Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)

Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is sponsored by Washington State Secretary of State. Offers confidential address services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking to protect their safety.

Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | WA Secretary of State Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) 1 (800) 822-1065 (360) 753-2972 Fax: (360) 586-4388 The Washington Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) offers survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking, and Criminal Justice Affiliates, Election Officials, and Protected Health Care Workers who are a target for threats or harassment, a substitute address to receive first class mail.

The address is accepted by Washington state, county, and city government agencies instead of requiring a residential address for creating records. Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) ACP was created to help people who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. Passed by legislation in 1991, ACP is part of a safety plan to stop abusers from locating their victims through public records.

Public records are documents such as driver's licenses, voter registries and marriage records. The ACP is not a crisis center or direct service agency. The ACP does not provide safety planning, emergency shelter, transportation funds, funds to relocate or legal advice.

If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Learn about the history of ACP . **ACP is housed in a secure location with no public access.

** ACP provides services that work best as part of a safety plan. ACP provides a substitute address for eligible individuals and their household members. This address can be used on new records with Washington state and local government agencies and the courts.

ACP services include mail forwarding and servicing as the participant's agent for services of process. ACP aso protects two usually public records - voting and marriage records. Is the ACP Appropriate for Me?

All address confidentiality program participants receive the following: A substitute address to use with Washington state and local government agencies instead of their home, work or school address An ACP authorization card Participants are certified for four years unless they withdraw from the program or are cancelled.

Participant Responsibilities Using Your Substitute Address Owning a Business, Nonprofit, or Charity ACP depends on the advocacy training of advocates located throughout the state to help those wanting to enroll in the ACP. Interested people meet with an advocate who has been designated as an Application Assistant (AA) to create or review their safety plan and threat assessment before completing and application to apply for the program.

What is an Application Assistant? Find an Application Assistant Application Assistant Eligibility Role of the Application Assistant How do I become a Certified Application Assistant Request for training and materials Training Dates and Registration According to RCW 40. 24.

050 , state and local agencies, law enforcement, and the courts shall use the ACP substitute address as the participants residential address when creating a new public record. ACP participants must request the agency use of the substitute address and may use it as their home, work, or school address.

State and Local Government Addressing Participant Mail The secretary of state is designated as the agent for participants and accepts any summons, writ, notice, demand or process on behalf of the program participant ( WAC 434-840-080 ). To serve the secretary as an agent for the participant, include two copies and a check or money order for $25. 00 made out to "Office of the Secretary of State".

The outside envelope should be marked "Service of Process" to ensure proper tracking of receipt. Service of process by mail: Address Confidentiality Program Service of process in-person: Office of the Secretary of State c/o ACP with Participant Full Name & PMB# Upon receipt of service, a copy will immediately be forwarded to the program participant at their current mailing address.

The ACP is administered by the Office of the Washington Secretary of State. The main governing Laws and Administrative Codes are Chapter 40. 24 RCW and Chapter 434-840 WAC.

U.S. Treasury-Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Ruling Exemption Determination 92-1 Exemption Determination 2017-1 Exemption Determination 2025-1 How does ACP help keep my information private? All participant data is classified and maintained as private data by the ACP office. Measures are in place to secure participant data, which is extremely sensitive.

The ACP office will only disclose a participant's real residential address to a third party in response to a valid court order or law enforcement agency request. A formal request from a law enforcement agency is required to be signed by the agency's chief officer * . * If a participant's abuser is a member of law enforcement then a law enforcement agency would be required to obtain a court order.

Does ACP forward all types of mail? The ACP forwards all First-Class mail, including registered and certified mail. First-class mail includes all personal mail, bills, cards, letters, etc. The ACP will also forward bank checks.

The ACP cannot forward packages, magazines, or marketing mail. Can ACP participants receive registered mail or subpoenas? Yes.

The ACP accepts personal and legal mail. The ACP can receive such mail on behalf of a participant and forward it to them. This is treated as a participant receiving the mail.

Does enrolling in the ACP keep participants safe? ACP participation does not guarantee safety. If used correctly, the ACP can be a valuable addition to an overall safety plan.

The ACP adds to, and does not substitute for, a comprehensive safety plan. Must government agencies accept the substitute address on an ACP Authorization Card? Yes, with very few exceptions.

Washington state and local government agencies must accept the ACP substitute address when presented a valid ACP authorization card. They cannot require a participant to disclose their actual address. Can ACP participants vote?

Yes. ACP participants receive ACP voter registration information and ACP specific voting forms when they enroll. ACP participants should not register to vote online or at any state government office.

This includes: Department of Social and Health Services Health Benefits Exchange Office Where can I use the ACP substitute address? All Washington state or local agencies, with few exceptions. Private businesses and federal agencies are not required to accept the ACP substitute address but may work with a participant upon request.

