How to Remove or Update a Mugshot Online

If your mugshot appears on America's Top Mugshot and you believe it should be removed or updated, you have the right to request it. We never charge fees for mugshot removal — the entire process is free. This guide walks you through exactly what you need, how to submit your request, and what happens after.

When You Can Request Removal or an Update

You can submit a mugshot removal request or a record update for any of the following reasons:

• Your record has been expunged. A court has ordered your arrest record erased or sealed. Once expunged, the record should no longer appear publicly.
• Charges were dropped or dismissed. The case against you was resolved without a conviction — charges were dropped, dismissed, or never formally filed.
• You were found not guilty. A court acquitted you at trial.
• You completed a diversion program. You successfully finished a pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication program and the case was closed.
• The information is inaccurate. Your name is misspelled, the date is wrong, the charges are incorrect, or the listing contains any other factual error.
• The photo is wrong. The mugshot image is associated with the wrong person or record.
• Charges were amended. The original charges were changed and the listing doesn't reflect the updated charges.

If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, submit a request anyway. We review every case individually and will let you know if we need more information. For a deeper understanding of how expungement and record sealing work, read our guide on understanding expungement and record removal.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Having the right documentation ready makes the process faster. Here's what to gather before submitting:

• The link to your mugshot listing. Find the specific page on our site that you want removed or updated. Copy the URL from your browser's address bar.
• Your full legal name. The name as it appears on your government ID, which should match or be related to the name on the listing.
• A valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport. This verifies that the person requesting the change is the person on the record (or their legal representative).
• Supporting legal documents. Depending on your situation, this could include:
  • Court order of expungement or record sealing
  • Certificate of disposition showing charges were dropped or dismissed
  • Court records showing a not-guilty verdict
  • Proof of completed diversion program
  • Any official document from the court or law enforcement that supports your request

If you don't have all of these documents, submit what you have. Our team can advise you on what additional documentation may be needed.

How to Submit Your Removal Request

There are two ways to reach us. Both are free and both reach the same review team.

Option 1: The Contact Form (Recommended)

Our contact form at americastopmugshot.com/contact is the most straightforward way to submit a removal request. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Go to the Contact page. Visit americastopmugshot.com/contact.
2. Fill in your details. Enter your full name and email address. Under Subject, select "Record Removal Request".
3. Write your message. In the message field, include:
   • The link to the mugshot listing you want removed or updated
   • The reason for your request (expungement, charges dropped, inaccuracy, etc.)
   • What documentation you have available
   • Any case numbers or court references that can help us verify
4. Verify your email. Click "Send Verification Code." You'll receive a 6-digit code at the email address you entered. This step confirms that you have access to the email so we can follow up with you directly.
5. Enter the code and submit. Type in the verification code and click "Submit Message."

That's it. Your request is now in our system and our team will review it.

Option 2: Email Directly

If you prefer, you can send your request directly to info@americastopmugshot.com. Include the same information listed above: the listing URL, your full name, the reason for your request, and any supporting documentation.

Attach your government ID and legal documents to the email. We recommend using PDF format for legal documents to ensure they're readable.

What Happens After You Submit

Here's what to expect once we receive your request:

1. We acknowledge your request. You'll know it went through when you see the confirmation message on the contact form, or when you receive an auto-reply to your email.
2. We review your documentation. Our team checks the documents you provided against the original public source records. If the source record confirms what you're telling us — the case was expunged, charges were dropped, information is inaccurate — we proceed with the update.
3. We may ask for more information. If the documents don't fully cover the request, or if we need to verify something with the original records source, we'll email you to ask for clarification. This doesn't mean your request was denied — it means we need a bit more to move forward.
4. We make the change. Once verified, the listing is either removed from public view or updated with the correct information. This typically happens within a few hours of the decision.
5. We confirm. You'll receive an email confirming what action was taken.

The full process — from your initial submission to the final confirmation — typically takes 24 to 48 business hours (Monday through Friday). Complex cases that require additional verification may take longer.

We Never Charge for Removal

This is worth stating clearly: we do not charge any fee to remove or update a mugshot listing. Ever. The entire process — submission, review, removal — is free.

Unfortunately, some mugshot websites operate on a pay-to-remove model, charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars to take down a booking photo. We reject that approach entirely. If you have legitimate grounds for removal, you should not have to pay for it. To learn more about why this matters, read our article on the ethics of public mugshot databases.

What About Other Websites?

Removing your mugshot from our platform only affects our site. If your mugshot appears on other websites, you'll need to contact each one separately. Here are some general steps:

• Search for your mugshot. Google your full name along with the word "mugshot" or "arrest" to find where your image appears.
• Contact each site. Most mugshot websites have a contact form or removal request process. Look for a "Removal" or "Contact" link, usually in the footer.
• Request Google to remove outdated content. If a page has been taken down but still appears in Google search results, you can submit a removal request to Google directly through their outdated content removal tool.
• Consider legal help. If you've had your record expunged and websites are not cooperating, an attorney specializing in online reputation or internet privacy may be able to help. Many offer free initial consultations.

Some states have laws that require mugshot websites to remove images when provided with proof of expungement or dismissal. Check your state's specific rules — the legal landscape is changing rapidly in favor of individual privacy rights.

A Note About Public Records

All information on our platform comes from publicly available government records. An arrest is a matter of public record, and in most states, booking photos are publicly accessible documents. We display this information as part of the public record — not to shame, embarrass, or target anyone.

We also recognize that an arrest is not a conviction. Everyone featured on our platform is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. When circumstances change — charges are dropped, records are expunged, information turns out to be inaccurate — we update our records accordingly.

If you have questions about our data practices or want to learn more about how we approach these issues, visit our Disclaimer page or contact us directly.