All Comparison Tables
Mug Shot Publication Laws by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether commercial publication of arrest mug shots is allowed, restrictions imposed, and the right to demand removal.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: April 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Allowed | Restrictions | Removal Right |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Pre-conviction limits | Yes |
| Allowed | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Police restrictions | Yes |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Police restrictions | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Police restrictions | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Restricted | Fee ban | Yes |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Allowed | None | No |
| Restricted | Police restrictions | Yes |
Most state laws target pay-to-remove extortion schemes, not legitimate news reporting. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act and federal FOIA exemptions also limit some mug shot disclosures.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.