Confidential vs. Non-Confidential Mailing address, if different Unique identifying information related to a participant's home, work, or school Non-Confidential Information A participant's substitute address Records created before ACP enrollment Information voluntarily provided by the participant to a state or local government agency Celebrating 35 years of giving survivors a safer path forward "For 35 years, Address Confidentiality Program has supported survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, providing confidentiality, restoring stability, and helping thousands rebuild their lives with less fear.

This work has been made possible by dedicated staff, devoted advocates, partner agencies, and the survivors who place their trust in us."

- Secretary of State Steve Hobbs ACP Participants can use a Revocable Living Trust to Buy Real Property Confidentially Northwest Justice Project WA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) CETA: Clinic to End Tech Abuse National Center for Victims of Crime National Coalition Against Domestic Violence National Crime Victim Law Institute National Cybersecurity Alliance National Domestic Violence Hotline National Sexual Violence Resource Center National Human Trafficking Hotline Sacred Circle: National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women SAFE: Stop Abuse for Everyone SPARC: Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center StrongHearts Native Helpline Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors Victim Connect Resource Center Change of Information Form Cancellation Request Form Utility Alias or Safe Label Request Form Address Confidentiality Programs by State 2026 State and Federal Holiday (Mail will not be forwarded) Native American Heritage Day Address Confidentiality Program videos Watch the full video series on YouTube Note: ACP is housed in a secure location with no public access Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Biography Invite Secretary Hobbs to an Event Washington's Secretaries of State - Past and Present Filings, Forms & Information Return a Business to Active Status All Business Entity Forms By Name Limited Liability Company (LLC) & Professional LLC (PLLC) Filing Resource Page Maintain Business Compliance Online Filing Instructions Close a Corporation Online Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.

03A Only) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online Reinstate a LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online Reinstate a Nonprofit Miscellaneous & Mutual Corporation Online Reinstate a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online Requalify an LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) LP or LLLP Online Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Professional Service Corporation Online Start a Domestic (WA) Social Purpose Corporation Online Submit an Amended Annual Report (All Entity Types) Online Submit an Initial Report (All Entity Types except NPs) Online Start or Register a Business Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business Start a Domestic (WA) Business Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State Update Business Information Voluntary Business Closure: Dissolution or Withdrawal 2022 Nonprofit Law and Process Changes Fee Schedule for Commercial Fundraisers Want to Renew Your Commercial Fundraiser Registration Early?

Fee Schedule for Charitable Trusts Frequently Asked Questions by Donors Storefront Solicitors- Where does your donation go?

National "Do Not Call" Registry Reducing Unwanted Telephone Solicitations and Junk Mail Commercial Fundraiser Activity Reports Nonprofit & Charity Resources Apostilles Frequently Asked Questions Apostille and Certificate Authenticity Search Contact Information and Location - Apostilles Service of Process/Summons and Complaint Domestic Partnership FAQs International Student Exchange Agency Program (ISEA) Massachusetts Trust Registration Washington State Small Business Guide Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) Veteran Owned Business Certification Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Prevent and Detect Business Identity Theft Washington Attorney General Consumer Protection Compliance (State and Federal) Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) National Do Not Call Registry Videos - Webinars - Recordings Annual Information Return from Tax-Exempt Org Charities Advisory Council Legal Actions Taken by the Attorney General Note to Financial Institutions Online Filing System Outage Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Common Reasons for Returned Documents FAQ - Do I need to register my out of state business in Washington state?

What addresses to use when filing? What are Washington State Business Structures? Governors/Officers/Directors/Members/Managers FAQ - How do I get copies Fee Schedule / Expedited Service Examples of Potentially Confusing or Misleading “Notices” & “Solicitations” How Do I Order Certified Copies?

I think I received a notice from your office; what should I do?

