California DROP: ask every registered data broker to delete your data, in one request

What DROP does

• Sends one deletion request to every data broker registered with California, over 600 of them.
• Since August 1, 2026, those brokers must check DROP at least once every 45 days and process the requests.
• A broker that finds a match deletes all the information it can about you, not only what you entered.
• It keeps working. Brokers must check again and delete new matching data at least every 45 days, so you don't send it again.
• It's free. The state says it will never charge you to use DROP.

What it does not do

• It's only for California residents.
• It goes to data brokers registered with California. Other sites don't get it, so do their opt-outs too.
• It doesn't delete what you gave a business yourself, such as the email on an account you made.
• Brokers can keep data the law exempts and publicly available data. The state names public records, like vehicle or real estate ownership or voting records, as examples.
• It isn't instant. Brokers have up to 90 days to report how they handled your request.

How to use DROP

1. 1

   Go to DROP and select Get started: privacy.ca.gov/drop (opens in a new tab)

2. 2

   Confirm that you are a California resident through the California Identity Gateway. You can type your details in or sign in with Login.gov. You don't need a Gateway account.

3. 3

   Create your profile. Your name, date of birth and ZIP code are enough to submit.

4. 4

   Add more if you like, such as other names (maiden names too), email addresses and phone numbers. The state says the more you enter, the more likely your data is deleted.

5. 5

   Review it and submit. Save the 8-digit DROP ID on the confirmation page, and don't share it.

6. 6

   Check your status later with your DROP ID. Add new details when you change your name, phone number or email address. The state allows an update once every 45 days.

How long does it take?

Brokers have up to 90 days to report how they processed your request, and timing varies by broker. After that they must check again at least every 45 days.

What do the DROP statuses mean?

Deleted: the broker matched you and deleted everything about you that isn't exempt. Exempted: the law lets it keep the data. Opted-out: it couldn't make an exact match, so it still has your data but can no longer sell or share it. Record not found: it has nothing on you or couldn't find you, and adding more details may help. Pending: not processed yet.

Can I file for a family member?

In some cases, yes: for another California resident, with their permission. The state gives a parent filing for a child as an example, and you must verify that person's residency.

Does it cost anything?

No. The state says it will never charge you to use DROP.