California DROP Submission Guide

Step-by-step instructions for submitting your deletion request to 500+ California data brokers via the state's DROP system

What is California DROP?

DROP (Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform) is California's official system for submitting deletion requests to 500+ registered data brokers with a single submission. Launched January 1, 2026, brokers must begin processing requests by August 1, 2026.

What DROP Covers

  • • 500+ California-registered data brokers
  • • Consumer people-search sites (Whitepages, Spokeo)
  • • General marketing databases
  • • Free government service

What DROP Doesn't Cover

  • • Healthcare databases (MedicoReach, Lead411)
  • • Identity resolution hubs (LiveRamp, Epsilon)
  • • Credit bureau marketing (Experian, Equifax)
  • • Professional B2B databases (ZoomInfo)

How to Submit Your DROP Request

1

Visit the DROP Portal

Go to the official California Privacy Protection Agency DROP website.

Open DROP Portal
2

Create Your California Identity Gateway Account

DROP requires authentication via California's Identity Gateway. You'll need to:

  • Provide your full name and California address
  • Verify your email address
  • Complete identity verification (may require driver's license or state ID)
3

Submit Your Deletion Request

Once authenticated, you'll fill out a single form with:

  • Current and previous names
  • Current and previous addresses
  • Email addresses and phone numbers
  • Date of birth (optional but recommended)

Tip: Use the information from your Sankofa Shield Golden Record to ensure consistency across all deletion requests.

4

Track Your Request in Sankofa Shield

After submitting to DROP, return to Sankofa Shield to:

  • Log your DROP submission date
  • Track the 90-day compliance deadline
  • Monitor which brokers actually delete your data
  • Generate Evidence Vault PDFs if brokers don't comply
Go to Dashboard

DROP Processing Timeline

January 1, 2026

DROP System Launched

California residents can begin submitting requests

August 1, 2026

Processing Begins

Data brokers must start checking DROP system every 45 days

+90 Days

Deletion Deadline

Brokers must complete deletions within 90 days of retrieving your request

Why You Still Need Sankofa Shield

DROP is a great tool, but it's only the beginning. Here's what Sankofa Shield adds:

200+ Non-DROP Brokers

Automated deletion from healthcare databases, identity resolution hubs, and credit bureau marketing divisions

Compliance Monitoring

Track which brokers actually comply with your DROP request and calculate penalties for non-compliance

Evidence Vault PDFs

Generate court-ready documentation with timestamped proof and penalty calculations

Legal Complaint Generator

One-click complaint letters to CPPA when brokers ignore your requests

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sankofa Shield submit DROP requests on my behalf?

No. DROP requires direct submission by California residents via the California Identity Gateway. There is no public API for third-party services. However, we guide you through the process and track your submission status automatically.

How long does DROP take?

Brokers must begin checking DROP every 45 days starting August 1, 2026. Once they retrieve your request, they have 90 days to complete the deletion. Total timeline: 45-135 days from August 1, 2026.

What if a broker doesn't comply with my DROP request?

Sankofa Shield's Compliance Sentry tracks the 90-day deadline. If a broker doesn't delete your data, we calculate statutory penalties ($200/day) and generate an Evidence Vault PDF you can submit to the California Privacy Protection Agency.

Do I need to pay for DROP?

No. DROP is a free government service. Sankofa Shield charges $49/year (beta) to cover the 200+ brokers DROP doesn't reach and provide compliance monitoring, Evidence Vault PDFs, and legal complaint generation.

Return to Dashboard