Previously Posted Alerts & Information Processing Guidelines and Procedure International Trade Program Federal Impacts on Washington State Elections Voter Eligibility & Resources Military and Overseas Voters Voting in Assisted Living Facilities Felony Convictions and Voting Rights Seasonal Resident - Snowbird Online Voter Registration Print a Voter Registration Form Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) Drop Box and Voting Center Locations 3 Ways to Register to Vote Current Election Information Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Voters Frequently Asked Questions about Elections Frequently Asked Questions on Voting by Mail Current Federal & State Elected Officials Descriptions of Elected Offices Electoral College Electors Proposed Ballot Measure Information 2021 Voters' Pamphlet Audio Candidates Who Have Filed Washington State Officials' Salary Information Running for President of the United States Descriptions of Elected Offices Washington State Voter Registration Database Cybersecurity Campaign Playbook (Belfer Center) Frequently Asked Questions Top Two Primary: FAQs for Candidates Frequently Asked Questions on Voting By Mail Frequently Asked Questions about Elections Washington Public Disclosure Commission Federal Elections Commission Political signs on highways Current Initiatives & Referenda 2024 Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments Initiatives to the People Measure Assignments Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments Petition Observer Resources Initiative and Referenda Handbook How to Sponsor an Initiative FAQ - Circulating Initiative and Referendum Petitions Affidavit for proposed Initiative Affidavit for proposed Referendum Petition Template Instructions Petition Template - Initiative to the People Petition Template - Initiative to the Legislature Teaching Elections in Washington State Request copy of Teaching Elections in WA State Temperance and Good Citizenship Day Washington Campus Voting Challenge Language Access for Voters 3 Ways to Register to Vote Video Outreach and Voter Registration Handouts Voter Registration Drive Tools Guide to Registering Voters Online Voter Registration Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail Request a Voter Registration Starter Kit Voter Outreach and Education Materials Current Election Ballot Return Statistics Current Election Ballot Status Reports Reports, Data, and Statistics Monthly Voter Registration Transactions Voter Registration Database Ballot Drop Box Usage by Year Voter Participation Statistics Voter Turnout by Election Redistricting & Census Information Election Results and Voters' Pamphlets 2026 April Special Election 2026 February Special Election Washington State Election Results Archive 2024 Court Designated Legislative/Congressional Maps Section 203 Language Access for Voters Map History, Laws, and Litigation History of the Washington State Primary Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measures Voter Registration Database Understanding Voter Registration Data Voting System Testing and Certification Public Hearings and Meetings Election Administrator Certification Training Materials and Videos ADA Ballot Drop Box Accessibility ADA Checklist for Voting Centers Clearinghouse Notices & Elections Advisories Introduction to County Canvassing Boards Presidential Primary Advisories and Resources State & Federal Election Laws and Checklists Statewide Standards on What is a Vote Presidential Primary Resources & Training Materials Voter Registration Challenges Certification, L&A Tests, and Recounts Election Cost Allocation and Reimbursement Print a Voter Registration Form Agency-based Voter Registration Forms Special Absentee Ballot Application Voter Registration Cancellation Form Northwest Regional Branch Puget Sound Regional Branch Southwest Regional Branch Frequently Asked Research Questions Managing Liquor and Cannabis Board Licensing Notices Managing Records of Private & Other Non-Government Organizations Other Government Agencies Committees and Commissions Archives Advisory Committee Recording Standards Commission Draft Revision of Local Government CORE Schedule Draft Revision of Public Schools Schedule Laws and Rules for Records Management Managing Commodity Commission Records Managing Executive Level Records Managing Legal Affairs Records Managing Policy and Procedure Records Managing Transitory Records Managing Dash Cam Recordings Records Management Training Records Retention Schedules How to Export Retention Schedules in Excel Format Previous Versions - Agricultural Commodity Commissions Schedule Previous Versions - County Assessors and Treasurers Schedule Previous Versions - Risk Pools Schedule Out of the Archives Newsletter Archive Donate to Washington State Archives Available Services As Of July 1, 2025 History of the Washington State Library Hours of Operation & Directions Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) for Individuals Washington State Research Washington State Newspapers Washington Rural Heritage Washington Digital Newspapers Northwest Digital Heritage State Government Publications Classics in Washington History Washington State Publications New Electronic Titles Federal Government Publications Collections of the Washington State Library Governor's Writers Day Awards at the Washington State Library, 1966-2000 Rare Maps Collection of the Washington State Library The Washington State Library Tweney 89 Collection Rare Publications of the Washington State Library Guidelines for Donating to the Special Collections Guidelines for the Handling and Care of Special Collections Manuscripts Collection of the Washington State Library Special Collections Frequently Asked Questions Governor Isaac Stevens' Territorial Library Collection Ye Galleon Press Collection City Directories & Telephone Books Federal Government Resources Land Records in Washington State Washington State Depository Program Libraries Washington Territorial and State Governors Women in the Washington State Legislature Newspapers - Moments in History Links to Newspapers in Washington Washington State Book Awards Washington Librarian Certification FAQ Institutional Library Services Wishlist Washington Center for the Book First Tuesdays: Continuing Education Children's Internet Protection Act Children's Internet Protection Act: Questions and Answers Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Filtering E-Rate Information for Public Libraries Training and Certification Resources Resources & Training for Public Library Staff - Washington State Library - WA Secretary of State Resources & Training for School Library Staff Washington Digital Library Consortium Public Library Statistics Advantages of Washington Group Services All Aboard for Kindergarten Digital Inclusion Resource Collection Statewide Projects and Initiatives Teacher-Librarian Common Core Cadre (TLC Washington Group Services News Washington OCLC Group Services Libraries Washington OCLC Group Services Washington Public Libraries and the K-20 Network Washington State's Summer Reading Program Circulating STEAM Program Kits Library Services for School-Age Youth Library Services for Teens Professional Development and Training All Resources for Libraries Washington State Public Library Policies WA Talking Book & Braille Library Donate to Washington State Library Programs Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Is the ACP appropriate for me?

Owning a Business. Nonprofit, or Charity. Participant Responsibilities Using Your Substitute Address Civic Engagement Program (CEP) CFD Policies and Procedures Frequently Asked Questions Global War on Terrorism Memorial Educational Resources: Learn with OSOS Washington State Productivity Board Productivity Board Awards 2026 Innovations in State Government Awardees Productivity Board Programs Join the Productivity Board's Coffee Klatch