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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.
Before moving to Wyoming, the state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC. If not, your order will be entered into the NCIC once your order is registered in WY.
Note: Most law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my order of protection in Wyoming?
To register your order of protection in Wyoming, you must present a certified copy of your order to a clerk in the circuit or district court in the district where you think enforcement may be necessary.1 The clerk will give you a receipt and will forward your order to the local sheriff’s department or chief of police for entry into the state registry. 2
There is no fee for registering your order,3 but it is always a good idea to bring along your photo ID and any documents that the court gave you along with your original order.
If you need help registering your order of protection, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Wyoming for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our Advocates and Shelters page.
1 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-111(a)
2 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-111(c), (d)
3 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-111(b)
Do I have to register my order of protection in Wyoming in order to get it enforced?
Wyoming state law gives full protection to an out-of-state order of protection as long the officer believes that your order is real (valid).1 It does not have to be entered into the state or federal registry in order to be enforced by a Wyoming police officer.2
1 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-109
2 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-111(e)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my order of protection?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Planning page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my order of protection? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
While neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your order of protection in order to get it enforced, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be more difficult for a Wyoming law enforcement official to determine whether your order is real. Meaning, it could take longer to get your order enforced.
If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Wyoming. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in Wyoming, go to our Advocates and Shelters page.
Does it cost anything to register my order of protection?
There is no fee for registering your order of protection in Wyoming.1
1 Wyo. Stat. § 35-21-111(b)
