Finding your mugshot on Arrests.org can feel like a punch to the gut. The good news is that the site does offer a way to ask for removal, and it should not cost you a fee. The process is not always fast or simple, and requests are not always granted. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to give your request the best chance.
What Arrests.org Is
Arrests.org is a website that publishes arrest records and mugshots pulled from public sources. It collects booking photos, names, and charge details, then posts them online for anyone to find. Because the pages often rank in search results, your mugshot can show up when someone searches your name. As of 2026, the site is still online and active.
Can Your Mugshot Be Removed?
Yes, in many cases you can request removal. Arrests.org accepts removal requests for reasons like a sealed or expunged record, charges that were dropped or dismissed, or a case that ended in acquittal. It also lists other reasons, such as the person being deceased, active military, not a U.S. citizen, or a government official. You can also ask to remove your date of birth and address.
Keep your hopes realistic. The site does not always grant requests, and when it does, it may not remove every piece of data it holds. Taking your listing down also does not erase the underlying arrest record from court or police files. For that, you would need to pursue expungement through the courts.
How to Request Removal Step by Step
The exact steps can change over time, so confirm the current process on the site before you start. Based on how the removal tool has worked, here is the general path most guides describe.
- Search Arrests.org by your first name, last name, and state to find your listing.
- Open your record and look for the removal or opt-out option. Some users reach a removal form tied to their record ID, while others are directed to email a request.
- Choose the reason that fits your situation, such as dropped charges or a sealed record.
- Attach the proof they ask for. This often means a redacted copy of a government photo ID plus any court documents, like a dismissal or expungement order.
- Submit your request and save a copy of everything you sent.
When you redact your ID, black out your ID number, signature, and anything you do not need to share. Leave only what proves who you are. If the on-site steps look different from what you expected, follow the instructions shown on the page itself.
What It Costs
Removal through Arrests.org should be free. If a page asks you to pay to take your own record down, be careful. Several states, including California, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and others, make it illegal for mugshot sites to charge removal fees. If you hire a professional service to handle the work for you, that service may charge for its time. To understand what that can look like, see our guide on how much mugshot removal costs.
How Long It Takes
Most guides say Arrests.org takes about 5 to 30 days to process a request. Some records come down faster, and some take the full window or longer. Even after the page is gone, it can linger in search results for a while until the search engines update. For more on realistic timing, read our overview of how long mugshot removal takes.
What to Do If It Fails
Sometimes a request is ignored or denied. If that happens, do not give up. First, follow up and make sure you sent the right documents. If your state has a mugshot removal law, point to it in your request. You can also file a complaint with your state attorney general.
If the listing still will not come down, suppression may be a more realistic goal. That means pushing the page lower in search results with stronger content about you. Our guide on how to remove a mugshot from Google covers those steps in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Arrests.org to remove my mugshot?
No. Removing your own record should be free. If you are asked to pay a fee to take your listing down, treat that as a warning sign and check your state’s rules.
Will removal erase my arrest record?
No. Taking your page off Arrests.org only removes it from that one site. The arrest itself stays in court and police records unless you get it expunged or sealed through the courts.
Last updated on July 27, 2026