Understand public records after a DROP request

Separate the three records

1. List the three record types in a private note: a county or other public record, a data broker profile, and a customer record at a store or charity.
2. For brokers, read each status on the official DROP service.
3. For a store or charity that mails you, write down its name exactly as printed. Its customer record needs a postal preference request sent to that sender.
4. For a county record, read what that office says about the record and public access. Contact the office only through its official channel.

Why a mailer will not tell you which record it used

A mailer can show who sent it without showing where the sender got your address. The list behind it could come from public records, a broker or the sender's own customer file. You cannot tell which from the logo, return address or format. DROP may remove a broker profile, subject to its exemptions. It leaves the public record and the store's customer file in place.

Choose the request for one mailer

Pick one unwanted mailer. If it names a store or charity, ask that sender to stop postal marketing. If you cannot tell why you are on the list, ask the sender which source supplied your address. Senders don't always answer this, so record whatever reply you get. Treat any county record question as a separate task.

Official source

• CalPrivacy: How DROP Works