If you’ve searched your name on Google and found a DocketBird link showing court records, it’s frustrating. While DocketBird is useful for legal professionals, it’s often a privacy headache for individuals.
The good news? You can take steps to remove or hide these records and protect your reputation. Here’s how.
What Is DocketBird?
DocketBird is a database of federal court records, including dockets and case filings. It republishes public records to make them easier to find.
Because these records are public, your name and case details might appear online—even if the case is old or resolved.
Can You Remove Your Name from DocketBird?
- Sealed cases: DocketBird will remove the record if you provide a valid court order.
- Unsealed cases: The record stays online, but DocketBird can block it from search engines.
Content from DocketBird at https://www.docketbird.com/terms_of_use
Removal of Cases and Documents
DocketBird provides many court materials to the public at no charge. DocketBird sometimes receives requests to remove those materials from public view. DocketBird provides individuals with means to request removal of court materials, at no charge. To make such a request, please visit our help page.
DocketBird does not accept payment to remove case materials from its website; such removals are always free. In addition, when your remove a case from DocketBird, DocketBird will send an HTTP 404 “Not Found” result to Google when it attempts to re-crawl your case materials on DocketBird. Accordingly, anyone can remove their case from DocketBird and Google for free.
Sometimes, however, individuals may request DocketBird to manually submit expedited removal requests to Google, to ensure that Google removes their cases on an expedited basis. These requests must be submitted manually, and DocketBird typically charges a fee for handling such requests. If you pay for the manual submission of expedited removal requests, DocketBird will endeavor to submit a removal request to Google within five busines days. The removal request will include only the url of the docket sheet for the case; it will not include urls for any case documents or other pages, unless you request that specifically by emailing us at [email protected], and providing us with a list of the urls that you would like to have removed on an expedited basis. Further, DocketBird will not subsequently check to ensure that Google actually removes the case from its index. It is your responsibility to periodically check Google to ensure that the case has been, and/or continues to be, removed from Google’s index. If you see that your case remains on Google, simply email us at [email protected]. We work closely with our customers to ensure that their cases are removed. In fact, if you pay a fee for Google removal, we guarantee that the case will eventually be removed from Google’s index; if you are not satisfied after we have made repeated efforts to remove the case, we will provide you with a full refund upon written request.
Regardless of whether or not manual expedited Google removal is requested, DocketBird is under no obligation to grant removal requests. Even when DocketBird does grant such requests, the materials will still be fully accessible to persons with DocketBird accounts, including without limitation patrons of public libraries that have DocketBird accounts.
How to Remove Records from DocketBird
1. Locate the Record
- Search for the case on DocketBird.
- Scroll to the bottom and click “Request Removal.”
2. Submit Your Removal Request
- Enter your email address to receive a confirmation code.
- Enter the confirmation code to proceed.
- You will then be taken to a page to choose your removal option:
- Free Removal: Removes the record and notifies Google automatically.
- Paid Removal: For $59.99, DocketBird will manually request faster removal from Google. You can email [email protected] to request additional URL removals.
- For either option, you must provide a credit or debit card for identity verification. The name on the card must match a party to the case.
3. Remove DocketBird Records by Mail
If you don’t want to provide a card, you can submit a mail-in form. This process takes 6-8 weeks and requires:
- A notarized form.
- A copy of your ID to prove your identity and connection to the case.
Download the mail in removal request form here.
Providing payment information can feel invasive. If you choose the paid option, consider using a service like Wise to create a temporary card. This way, you can freeze or delete the card after use to protect your privacy.
How to Speed Up Removal from Google
- Use Google’s Outdated Content Tool.
- Submit the URL and follow the prompts to request removal.
What If DocketBird Denies Your Request?
1. Push Down Negative Search Results
- Build a personal website.
- Publish articles or blogs about your work.
- Update and optimize LinkedIn and other profiles.
2. Seal the Case
3. Get Professional Help
Erase.com’s content removal service is designed to help you showcase your strengths and position you as a reliable and trustworthy partner.
We’ve helped over 5,000 individuals and businesses manage their online reputation and removed over 1,300 harmful court records for our clients in 2024 alone.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
Key Takeaways
- Free Removals: DocketBird removes cases at no cost.
- Paid Removals: $59.99 for faster removal.
- Mail-In Option: Submit a notarized form if you prefer not to provide payment details online.
- Protect Your Reputation: Create positive content to manage your online reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can request removal directly on DocketBird’s website. Locate the case, click “Request Removal,” and enter your email to receive a confirmation code. Once verified, you can choose between free removal or paid expedited removal for Google de-indexing.
Yes, sealed cases can be fully removed if you provide a valid court order. For unsealed cases, DocketBird will suppress records, making them invisible to search engines but still accessible on their platform.
After removal, Google may take several weeks to de-index the record. For faster results, you can use Google’s Outdated Content Tool. Paid expedited removal by DocketBird also speeds up this process.
No, DocketBird won’t remove records that are unsealed unless privacy concerns, such as harassment or risk to minors, are demonstrated. Cases with strong public interest or involving corporations are also unlikely to be removed without a court order.
Basic removal is free. For $59.99, DocketBird offers expedited removal from Google’s search results. If you prefer not to pay, you can use a mail-in form, which takes 6–8 weeks to process and requires notarization and a copy of your ID.
If you’re struggling to suppress a DocketBird record, our Reputation Specialists can help. Contact us for a personalized consultation to regain control of your online presence.
