Texas Mugshot Removal & Expungement Guide
How mugshot removal, expungement, and record sealing actually work under Texas law.
Texas has a mugshot-related statute, but it's narrower than it's sometimes described: Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 109.005 bars a publisher from continuing to publish criminal-record information, including a mugshot, once it has notice of an expunction order or an order of nondisclosure covering that record. It doesn't give everyone a general right to demand removal — it specifically protects people who've already obtained one of those court orders. Violating it can mean civil liability of up to $500 per violation, plus $500 a day for continuing violations.
Expunction (Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55A) destroys qualifying records entirely. Nondisclosure (Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1) seals records from public view without destroying them — a distinct, more limited form of relief.
- Expunction — misdemeanor arrest: 1 year (if no felony arose from the same transaction)
- Expunction — felony arrest: 3 years
- Nondisclosure — felony: 5 years after discharge
- Nondisclosure — most misdemeanors: 2 years (some misdemeanors: no wait)
Pursue expunction or an order of nondisclosure where eligible
This is the trigger for Texas's publisher-notice law — without one of these orders, § 109.005 doesn't apply.
Notify the publisher directly once you have the order
A publisher who continues to publish after proper notice of your expunction or nondisclosure order can face civil liability under § 109.005.
Pursue search-engine de-indexing in parallel
Since not everyone qualifies for the statutory protection, de-indexing is often necessary regardless of your record's legal status.
Confirm removal and monitor for reappearances
We verify the photo is actually gone and continue watching your name afterward.
We handle removal cases in Texas 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 Texas law force mugshot sites to remove my photo?
Only if you already have an expunction or nondisclosure order — Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 109.005 bars publishing after notice of one of those orders, but doesn't apply to everyone with an arrest.
What's the difference between Texas expunction and nondisclosure?
Expunction destroys qualifying records entirely. Nondisclosure seals a record from public view without destroying it — a more limited, more widely available form of relief.
How long does a Texas expunction take to become eligible?
Generally 1 year after a misdemeanor arrest or 3 years after a felony arrest, assuming no charges were filed or the case was resolved in your favor.
How long does mugshot removal take in Texas?
It depends on whether you have a qualifying court order. We typically file takedown requests within 72 hours and pursue de-indexing within about 5-7 days regardless of your record's legal status.
Get Your Texas Mugshot Removed
Start with a free analysis — we'll confirm exactly what removal takes under your state's laws.