Expungement: what it does and does not change online
Guide · Updated October 31, 2026
Expungement and record sealing can be life-changing, but people are often surprised that the internet does not update automatically. The court's records change; copies made before the order often do not.
This guide explains, in general terms, what changes and what usually needs follow-up. Eligibility and effects vary widely by state.
What generally changes
- The official court and agency records covered by the order are sealed, destroyed or restricted, depending on state law.
- In many states, you may lawfully say the matter did not occur in many situations, though exceptions exist.
- Background screening companies are expected to report accurate, current information.
After a record is expunged or sealed
An expungement or sealing order changes the official court record, but it does not automatically reach every website that copied the record earlier. Follow-up is usually needed:
- Get certified or official copies of the order, and keep digital copies.
- Make a list of where the old record still appears: background check companies, people-search sites, mugshot sites and news results.
- Contact each site through its correction or removal process and provide the order where the site asks for documentation.
- For consumer reporting agencies, use the dispute process under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Agencies generally must investigate disputes, typically within 30 days.
- Once a page has changed or been removed, use Google's outdated content request to update stale search results.
What an order allows you to say on applications, and which agencies can still see the record, depends on your state's law. A licensed attorney can explain your specific order.
What often needs follow-up
- Copies on people-search and mugshot sites made before the order.
- News articles about the arrest or case.
- Search results that still point to old pages.
A licensed attorney in your state can confirm eligibility and what your order covers.
When the page has already changed: Google's outdated content tool
Sometimes the source has already been fixed: a site removed a page, deleted a photo or changed an article, but Google still shows the old title or snippet. Google provides a public "Refresh Outdated Content" request for this situation.
It only works when the live page no longer contains what you are asking about, or no longer exists. It is not a way to remove content that is still on the page. If the source has not changed, the request will normally be declined.
Submit the exact URL, and keep a screenshot of the changed or removed page with the date in your log.
How people-search opt-outs generally work
People-search and data-broker sites compile public records, marketing data and other sources into profiles. Most offer an opt-out process, but each site runs its own, and the steps change over time.
- Search for yourself on the major people-search sites and save the URL of each profile you find.
- Find each site's opt-out or privacy request page. It is often linked in the footer.
- Submit the request with the minimum information the site needs to find your record. Consider using a separate email address for these requests.
- Complete any email or phone verification step, and record the date and confirmation.
- Check again after a few weeks. Profiles can reappear when a site refreshes its data, and the same data is often sold to several sites.
Opting out of one site does not remove the information from the public records it came from, and it does not affect other sites that hold copies.
State laws and the site's own process
A number of states have passed laws that limit websites charging fees to remove booking photos, and some require free removal in certain situations, such as when charges were dismissed or a record was sealed. The details differ by state and change over time.
- Read the site's own removal or correction page and note exactly what it asks for.
- Gather court documents that show the outcome of the case, such as a dismissal, acquittal or sealing order.
- Keep a record of every request and response, including any request for payment.
- Ask a licensed attorney in your state whether a state law applies to your situation before relying on it.
Be careful with services that charge to remove listings from sites they may be connected to. Ask any provider directly how they get results and whether they have any relationship with the sites involved.
Legal note: this guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and platform policies change and vary by state. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Getting help
Many of these steps you can take yourself. If you would like someone to look at your situation with you and suggest a plan, you can book a paid consultation. This is a paid consultation: price confirmed when scheduling. No payment is taken on this site. We do not guarantee that any review, article, listing or search result will be removed.