If your booking photo shows up on Recently Booked, you are not alone, and you do have options. Recently Booked is a website that posts arrest records and mugshots pulled from public sources. The good news is that the site has a removal policy and does not charge a fee to take your record down. This guide walks you through how the process works and what to do if it does not go your way.
What Recently Booked Is
Recently Booked (recentlybooked.com) is a site that collects arrest and booking information from law enforcement sources across the United States. It republishes that data in a format anyone can search. A typical listing may include your name, your mugshot, the arrest date, the charges, the county, and the arresting agency.
The site updates often and covers many states and counties. As of this writing, it is active and online. Because the records come from public data, your photo can appear even if you were never convicted of anything.
Can Your Mugshot Be Removed?
In many cases, yes. Recently Booked lists specific reasons it will remove a record. Based on its posted policy, the site says it will take down entries that fall into these groups:
- Charges that were dismissed or dropped
- Records that were expunged or sealed by a court
- Information that is wrong or belongs to the wrong person
- Juvenile records
- Duplicate listings
If your record is accurate and still public through law enforcement, the site may decline to remove it unless it meets one of the reasons above. Rules and policies can change, so always confirm the current terms on the site before you send anything.
How to Request Removal Step by Step
The process is done by email. Follow these steps to give your request the best chance.
- Find your listing on the site and copy the exact web address (URL) of the page.
- Gather your details: your full name, the arrest date, and the state and county where it happened.
- Write a short, clear reason for the request, such as a dismissal or an expungement.
- Attach any legal documents that support your reason, like a court order.
- Send the request to the contact email listed on the site’s removal policy page. At this time that address is [email protected], but check the site to confirm it has not changed.
The site notes that requests must be verifiable. Missing details or no documents can slow things down or lead to no action at all. For a broader plan that covers search engines too, see our guide on how to remove a mugshot from Google.
How Much It Costs
Recently Booked states that it does not charge a fee for record removal, suppression, or modification. In plain terms, sending a removal request to the site itself should be free. Be careful with other sites or services that ask for payment to do this basic step. If you want to understand pricing when a professional service is involved, read our overview of how much mugshot removal costs.
How Long It Takes
Timelines vary. Some guides report a response within about 7 to 10 business days. Others say the full process can take from a few days to a couple of weeks once the request is reviewed. If you do not hear back, it is fair to send a polite follow-up email. For more on what to expect, see our post on how long mugshot removal takes.
What to Do If Removal Fails
Sometimes a request is denied or gets no reply. You still have paths forward. First, make sure you sent every required detail and document. A missing court order is a common reason for a stall. Second, check the laws in your state. Some states now require these sites to remove mugshots in certain cases, such as when charges were dropped.
You can also work on your wider online presence so the listing is less visible in search results. That may include removing the image from Google and building up positive content. A professional reputation service can help if the problem is hurting your job search or your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Recently Booked charge to remove my mugshot?
No. The site says it does not charge a fee for removal, suppression, or modification. Watch out for third parties that try to charge you for this simple request.
Will removing my record from Recently Booked erase it from Google?
Not right away. Once the page is gone, Google needs time to update. The listing may still show in search results for a while until the search engine refreshes its index.
Last updated on July 27, 2026