How to Get a Mugshot Removed From the Internet

A booking photo can follow someone for years, even after charges are dropped. You can't always force a site to take one down, but you can usually get it out of Google results and off many sites without paying.

Last reviewed October 31, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

Start at the source

In Minnesota, booking photos are generally public data under Minn. Stat. § 13.82. Most county jail rosters drop a photo once someone is released, but third-party sites may have already copied it. Removal works best in this order.

1. Clear the underlying record if you can

If the case was dismissed or you qualify for sealing, that changes everything. Minnesota's Clean Slate Act automatically seals many records, and an expungement order gives you official proof to send to websites. See Minnesota expungement and the Clean Slate Act.

2. Ask each site directly

• Look for a removal or contact page. Many news sites and some mugshot sites have a free request process.
• Include the URL, explain the outcome (dismissed, acquitted, expunged), and attach court documents if you have them.
• Keep a record of every request and response.

3. Get it out of Google results

• Sites that charge for removal: Google's exploitative removal policy lets you ask it to delist pages about you on sites that require payment to remove content. You have to be the person in the content, and it can't be a business review site.
• Other personal content: Google's personal content removal options cover some other situations.

Delisting removes the page from Google Search only. The page stays up and can still appear on other search engines or through direct links.

4. Consider a lawyer for stubborn cases

If a site refuses, or the record was sealed and it's still showing, a lawyer can advise on options. Free legal help is listed on LawHelpMN.

Related guides