Address Confidentiality Program

Massachusetts state government has started an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. If you qualify for this program, the state will help you keep your abuser from finding your new address!

   Here's how it works:

1. You must be a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and you must move to an address that is not known to your abuser and not contained in any public record.
2. You then complete an ACP application. An assistant to help you will be provided by the state. You must demonstrate that disclosure of your address would threaten your safety, or the safety of your children.
3. Once you are accepted into the ACP, the state assigns a substitute address that you can use as you legal mailing address. In fact, you will automatically receive a revised driver's license with the address of the Registry of Motor Vehicles Boston Branch.
4. When first class mail (not subscriptions, packages or junk mail) is sent to that address, it will be forwarded to your real address. For example, you can receive your Verizon telephone bill at this address.

This confidential mail forwarding service is operated by the Massachusetts Secretary of State.

It provides a safe, legal mailing address for all state and local government functions. The ACP Post Office Box address is accepted as a legal residential address by all state and local government agencies, for all state activities (except voting).

How can I get an application for this program?

Call 1-866-SAFE-ADD (1-866-723-3233), or contact an agency or nonprofit program that provides services to women crime victims.

Does it cost to register for this program?

Yes, but only $35.

Is this a new program?

Relatively new. It started in April, 2001.

Can I fill out an application on behalf of my child, or someone else I'm responsible for?

Yes. If you are a parent or guardian acting for a child, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, you may apply to have that person's address made confidential, if they meet the qualifications.

I'm not a resident of Massachusetts. What can I do?

The Massachusetts ACP program is restricted to Massachusetts residents only. If you live in another state, find out whether they have a similar program. California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Caroling, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington already do, and others are quickly establishing them.

How can I get more information?

Check out the state web site http://www.state.ma.us/sec/pre/acp/acpidx.htm or call 1-866-SAFE-ADD (1-866-723-3233).