North Dakota Mugshot Removal & Record Sealing Guide
How mugshot removal, expungement, and record sealing actually work under North Dakota law.
North Dakota does not currently have a statute requiring commercial mugshot websites to remove a photo on request — a 2021 bill addressing booking-photo confidentiality was introduced but failed. Removal here relies on direct negotiation with the publisher and search-engine de-indexing.
North Dakota's sealing statute (N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 12-60.1) added automatic closure for nonconviction records in 2025, in addition to the existing petition-based process for convictions.
- Misdemeanor conviction: Eligible after 3 years with no new conviction
- Felony conviction: Eligible after 5 years with no new conviction
- Nonconviction (dismissal/acquittal, on/after 8/1/2025): Automatically closed 61 days after the order
Locate every copy of your mugshot online
North Dakota arrest records are commonly scraped and republished across multiple commercial aggregators.
Send a direct removal request to each publisher
Without a state mandate to lean on, a documented direct request is your starting point, not a guarantee.
Pursue search-engine de-indexing where a site won't cooperate
This is typically the more effective lever in North Dakota given the absence of a state removal law.
Check whether your record qualifies for automatic closure or petition-based sealing
This restricts access to your official record going forward, though it won't retroactively force a site to remove an already-published photo.
We handle removal cases in North Dakota the same way we handle every case: locating every copy of your mugshot online, filing takedown requests within 72 hours, pursuing search-engine de-indexing where publishers won't cooperate, and monitoring afterward for reappearances. Every case starts with a free analysis, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
State law affects your legal options, but it doesn't determine which website is publishing your mugshot. See our site-by-site removal directory for site-specific removal steps once you know where your listing is.
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws summarized here are current as of publication but change frequently — consult a licensed attorney in your state before relying on them for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Dakota have a mugshot removal law?
No. A 2021 bill addressing booking-photo confidentiality failed, and North Dakota doesn't currently have a statute requiring commercial mugshot sites to remove a photo on request.
Does North Dakota automatically seal dismissed cases?
Yes, as of a 2025 reform — nonconviction orders entered on or after August 1, 2025 are automatically closed 61 days later.
Will sealing remove my mugshot from a website?
Not automatically. Sealing restricts access to your official record; a mugshot site that already published your photo has no separate legal obligation to remove it.
How long does mugshot removal take in North Dakota?
Without a state law setting a deadline, timelines depend on the specific publisher. We typically file takedown requests within 72 hours and pursue de-indexing within about 5-7 days.
Get Your North Dakota Mugshot Removed
Start with a free analysis — we'll confirm exactly what removal takes under your state's laws.