Are you haunted by an old mugshot that keeps resurfacing on Google?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Anyone can instantly find embarrassing moments from your past with just a few clicks.
Mugshots seem to pop up when you least expect them. A new job application. A new client. An unexpected background check.
All you have to do is type your name into Google, and a photo of a particular moment in your life shows up without context, explanation, or conclusion. In a lot of people’s eyes, that one picture eclipses all the other things you’ve done since then.
The good news is this…
Google mugshot removal has become more realistic. The laws have been changing. Google’s tools have been improving. Expungement also plays a far bigger role than most people know.
Here’s a guide to explain what actually works today.
How Does a Mugshot Change How People View Your Online Reputation?
A mugshot attached to your name will likely change how others view you.
An employer may quit looking at your resume. A client may hesitate to contact you. Even friends and colleagues may begin to make assumptions based on incomplete information.
Even though the charges were dropped or resolved years ago, very few search results reflect that.
That’s why mugshot removal is not about covering up your past. It’s about making sure there is some level of accuracy, fairness, and control over your digital identity.
Why Is Removing Mugshots From Google Important?
Having a mugshot visible anywhere online creates friction.
It creates distrust.
It harms first impressions.
It can prevent you from getting jobs and or clients.
According to The Sentencing Project, nearly three-quarters of formerly incarcerated individuals reported having difficulty obtaining a job. Having a persistent visible mugshot just adds insult to injury.
Search results should represent who you are today. Not the single picture that was taken on your worst day.
Mugshot Laws by State in 2026
There has been rapid movement regarding mugshot laws. As of 2026, over 20 states restrict the commercial use of mugshots or have banned for-profit mugshot removal services, specifically for nonconvictions.
Important
More and more laws are focused on non-conviction cases, dismissed cases, and expungements. A lot of states now require that you be allowed to have the mugshot removed for free within a certain time frame.
Always go to your state’s Attorney General’s Office website or the National Conference of State Legislatures. When unsure, you should consult an attorney.
Why Expungement Has to Happen First
A lot of people try to get their mugshots removed from the internet without knowing whether they qualify for expungement or record sealing.
Expungement should come first because it will make everything else so much easier.
Why Expungement Works
Expungement removes or seals the record where it originated.
Expungement supports your removal requests to Google.
In many states, expungement requires compliance with free removal requirements.
Private sites are not required to be notified of expungement. However, providing a court order can greatly increase the chances of getting successful removals and greatly reduce resistance or charges for illegal fees.
To summarize,
Pursue expungement first if you qualify. It will make everything else easier.
DIY Techniques That Are Still Working
If you want to attempt to remove a mugshot on your own, you should focus on methods that actually accomplish something.
Contact the Site Directly
Often, a website will remove a mugshot if you send them documentation, such as a copy of your dismissal papers or an expungement order. Be polite and professional in your communication.
Instead Improve What Ranks Better Than the Mugshot
Building a solid, true-to-yourself online presence can push older and less favorable results lower in the rankings. Websites, LinkedIn, professional bios, and real press coverage are all better indicators of your current status than mugshot sites.
Proper Use of Google’s Removal Tools
This method only works after the content has been removed or updated on the original source.
Using Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool
Google provides a free tool called Remove Outdated Content that helps it update its index after content has been deleted or modified.
Step by Step Instructions on How to Use It
Search your name and “mugshot” in incognito mode.
Verify that the image or page does not exist anymore on the original source site.
Go to Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool.
Enter the exact URL page or image tab of the original content.
Wait for the status of the request for several days or weeks.
Important
Google verifies each removal request. If the content remains active, the request will be denied.
When Using Professional Mugshot Removal Services Makes Sense
Professional assistance is usually best utilized when:
You are dealing with multiple websites.
Legitimate removal requests are ignored or rejected.
You need faster suppression and ongoing monitoring.
What Legitimate Services Offer
Legal backing for direct takedown requests
Compliant SEO to suppress results from search engines
Continued monitoring to ensure that the removal of mugshot images and links continues
In 2025, consumers should expect complete transparency, clear timelines, and written assurances from professional services. Anyone claiming “Instant Deletion” without explanation should be viewed with extreme skepticism.
Actual Results: Before and After Mugshot Removal
Before removal, search results typically include:
Mugshot sites
Arrest pages with no updates
Scraper sites showing the same image over and over again
After proper removal and suppression:
Personal and professional profile listings will be listed first
Neutral or positive content will replace mugshot links.
Results from image searches will no longer display arrest photos.
These types of results occur when a combination of expungement, legal removal requests, and SEO are used properly.
How to Keep Yourself Visible
No approach to protecting your online identity is foolproof unless you continually monitor your results.
Create Google Alerts for your name.
Look at your search results quarterly.
Take immediate action if new content shows up.
Taking early action will prevent small issues from turning into long term problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Expungement Automatically Remove Mugshots From Google?
No. But it gives you a greater opportunity to force free removals and get successful results through Google.
Final Thoughts
Removing a mugshot from Google in 2026 is no longer trial and error.
The path is clearer.
The laws are stronger.
People have more control than they did even a few short years ago.
Regardless of whether you choose to do this yourself or hire someone to do it for you, the ultimate goal is the same.
Fair and accurate search results.
Representative fair reporting.
A future that doesn’t define you based on one moment.
Your online reputation should accurately reflect who you are today.
And in 2026, that’s finally achievable.