You cannot remove your name from the entire internet, but you can remove it from the places where most people find it

Removing your name completely from the internet is not possible — too many websites copy information from each other, and you do not control all of them. What you can do is remove your name from the sources that matter most: search engines, data broker sites, and public records databases. When your name disappears from Google and from the major data brokers, it stops appearing in most searches people run. That covers the places where strangers actually look.

The process takes weeks or months and requires you to contact different websites separately. Some will remove your information for free. Others will ask you to pay, and a few will refuse. You will need to prove who you are — usually by uploading a photo ID or answering security questions — before any site will delete anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Google and Bing let you request removal of your information from their search results, but you must submit each request separately for each piece of information you want hidden.
  • Data broker sites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages have removal processes on their websites, though some require you to pay or verify your identity by phone.
  • Public records — court documents, property records, marriage licenses — cannot be removed from government databases, but you can request removal from the private websites that republish them.
  • Removal requests to search engines and data brokers take two to four weeks to process, and you should keep copies of your requests in case you need to follow up.
  • Some information will reappear months later if the data broker updates its database, so you may need to submit removal requests more than once.

Remove your name from Google and Bing search results

Google and Bing both have forms where you can request that specific information about you be removed from their search results. You are not asking them to delete the information from the original website — you are asking them to stop showing it when someone searches your name. The original page stays online, but it stops appearing in search results.

Go to Google's removal request form at google.com/webmasters/tools/removals. Sign in with your Google account (create one if you do not have one). Select "New request" and choose the type of content you want removed: personal information like your home address or phone number, or a specific URL. Describe what you want removed and why. Google will review your request in a few days and either remove the result or deny it. If they deny it, you can appeal once.

For Bing, go to Bing Webmaster Tools at bing.com/webmasters and sign in. Click "Remove URL" under the Diagnostics section. Paste the exact web address of the page you want removed from Bing's search results. Bing processes these requests within a few days. Unlike Google, Bing does not have a separate form for personal information — you submit the URL directly.

Keep a record of every request you submit, including the date, what you asked to be removed, and the confirmation number if the site gives you one. If you do not see the result removed after two weeks, follow up with the search engine.

Request removal from data broker and people-search websites

Data brokers like Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, and Intelius collect your name, address, phone number, and sometimes financial or family information, then sell access to that data. Each site has its own removal process, and you must contact each one separately. Most have a "remove my information" link on their website, usually at the bottom of the page or in a privacy section.

Spokeo (spokeo.com) has a removal form on its privacy page. You enter your name and the state where you live, then follow the prompts to verify your identity. Spokeo may ask you to confirm your email address or answer security questions. Removal usually takes one to two weeks.

BeenVerified (beenverified.com) requires you to submit a removal request through its privacy form. You will need to provide your name, email, and the URL of the page showing your information. BeenVerified may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID. Processing takes two to four weeks.

Whitepages (whitepages.com) lets you remove your listing directly if you have a Whitepages account. If you do not, you can use their removal form and verify your identity by phone or email. Whitepages processes removals within a few business days.

Intelius (intelius.com) has a removal request form on its privacy page. You will need to verify your identity, usually by uploading a government-issued ID. Intelius takes two to four weeks to process removal requests.

Some data brokers charge a fee to remove your information — usually $10 to $30. Others remove it for free but may require a phone call or a notarized letter. Check each site's removal policy before you start, so you know what to expect.

Handle public records that appear on private websites

Public records — court documents, property deeds, marriage licenses, divorce decrees — are stored in government databases and cannot be removed. However, private websites like MyLife, TruthFinder, and when ready Checkmate copy this information and republish it. You can request removal from those private sites, even though the original government record remains public.

Search for your name on each site to see what information they have. Most will show you a preview of what they display publicly. Look for a "remove my information" link, usually in the footer or privacy section. If you cannot find one, look for a contact form or email address for privacy requests.

When you submit a removal request, explain that you want your information removed from their site. You may need to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID or answering questions about yourself. Processing takes two to four weeks. Some sites will remove the information permanently; others will remove it temporarily but restore it when they update their database from government sources.

If a site refuses to remove your information or does not respond to your request within 30 days, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not remove information itself, but it investigates whether the site is following the law.

Remove your information from background check and tenant screening sites

Background check companies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion maintain files on you that employers, landlords, and lenders use to make decisions. You cannot remove your information from these sites — they are required by law to keep records — but you can dispute information that is wrong or outdated.

Go to annualcreditreport.com to request a free credit report from all three bureaus. Review the report for errors: wrong addresses, accounts you did not open, or criminal records that do not belong to you. If you find an error, file a dispute with the bureau that reported it. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the information if it cannot verify it.

Tenant screening companies like Clarity, CoreLogic, and LexisNexis also maintain files on renters. You can request a copy of your file and dispute errors the same way. Search for "[company name] tenant screening dispute" to find the process for each company.

Monitor for your information reappearing

After you remove your information from a data broker, it may reappear months later when the site updates its database from government records or other sources. Set a reminder to search your name on Google every three months. If you see your information has reappeared on a data broker site, submit another removal request.

Some people use free monitoring services like Google Alerts to get notified when their name appears in new search results. Go to google.com/alerts, enter your name, and choose how often you want to be notified. Google will email you when your name appears in new articles or web pages. This does not prevent your information from being published, but it tells you when it happens so you can respond.

Keep a spreadsheet with the date you submitted each removal request, which site you contacted, and the date you received confirmation. This record helps you track which sites have removed your information and which ones need follow-up requests.

Understand what you cannot remove

Some information cannot be removed no matter how many requests you submit. Government records — court cases, property ownership, marriage licenses, criminal records — are public by law and must stay in government databases. Private websites can be asked to remove copies of these records, but the originals remain accessible through government websites.

Information you posted yourself on social media, forums, or other websites is your responsibility to remove. Go to each site where you posted and delete the content yourself. If you cannot access an old account, contact the site's support team and ask them to delete your posts or your entire account.

Information published by news organizations, blogs, or other publishers is protected by free speech and generally cannot be removed, even if it is about you. You can ask a publisher to remove or correct information, but they are not required to do so. If the information is false and damages your reputation, you may have legal options, but that requires consulting a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to remove my name from search results?

Google and Bing usually process removal requests within a few days to two weeks. Data broker sites typically take two to four weeks. Some sites may take longer if they need to verify your identity by phone or mail. Check your confirmation email for an estimated timeline.

Do I have to pay to remove my information?

Most data brokers remove information for free, but some charge $10 to $30. Check the removal policy on each site before you submit a request. If a site charges a fee, you can choose not to use that site — removal is not required, only offered.

What if a website ignores my removal request?

Send a follow-up email after two weeks if you have not heard back. Include your original request and confirmation number if you have one. If the site continues to ignore you after 30 days, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC investigates whether sites are following privacy laws.

Will my information stay removed permanently?

Data brokers may restore your information when they update their database from government sources or other data providers. You may need to submit removal requests again every six to twelve months. Search your name periodically to check whether your information has reappeared.

Can I remove my information from government records?

No. Court documents, property records, marriage licenses, and other government records are public by law and cannot be removed from government databases. You can request removal from private websites that republish these records, but the originals will remain accessible through government websites.