Your address is sold by data brokers — here's how to get it off their sites
Your home address is probably listed on multiple data broker websites right now. These companies collect information from public records, property databases, and other sources, then sell access to that data. You cannot stop them from collecting it, but you can remove it from the sites where it is publicly searchable.
The fastest way is to visit each data broker's removal page directly and submit a request. Most brokers process removals in two to four weeks. The sites that hold your address are not all the same — some focus on people searches, others on property records, and some on background checks. You will need to handle each one separately.
Key Takeaways
- Data brokers like Spokeo, Whitepages, and Zillow keep your address public, but each has its own removal process on their website.
- Most removal requests take two to four weeks to process, and you may need to verify your identity by email or phone.
- You will likely need to remove your address from five to fifteen different sites, since there is no single master removal.
- Removal is temporary — your address may reappear in months or years when the broker updates their records from public sources.
- You can reduce how much data brokers collect by opting out of data sales through your state's privacy law, if one exists.
The major data brokers where your address appears
The largest people-search sites are Spokeo, Whitepages, TruthFinder, and BeenVerified. These sites let anyone search for your name and see your address, phone number, and sometimes relatives. Property sites like Zillow and Redfin show your address if you own a home. Background check sites like Intelius and MyLife also list residential addresses.
You do not need to remove your address from all of them — focus on the ones where your information is currently visible. Search your name on each site to see whether your address shows up. If it does not appear, you do not need to submit a removal request there.
Some brokers are smaller and less trafficked, but they still hold your data. Sites like PeopleFinder, ZoomInfo, and Instant Checkmate operate similarly. The removal process is the same for all of them: find their removal page, submit your request, and wait.
How to submit a removal request to each site
Every data broker has a removal or privacy page, though it is not always easy to find. Start by searching the site's name plus "remove my information" or "privacy policy" in Google. This usually takes you directly to the removal form.
When you fill out the form, you will typically need to provide your full name and the address you want removed. Some sites ask for your email address or phone number to verify you are the person making the request. A few require you to upload a photo of your ID or a utility bill to prove you live at that address.
After you submit, the site will send you a confirmation email. Keep that email — it shows you submitted the request and when. Most sites process removals within two to four weeks, though some take longer. Do not expect an email when the removal is complete; you will need to search your name again on the site to confirm it worked.
What to do if a site asks for ID or proof of address
Some data brokers require identity verification before they remove your information. This usually means uploading a photo of your driver's license, passport, or state ID. Others ask for a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement that shows your name and address.
This verification step protects the broker from someone else removing your information without your permission. It is a legitimate security measure, not a scam. Upload the document through the site's secure form — do not email it or send it through a message.
If you are uncomfortable uploading ID, some sites offer alternatives. You can sometimes verify by phone instead, or by confirming a code sent to your email. Check the removal page to see what options are available before you decide not to submit.
Removal from property and real estate sites
Property sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia pull your address from public property records, so removal is different from people-search sites. These sites usually have an "Edit" or "Claim" button on your property listing. Click it and look for an option to remove the listing or make it private.
Zillow lets you hide your address from public view by claiming your property and adjusting privacy settings. Redfin has a similar option. If you cannot find the button, search the site's help section for "hide my address" or "remove listing."
Keep in mind that hiding your address on Redfin or Zillow does not remove it from the county assessor's website or other public records. It only removes it from that particular real estate site. Your address will still be searchable through government property records.
Why your address comes back after removal
Data brokers update their records regularly by pulling information from public sources like property records, voter registration, and court documents. Even after you remove your address, it may reappear months or years later when the broker refreshes their database.
This means removal is not permanent. You may need to submit removal requests again in the future. Some people remove their information once a year or whenever they notice it has reappeared.
The only way to prevent your address from being collected in the first place is to reduce how much of it appears in public records. This is difficult — property records are public by law in most states. You can remove yourself from voter registration and opt out of data sales through your state's privacy law, but these steps do not stop property records from being public.
Using your state's privacy law to limit data sales
Several states have passed privacy laws that let you tell data brokers to stop selling your information. California's CCPA, Virginia's VCDPA, and Colorado's CPA all include opt-out rights. If your state has a privacy law, you can send a request to data brokers asking them to stop selling your data.
This is different from removing your address from their website. An opt-out request tells the broker not to sell your information to third parties, but your address may still appear on their own site. You usually need to submit opt-out requests separately from removal requests.
To find out whether your state has a privacy law, search your state's name plus "privacy law" or check with your state's attorney general office. If one exists, the data brokers' privacy pages usually have a link to submit an opt-out request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address to be removed?
Most data brokers process removal requests within two to four weeks. Some take up to six weeks. The timeline depends on the site's workload and whether they need to verify your identity. Check your confirmation email for an estimated removal date.
Do I have to pay to remove my address?
No. Data brokers are required to remove your information for free. If a site charges you to remove your address, it is a scam. Use only the official removal page on the broker's website.
Will removing my address from one site remove it from all of them?
No. Each data broker maintains its own database and removal process. You must submit a separate request to each site where your address appears. There is no master removal that affects all brokers at once.
Can I remove my address from Google search results?
Google does not host your address — data brokers do. Removing it from the broker's site will eventually remove it from Google's search results, but this can take weeks or months. You can also ask Google directly to remove the page from search results through Google Search Console, but the page itself will still exist on the broker's site.
What if I cannot find the removal page on a data broker's website?
Check the site's privacy policy or terms of service — the removal page link is usually there. If you still cannot find it, look for a "Contact Us" page and send an email asking for the removal process. Include your full name and the address you want removed. The site must respond within a reasonable timeframe.