How to Remove Yourself From PublicRecordsNow
PublicRecordsNow is a people-search website that aggregates and publishes personal information such as your full name, current and past addresses, phone numbers, relatives, age, and sometimes email addresses. The site pulls this data from public records and other sources, making it freely searchable by anyone. If you value your privacy and want to reduce the amount of personal information easily available online, removing yourself from PublicRecordsNow is a practical step worth taking. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it manually, what to watch out for, and when you might want help handling the broader problem across hundreds of similar sites.
What PublicRecordsNow Is and Why Removal Matters
PublicRecordsNow is operated by Infopay, Inc. and functions as both a consumer-facing search tool and a data broker. It displays detailed “people reports” that can be viewed without an account. Because the information is indexed by search engines and easily found by employers, neighbors, stalkers, or identity thieves, removing your listing reduces your exposure.
Even if the data is technically public record, having it compiled in one searchable place makes it far more dangerous. Regular removal is necessary because these sites often refresh their databases and your information can reappear months later. Most people discover they need to repeat the process every six to twelve months.
Before You Start: What You Will Need
To complete the opt-out you must be able to prove you are the person listed. Gather the following:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Your current mailing address
- Any phone numbers or email addresses associated with your profile
- Screenshots of your current PublicRecordsNow profile page (including the exact URL)
Redact everything except your name and the specific record you want removed before uploading. Most people use their phone to take clear photos of their ID and then edit them with the built-in markup tool.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Yourself From PublicRecordsNow
- Go to the PublicRecordsNow homepage at publicrecordsnow.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page.
- Click the small link labeled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” or “Opt-Out” in the footer. If the link is not immediately visible, use the site search bar and type “opt out” or “privacy rights.”
- You will be taken to a dedicated opt-out form. Enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your profile.
- Add any known middle initial, city, state, or zip code to narrow the results. The site will display a list of matching records.
- Locate the exact record that belongs to you and click the “Opt Out” or “Remove” button next to it. Some users report having to click a small checkbox first.
- You will be asked to create a free account or continue as a guest. Creating an account makes it easier to track future requests but is not required.
- Upload or mail a copy of your government-issued ID. The site clearly states that the ID must show your name and address and that all other information should be redacted. They accept JPG, PNG, or PDF files up to 5 MB.
- Provide a current email address where they can send confirmation. Do not use an email that appears on your PublicRecordsNow profile if possible.
- Submit the request. You should receive an automated confirmation email within minutes.
- PublicRecordsNow states they will process most opt-outs within 10 business days, though some users report it taking up to 30 days. Save the confirmation email and note the date in your calendar.
- After 30 days, search for your name again on the site. If your record still appears, repeat the process or contact their support.
After the First Removal: Setting Up Ongoing Protection
One removal is rarely enough. PublicRecordsNow, like most data brokers, periodically re-ingests public records. Set a recurring calendar reminder every six months to check and resubmit if necessary. Keep a simple spreadsheet or note with the date of each request, the email address you used, and whether the record was successfully removed. This documentation becomes useful if you ever need to escalate to a regulator or attorney.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Many people run into the same issues when trying to remove their information. Avoiding these will save you time and frustration.
- Using the wrong name spelling or missing a middle initial — the site treats slight variations as different people.
- Forgetting to redact your ID properly — if you upload an unredacted copy, the site may reject it or, worse, add the new information to their database.
- Submitting from a VPN or unusual IP address — some users report higher rejection rates when the request comes from outside the United States or through privacy tools.
- Not checking back after 30 days — records frequently reappear, and many assume one request is permanent.
- Only removing one record when multiple versions exist — search using your previous addresses, maiden names, or old phone numbers to catch every listing.
- Using an email address that is itself listed on the profile — this can sometimes flag the request as suspicious.
- Expecting instant removal — the process is deliberately slow, and there is no live chat support.
If your record does not disappear after the stated period, send a polite follow-up email to their privacy team using the address listed in the confirmation. Include the original confirmation number and your case details. In rare cases where repeated attempts fail, you can file a complaint with your state attorney general’s consumer protection division citing violations of data privacy laws that apply in your region.
The faster way
Manually repeating this process across hundreds of data-broker sites quickly becomes exhausting. Each site has different forms, different verification steps, and different reappearance schedules. GalaxyWarden’s DoxxScan tool can scan more than 800 of these sites, automatically submit opt-out requests where possible, and continue monitoring for reappearances, giving you the option to handle the bulk of the work without spending dozens of hours each year.
Removing yourself from PublicRecordsNow is a straightforward but repetitive task that protects your privacy when done consistently. Start with the steps above, keep records of every request, and decide whether manual effort or an automated service best fits your needs.