What is USSearch?

USSearch (also known as US Search) is one of the oldest people-search and background check companies in the United States, operating since 1993. Over three decades, USSearch has built a massive repository of personal records drawn from public databases, court filings, property transactions, and commercial data partnerships. The service is marketed toward individuals conducting background checks, landlords screening tenants, and employers verifying applicants, but the practical effect is that millions of Americans have detailed personal profiles exposed to anyone willing to pay a few dollars.

Because USSearch has been collecting data for so long, its records tend to be unusually deep. Where newer people-search sites might only have a few years of address history, USSearch often surfaces decades of residential history, former phone numbers, and connections to relatives and associates that go back to the 1990s.

Information USSearch Exposes About You

USSearch profiles can contain a wide range of personal details, including:

Full legal name, maiden names, and known aliases
Date of birth and estimated age
Current and historical residential addresses (often going back 20+ years)
Phone numbers, including landlines and cell phones
Email addresses associated with your name
Criminal records and arrest history
Civil court records, liens, and judgments
Property ownership records and transaction history
Relatives, roommates, and known associates
Marriage and divorce records
Bankruptcy filings

The depth of this information makes USSearch particularly concerning from a privacy standpoint. A single search can give a stranger a near-complete timeline of where you have lived, who you have lived with, and what legal matters you have been involved in.

Why USSearch Is a Privacy Risk

USSearch presents several unique risks compared to newer data broker sites:

Decades of historical data: Because USSearch has operated since 1993, its records extend further back in time than most competitors. This means old addresses, phone numbers, and associations you thought were long forgotten may still be accessible.
Paid background check model: Unlike free people-search sites that show limited teasers, USSearch sells detailed reports. Customers pay specifically to get comprehensive information about you, which means the people accessing your data are often motivated and intentional.
Employment and housing screening: USSearch is commonly used by landlords and hiring managers for informal background checks. Outdated or inaccurate records could affect your ability to rent an apartment or get a job without you ever knowing.
Cross-referencing with other brokers: USSearch data feeds into and is fed by a network of related data brokers. Even if you remove your record from USSearch, the same underlying data may persist across partner sites.
Stalking and harassment: Detailed address histories and relative connections make it easy for bad actors to track down individuals who are trying to stay hidden for safety reasons.

How to Remove Yourself from USSearch: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Find Your USSearch Profile

Visit ussearch.com
Search for your full name along with your city and state
Browse the results to locate your profile — look for matching details like age, city, or relatives
If there are multiple listings with your name, you will need to opt out of each one separately
Copy or note the URL of each profile you want removed

Step 2: Navigate to the Opt-Out Page

Go to the USSearch opt-out page at ussearch.com/opt-out. If you cannot find a direct link, scroll to the bottom of any USSearch page and look for "Privacy Policy" or "Do Not Sell My Info" links — these typically lead to opt-out instructions.

Step 3: Submit Your Opt-Out Request

Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your USSearch profile
Provide your city and state of residence
Enter a valid email address — USSearch will send a verification email to this address
Paste the profile URL you copied in Step 1
Complete any CAPTCHA or human verification prompts
Click the submit or opt-out button to send your request

Step 4: Verify Your Identity via Email

Check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from USSearch within a few minutes
Click the verification or confirmation link in the email
This step is required — your opt-out will not be processed until you verify

Step 5: Wait for Processing

USSearch removal typically takes 7 to 14 business days to complete. In some cases, processing can take up to 30 days depending on the volume of requests they are handling.

Step 6: Verify Your Removal

After two weeks, go back to USSearch and search for your name again. Confirm that your profile no longer appears in the results. If it does, you may need to resubmit your request or contact their privacy team directly.

How to Prevent Re-Listing on USSearch

One of the most frustrating aspects of data broker opt-outs is that your information can reappear. USSearch continuously ingests new data from public records and commercial databases, which means your profile could be recreated weeks or months after you remove it. Here is how to reduce that risk:

Opt out from the data sources USSearch pulls from: Public records, voter registration, property transactions, and court filings all feed into USSearch. Where possible, request that your information be redacted from these upstream sources.
Remove yourself from related people-search sites: Data brokers share data with each other. If your profile exists on Spokeo, BeenVerified, WhitePages, and similar sites, that data can repopulate your USSearch listing.
Set up ongoing monitoring: Manual checks are tedious. Automated monitoring services can alert you when your information reappears on USSearch or other broker sites.
Minimize new data exposure: Use a P.O. Box instead of your home address where possible, opt out of marketing databases, and be cautious about what personal information you share online.

Your Rights Under State Privacy Laws

Depending on where you live, you may have legal rights that strengthen your opt-out request:

California (CCPA/CPRA): California residents can demand that data brokers delete their personal information and stop selling it. USSearch is legally required to comply within 45 days.
Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado (CPA), Connecticut (CTDPA): These states grant residents the right to request deletion of personal data from commercial databases.
Texas (TDPSA), Oregon (OCPA), Montana (MCDPA): Newer state privacy laws that provide similar deletion rights.

When submitting your opt-out request, mentioning your applicable state privacy law can sometimes accelerate the process.

Automate Your USSearch Removal with GhostMyData

Removing yourself from USSearch is just the beginning. Your personal data likely exists across hundreds of data broker sites, and each one requires its own separate opt-out process. Keeping up with re-listings across all of them is essentially a part-time job.

GhostMyData automates the entire process:

Scans 1,500+ data broker sites to find where your information is exposed, including USSearch
Submits opt-out requests automatically on your behalf
Monitors for re-listings and re-submits removals when your data reappears
Tracks every removal so you can see real-time progress on your dashboard

Start your free privacy scan to see exactly where your data is exposed and take back control of your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USSearch removal take?

USSearch typically processes opt-out requests within 7 to 14 business days. In some cases it can take up to 30 days.

Is it free to opt out of USSearch?

Yes. Under CCPA and other state privacy laws, data brokers are required to process opt-out requests at no cost to you.

Will my information come back after I opt out?

It can. USSearch continuously collects new data from public records and commercial sources. Your profile may be recreated if new data matching your identity enters their system.

Does opting out of USSearch remove me from other sites?

No. Each data broker operates independently. Removing your information from USSearch does not affect your profiles on BeenVerified, Spokeo, WhitePages, or any other site. You need to opt out from each one separately.

Can I opt out of USSearch for a family member?

Generally, opt-out requests must be submitted by the individual whose data is being removed, or by someone with legal authority to act on their behalf (such as a parent for a minor child).

How to Remove Yourself from USSearch (2026 Opt-Out Guide)