Massachusetts Mugshot Removal & Sealing Guide
How mugshot removal, expungement, and record sealing actually work under Massachusetts law.
Massachusetts restricts law enforcement agencies themselves from posting booking photos online, but we could not confirm a comprehensive statute requiring commercial, third-party mugshot websites to remove a photo on request. Removal here relies primarily on direct negotiation with the publisher and search-engine de-indexing.
Massachusetts calls this "sealing" (G.L. c. 276, §§ 100A and 100C), with a 2018 reform that shortened waiting periods substantially.
- Misdemeanors: 3 years from disposition
- Felonies: 7 years from disposition
- Non-conviction records: Available immediately under a "good cause" standard
- Sex offenses / registrants: 15-year minimum; some registrants permanently ineligible
Locate every copy of your mugshot online
Massachusetts arrest records are commonly scraped and republished across multiple commercial aggregators.
Send a direct removal request to each publisher
A documented direct request is a reasonable starting point given the absence of a comprehensive state mandate.
Pursue search-engine de-indexing where a site won't cooperate
This is often the more reliable path in Massachusetts when a publisher won't respond.
Pursue sealing your record where eligible
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts have a mugshot removal law?
Massachusetts restricts law enforcement agencies' own posting of booking photos, but we could not confirm a comprehensive law requiring commercial, third-party mugshot sites to remove a photo on request.
How long do I have to wait to seal a record in Massachusetts?
Generally 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies from the date of disposition, following a 2018 reform that shortened the prior 5/10-year waits.
Will sealing my record 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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts Mugshot Removed
Start with a free analysis — we'll confirm exactly what removal takes under your state's laws.