violence organization can help you make a safety plan that works for you. To find organizations in your area, go to California Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 USC § 2265(d)
