privacy.ca.gov
# Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP)
DROP. Delete. Done.
* DROP overview
* How DROP works
* Personal information and data brokers
* Unique identifiers
* About DROP and the Delete Act
* Help with DROP
* Share DROP
DROP gives you more control over your data. You can tell data brokers to delete and not sell your personal information.
Get started with DROP
**DROP is**
* Safe, secure, and protects your privacy
* Fast and easy to use
* Free — we will never charge you to use DROP
## Benefits
**More control of your data**
Using DROP helps you limit the information data brokers collect and sell about you. Data brokers collect a wide range of your personal information, which may include your social security number, data about your children, search history, and much more.
**Reduced spam and scams**
When your data stops getting sold, you’ll have less unwanted texts, calls, or emails.
**Greater security**
Decrease risk of identity theft, fraud, AI impersonations, or that your data is leaked or hacked.
Keep in mind, if your personal information is deleted by data brokers, it may affect certain online experiences. For example, you may receive fewer targeted ads or personalized content. Find more details about how a DROP request will affect your personal information on Personal information and data brokers.
* * *
## How it works
DROP is simple to use. Delete your personal information in 3 easy steps:
### Step 1. Verify your eligibility
Confirm that you are a California resident. Verify using one of our trusted partners.
### Step 2. Create your profile
Give basic information about yourself. You choose how much you provide.
### 3. Submit your DROP request
DROP lets you send a single request to over 600 registered data brokers.
**Starting August 1, 2026** , data brokers must delete your data within 90 days.
Visit How DROP works for more details.
* * *
## Eligibility and verification
To be eligible to submit a deletion request in DROP, you must be a California resident.
To verify you are a California resident, you will be asked to provide basic information through the California Identity Gateway, the State of California’s secure digital platform. The California Identity Gateway allows services to confirm eligibility while protecting your privacy.
You do not need to create a California Identity Gateway account, and your information is not retained by DROP. You have the option to enter your information directly or verify your residency using Login.gov.
In some cases, you may submit a DROP request for another California resident. For example, a parent may submit a request for a child, or a family member may submit a request for an elderly relative.
For more information, review Verify your eligibility.
* * *
## How we protect your data
DROP is built to keep the information you enter private and secure.
* Your information is only used to complete your request. It won’t be sold or shared for any other reason.
* You choose what information to provide. Data brokers only need basic information to find and delete the information they have about you.
* The personal information you give to DROP is protected and stored in a secure format.
Learn more about your data and data brokers.
* * *
## Timeline
Since this is a new service, data brokers are still getting on board. Here’s what to expect.
January 1, 2026
**DROP launches.** Californians can start submitting requests.
August 1, 2026
Data brokers **begin processing** requests.
Moving forward
Data brokers **delete data** every 45 days.
* * *
## Take action
Submit a DROP request or sign up to receive future updates.
**Get started**
**Subscribe to our newsletter**
## About
* About CalPrivacy
* Blog
* Subscribeto our newsletter
* Contact us
## Businesses
* Business resources
* DROP for data brokers
* Data broker registry
Website Accessibility Certification
