TL;DR: Address confidentiality programs (often called Safe at Home) give survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and trafficking a free substitute address run by the state. Mail sent there is forwarded to you, and government agencies must accept it in place of your real address on records. A January 2026 NASS report lists programs in 46 states; you usually apply through a trained application assistant at a victim services agency.
What an address confidentiality program does
When you move to escape an abuser or stalker, your new address can leak through ordinary paperwork: voter rolls, court filings, school records, a driving licence. An address confidentiality program (ACP) gives you a legal substitute address, usually a PO box run by the state, to use instead. The program receives your first-class mail and forwards it to your real address, which it keeps confidential.
Maryland's program is a typical example. Its FAQ says participants get a legal substitute address for home, school and work, receive an authorisation card, and can use it for first-class, registered and certified mail and service of legal papers. There is no cost.
Who qualifies
Eligibility differs by state, but most programs cover survivors of:
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
- Human trafficking
Some states go further. California's Safe at Home also covers elder and dependent adult abuse, reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers, employees, volunteers and patients, and some public entity employees who fear for their safety. Household members can usually enrol with you.
Which states have one
The National Association of Secretaries of State's January 2026 update lists address confidentiality programs in 46 states, run by the Secretary of State, Attorney General or another agency. It lists Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming as having no program. Search your state's name with "address confidentiality program" or "Safe at Home" to find yours.
How to apply
- Contact a local victim services or domestic violence agency. Most states require you to apply with a trained application assistant, who also helps with safety planning.
- Bring evidence if your state asks for it. Maryland, for example, asks for one item such as a police or court record, or documentation from a domestic violence program or a professional.
- Apply before you file change-of-address paperwork if you can. Maryland notes that filing a change of address with the Post Office or motor vehicle agency can disqualify you, because it puts the new address on record.
- Ask about confidential voter registration. Most programs have a special process so your address doesn't appear on the voter roll.
Maryland enrols people for four years at a time; other states set their own periods.
What an ACP doesn't cover
- Private companies may not have to accept the substitute address, depending on your state. Banks, utilities and employers can still hold your real address.
- Data brokers and people-search sites can still find you through other data. Opt out of them as well; start with opting out of US people-search sites and removing your info from data brokers.
- Your phone and apps can give your location away. Check for stalkerware and hidden AirTags, and review which apps can see your location.
Other protections to use alongside it
- A protective order, which can also help with ACP eligibility.
- New email and phone accounts that your abuser has never had access to.
- Your state's data privacy rights; see US state privacy laws.
If you are in immediate danger in the US, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
Your old email and phone number may already be in breach data that people-search sites use to find new addresses. A free email exposure check shows where your email has leaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an address confidentiality program?
A state program that gives survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and similar crimes a free substitute address. Mail is forwarded to the real address, which is kept confidential, and government agencies accept the substitute on records.
Is Safe at Home free?
Programs like Maryland's charge nothing to participants. Check your own state's program for details.
Which states have address confidentiality programs?
A January 2026 NASS report lists programs in 46 states. It lists Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming without one.
How do I apply for Safe at Home?
Usually through a trained application assistant at a victim services or domestic violence agency, who helps you complete the application and a safety plan.
Does Safe at Home stop data brokers finding me?
Not on its own. You still need to opt out of people-search and data broker sites and protect your phone and accounts.
Sources
- Maryland Secretary of State: Address Confidentiality Program FAQ
- California Secretary of State: Safe at Home
- NASS: Voting and State Address Confidentiality Programs (Jan 2026)