Google does not host mugshots, but search results point to sites that do
Google's search engine indexes pages from thousands of mugshot websites — sites that republish arrest records and photos pulled from public court documents. When you search your name, Google shows links to these pages. Removing the mugshot from Google means either getting it taken down at the source (the mugshot website itself) or asking Google to stop showing that link in results. Google does not delete the original page; it only removes the link from its index.
The mugshot websites themselves own the photos and text. Some take them down if you ask. Others keep them permanently and charge money to remove them — a practice called "mugshot extortion" that many states now restrict by law. Google can remove a link from search results without the original page being deleted, which is why you may see the mugshot disappear from Google but still find it if you visit the website directly.
Key Takeaways
- Mugshot websites republish arrest records from public court documents, and Google indexes those pages — removing the link from Google does not delete the original mugshot.
- Some mugshot sites take down photos for free if you request removal; others charge money or refuse to remove anything.
- You can ask Google to remove a link from search results even if the original page still exists online.
- Your state may have a law that lets you request removal from mugshot sites or that restricts them from charging fees.
- Removal takes weeks to months and may require contacting multiple websites and submitting requests to Google separately.
Find which websites are showing your mugshot
Search your full name in Google and note every link that shows your mugshot or arrest record. Open each one and write down the website's name and URL. Common mugshot sites include ArrestRecords.com, JailBase, MugShotExpo, and local county jail booking pages — but there are hundreds of others. Some may be regional; some may be national.
Check the first few pages of results only. If your mugshot appears on page 10, it is already buried and few people will find it. Focus on the top results first. For each site, look at the page URL and the domain name (the part after www. and before the first slash). You will need both when you contact them.
Request removal directly from the mugshot website
Visit each mugshot website and look for a "Remove my photo" or "Contact us" link, usually at the bottom of the page. Some sites have a dedicated removal request form. Fill it out with your name, the URL of the page showing your mugshot, and a brief explanation that you want the photo removed. Many sites ask you to prove your identity by uploading a photo ID or a recent utility bill.
Send the request and wait for a response. Some websites reply within days and remove the photo for free. Others take weeks, charge a fee (which may be illegal in your state), or do not respond at all. Keep a record of every request you send — the date, the website, and any response you receive. If a site charges you money to remove your own mugshot, check whether your state has a law against this practice before paying.
If the website refuses to remove the photo or charges a fee you cannot pay, move to the next step. Do not assume the photo will stay online forever; you can still ask Google to stop showing it in search results.
Check your state's mugshot removal law
Many states now have laws that let you request removal of your mugshot from these websites, sometimes for free or at a reduced cost. Some states require websites to remove mugshots after a certain amount of time has passed or after your case is dismissed. Other states restrict websites from charging removal fees or require them to remove photos if you were not convicted.
Search "[your state] mugshot removal law" or contact your state's attorney general office to find out what rights you have. If your state has a removal law, you may be able to cite it when you contact mugshot websites, which can make them more likely to comply. Some state attorney general offices also maintain lists of approved removal services or can tell you which websites are operating illegally in your state.
If your arrest was dismissed, your case was acquitted, or you were not convicted, you may have stronger grounds to request removal. Some websites will take down photos from dismissed or acquitted cases even if they charge for other removals.
Submit a removal request to Google
Go to Google's removal request page at google.com/webmasters/tools/legal-removal-request. You will need a Google account to log in. Select "Remove information" and then choose the reason that best fits your situation — usually "Other legal issue" or "Personal information" depending on what Google offers at the time you submit.
Paste the full URL of the page showing your mugshot. Be as specific as possible: if the mugshot is on a page about your arrest, use that exact page's URL, not the website's homepage. Describe why you want it removed — for example, "This is my mugshot from an arrest in 2015. I was not convicted, and the website refuses to remove it." Google does not remove pages; it only removes links from its search index, so the page will still exist online but will not appear when someone searches your name.
Google reviews these requests and may approve or deny them. Approval can take weeks. Even if Google approves your request, the link may reappear in search results months or years later if the website updates its content or if Google re-indexes the page. You may need to submit the request again.
Use Google Search Console to monitor your name
If you have a personal website or blog, you can use Google Search Console (google.com/webmasters) to see what pages appear when someone searches your name. Add your website to Search Console and check the "Search results" section to see which queries bring up your pages. This does not help remove mugshots from other websites, but it lets you monitor whether your own content is showing up in results and whether removal requests are working.
You can also set up a Google Alert for your name by going to google.com/alerts. Enter your full name and choose how often you want to be notified when new pages mention you. This will not remove old mugshots, but it will alert you if new ones appear online, so you can request removal sooner.
Consider professional removal services if you have the budget
Some companies specialize in removing mugshots and arrest records from the internet. They contact mugshot websites on your behalf, submit removal requests to Google, and follow up if pages reappear. These services charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on how many websites are showing your mugshot and how difficult they are to work with.
Before hiring a removal service, check whether your state has laws against mugshot extortion. If a website is charging you money to remove your own photo, that may be illegal, and a removal service should not have to pay either. Some removal services are legitimate; others are scams that take your money and do nothing. Look for services that offer a money-back may provide and that are willing to show you proof of removal requests they have sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove a mugshot from Google?
Removal from the mugshot website itself can take days to weeks, or may never happen if the site refuses. Google's removal process takes weeks to months after you submit a request. Even after removal, the link may reappear if the website updates its content or if Google re-indexes the page months later.
Can I sue a mugshot website to force them to take down my photo?
You may be able to sue depending on your state's laws and the circumstances of your arrest. Some states have laws that let you sue for damages if a website charges you to remove your own mugshot or refuses to remove it after dismissal. Consult a lawyer in your state to find out whether you have a case.
What if I was convicted — can I still get my mugshot removed?
Removal is harder if you were convicted, but not impossible. Some states still allow removal after a certain number of years have passed. Check your state's law and contact mugshot websites directly. Google may also remove the link if you can show that the page violates its policies, even if you were convicted.
Will removing my mugshot from Google make it disappear from the internet completely?
No. Removing it from Google search results means it will not show up when someone searches your name on Google, but the page will still exist on the mugshot website. Anyone who visits that website directly or searches on a different search engine may still find it. True removal requires getting the mugshot website to delete the page.
Is it legal for mugshot websites to charge money to remove photos?
Many states now restrict or ban this practice. Check your state's attorney general office or search "[your state] mugshot removal law" to find out whether charging removal fees is legal where you live. If it is illegal in your state, you may not have to pay, and you may be able to report the website to your state's attorney general.