Q&A for How to Find Mugshots

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Are all mugshots public record?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

This varies from one area to another. For example, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, many states do not have laws specifying whether mugshots should or should not be public record. In these cases, it’s up to individual agencies to decide whether or not to release their records.

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Question

How long do mugshots stay online?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

This partially depends on where the mugshots are being hosted. Many commercial mugshot websites now state that they will only keep mugshots available for 90 days. In some states in the U.S., mugshot websites are obligated to remove the images within 30 days upon request.

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Question

How do I find out where somebody is locked up?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Have their name and other information on hand if you want to find out where someone is locked up. If you find the city or area where the person was arrested, call the police department and ask to speak to the arresting officer as they may know where the inmate ended up.

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How can I obtain a copy of my old mugshot when I have limited financial resources?

Ken_Childs

Community Answer

You can request a copy of your mugshot by contacting the arresting department's records division. They generally charge a nominal fee. Alternatively, you can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which may require mailing a certified request along with a check for the fee.

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