Address Confidentiality Programs

Many states run programs that give eligible people a substitute address for public records and mail.

What these programs do

An address confidentiality program, often run by a state's secretary of state or attorney general, gives participants a substitute address, usually a post office box or a government address, to use instead of their real home address. Mail sent to the substitute address is forwarded to the participant. State and local government agencies are generally required to accept the substitute address for public records.

Who qualifies

Eligibility varies by state. Most programs were created for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and some states have expanded eligibility to other groups, including certain public officials and workers in sensitive roles. Check your own state's program for current eligibility.

How participants use the substitute address

• Voter registration, where state law permits.
• Driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Court filings and other government records.
• Mail from businesses and correspondents.
• Return addresses on outgoing letters, including privacy and opt-out correspondence.

Limits

• Programs bind government agencies in the participating state. Private businesses are not always required to honor them, though many will.
• Records created before enrollment may remain public until corrected.
• Federal agencies and other states may treat the substitute address differently.

Combining with removal

A substitute address is most effective when combined with active removal of old addresses from data brokers. Use the program address for everything going forward, and remove the history.