How to Remove Yourself from Mugshots.com (2026)
Mugshots.com publishes arrest photos and related arrest data sourced from publicly available booking records. A listing here can appear prominently in search-engine results for your name, creating lasting reputational and professional harm — even if charges were dropped or you were never convicted. This guide explains the documented removal process and what options are available to you.
The reality of data brokers. The average American appears on 100+ data broker sites, according to Consumer Reports. Manual opt-outs across that ecosystem typically take 6–12 months of repeated submissions. Priwall by mePrism automates removals across 200+ brokers and monitors continuously so your data stays gone.
Why opt out of Mugshots.com?
Mugshots.com presents a unique set of risks compared to standard people-search brokers. Three stand out. First, arrest photos are among the most damaging types of personal information to appear in search results — they are visible, often shared, and carry a strong social stigma regardless of the legal outcome. Second, Mugshots.com listings rank well in search engines for full-name queries, meaning the listing can be the first thing employers, landlords, dates, or colleagues see when they search your name. Third, the site has a documented history of charging fees for removal, a practice that has attracted legal scrutiny — knowing your rights before engaging with the removal process is important.
Quick facts
| Type of site | Mugshot aggregation / public records |
| Data shown | Arrest photo, name, age, charges, arrest date, location |
| Opt-out method | Email removal request or online removal form |
| Typical removal time | Varies; 7–30 days |
How to opt out of Mugshots.com
- Locate your listing on Mugshots.com. Go to mugshots.com and search your full name or booking number. Identify the listing that contains your arrest photo and associated data.
- Review the site's removal policy. Before submitting a request, review Mugshots.com's current removal policy on their website. Policies and fees can change, so confirm the current procedure directly on the site.
- Submit a removal request by email. Send a removal request to the email address published in their privacy or contact section. Include your full name, the URL of your listing, your date of birth, and a clear statement requesting removal.
- Submit documentation if charges were dismissed or expunged. If charges were dropped or your record was expunged, attach documentation such as a court dismissal order. This can strengthen your removal request and may be required by some states under clean-slate or expungement laws.
- Follow up if you do not receive a response within 14 days. If Mugshots.com does not respond or act on your request within two weeks, follow up in writing. Note the date and content of your original request for your records.
- Consider legal or escalation options if removal is refused. Several states have laws requiring mugshot sites to remove listings upon request without charge. If Mugshots.com refuses or demands a fee, consult your state attorney general's website or a consumer rights attorney.
Steps current as of 2026; if the broker has changed their flow, see their current privacy or opt-out page.
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What to expect after opting out
Mugshots.com removal timelines vary widely — from a week to a month or longer, depending on the site's current policies and your specific circumstances. Even after removal, cached versions of your listing may persist in Google's search index for some time. You can request URL removal via Google's Remove Outdated Content tool at search.google.com/search-console/remove-outdated-content to accelerate de-indexing. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees to remove mugshots on your behalf — many charge high prices for work you can do yourself for free.
Frequently asked questions
Can Mugshots.com charge me to remove my arrest photo?
Mugshots.com has historically charged fees for removal. Several states — including California, Georgia, Oregon, and Utah — have laws that prohibit mugshot sites from charging for removal. Check your state's current laws before paying any fee, as you may be legally entitled to free removal.
Will removing my Mugshots.com listing remove my photo from Google?
Not immediately. Google caches web pages and may continue to show the listing in search results for days or weeks after it is removed from Mugshots.com. Submit a URL removal request through Google's Remove Outdated Content tool to expedite de-indexing.
What if my charges were dropped — does that help with removal?
Yes. In states with expungement or arrest-record sealing laws, you may have a legal right to request removal with documentation. Providing a court order showing charges were dismissed strengthens your request and may be required in some jurisdictions.
Are there other mugshot aggregation sites besides Mugshots.com?
Yes. Numerous sites aggregate arrest data, including ArrestFacts.com, BustedMugshots.com, and others. Removing your listing from Mugshots.com does not affect these other sites — each requires a separate removal request.
Should I use a third-party mugshot removal service?
Third-party services vary widely in quality and cost. Many charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for work you may be able to do yourself for free, particularly if your state has laws protecting you from removal fees. Exhaust the free removal options first before engaging a paid service.
"I'd been chasing my information off these sites for two years. After signing up with Priwall by mePrism, my profile finally stopped popping back up in Google results. Wish I'd found it sooner."
— Sarah M., Austin TX, mePrism customer