Restraining Orders

Federal law does not require you to take any special steps to get your domestic violence order (DVO) enforced in another state.

Many states do have laws or regulations (rules) about registering or filing of out-of-state orders, which can make enforcement easier, but a valid DVO is enforceable regardless of whether it has been registered or filed in the new state.¹ Rules differ from state to state, so it may be helpful to find out what the rules are in your new state. You can contact a local domestic violence organization for more information by visiting our Advocates and Shelters page and entering your new state in the drop-down menu.

Note: It is important to keep a copy of your DVO with you at all times. It is also a good idea to know the rules of states you will be living in or visiting to ensure that your out-of-state order can be enforced in a timely manner.

¹ 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)(2)