Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | WA Secretary of State
Source: https://www.sos.wa.gov/statewide-programs/address-confidentiality-program-acp
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | WA Secretary of State
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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 mailing address to receive first class mail. The address is accepted by Washington state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential address for creating records.
OSOS Home
Statewide Programs
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
About Us
How to Apply
Participants
Advocates
Agencies & Businesses
Service of Process
Rules & Statutes
FAQs
About Us
ACP is designed to help people who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. Passed by legislature in 1991, ACP is used as part of an overall safety plan to prevent perpetrators from locating participants through public records such as driver licenses, voter registries and marriage records.
The ACP is not a crisis center or direct service agency and does not provide 24-hour access, safety planning, emergency shelter, transportation, funds to relocate or legal advocacy.
Learn about the
history of ACP
.
**ACP is housed in a secure location with no public access.**
How to Apply
ACP provides services that work best as part of an overall safety plan. ACP provides a substitute address for eligible individuals and their household members. This address can be used on new records with government agencies and the courts. ACP also provides confidential mail forwarding services that includes acting as a legal agent for services of process. In addition, we protect two normally public records - voting and marriage.
Is the ACP Appropriate for Me?
Do I Qualify?
Application Process
Participants
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
Key Information Handbook
(pdf)
Using Your Substitute Address
Voter Registration
Updating ACP Information
Purchasing a Home
Owning a Business, Nonprofit, or Charity
Survivor Resources
Forms
Newsletters
Summer 2025
*No PMB stamp on mail
*School Eligibility letters
*Voter Registration & the ACP
*Need to make an update?
*Resources
NNEDV, National DV Hotline, Womens Law, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, OneRep, Safe Shepherd, Delete Me, One Trust
Winter 2025
*We have a new manager
*We are fully staffed
*Automatic Voter Registration and the ACP
*School Eligibility Letters
*Need to make an update?
*Resources
NNEDV, Safety Net "Connected Cars: Privacy and Security for Survivors"
**Earlier newsletters have been removed due to the inability to make them accessible for a screen reader. Relevant information can be found under Survivor Resources.**
Advocates
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
Agencies & Businesses
Pursuant to
RCW 40.24.050
, state and local agencies, law enforcement, and the courts shall use the ACP designated address as the participants address when creating a new public record. ACP participants must request the agency use of the designated address and may use it as their home, work, or school address.
State and Local Government
Schools
Courts
Banks
Private Business
Addressing Participant Mail
Agency Exemption Request
Service of Process
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
PO Box 257
Olympia WA 98507-0257
Service of process in-person:
Office of the Secretary of State
c/o ACP
416 Sid Snyder Ave SW
Olympia WA 98504
Upon receipt of service, a copy will immediately be forwarded to the program participant at their current mailing address.
Rules & Statutes
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.
ACP Law and Codes
Chapter 40.24 RCW
Chapter 434-840 WAC
Applicable State Laws
RCW 26.09.460
RCW 26.12.270
RCW 9A.46.020
RCW 9A.90.120
Applicable Federal Laws
U.S. Treasury-Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ACP Exemptions
Exemption Determination 92-1
Exemption Determination 2017-1
Exemption Determination 2025-1
FAQs
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 Licensing
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.
This includes:
Voting Registration
Department of Licensing
Marriage Records
Banks
Public Libraries
Washington Court System
Social Services
Police Departments
Confidential vs. Non-Confidential
Confidential Information
Actual street address
Mailing address, if different
City of residence
County of residence
Voting precinct
Unique identifying information related to a participant's home, work, or school
Non-Confidential Information
ACP participation status
A participant's substitute address
State of residence
Records created before ACP enrollment
Information voluntarily provided by the participant to a state or local government agency
News
Useful Resources
2026 State and Federal Holiday
(Mail will not be forwarded)
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Holiday
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Washington Resources
ACP Participants can use a Revocable Living Trust to Buy Real Property Confidentially
Native & Strong Lifeline
Northwest Justice Project
Washington Law Help
WA Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(WSCADV)
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Participant Forms
Change of Information Form
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ACP Brochure
(pdf)
ACP Brochure - Spanish
(pdf)
Address Confidentiality Programs by State
(pdf)
Note:
ACP is housed in a secure location with no public access
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Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
About Us
Do I Qualify?
Application Process
Is the ACP appropriate for me?
Participants
Owning a Business. Nonprofit, or Charity.
Participant Forms
Participant Responsibilities
Purchasing a Home
Survivor Resources
Updating ACP Information
Using Your Substitute Address
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Skip to main content
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 mailing address to receive first class mail. The address is accepted by Washington state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential address for creating records.
OSOS Home
Statewide Programs
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
About Us
How to Apply
Participants
Advocates
Agencies & Businesses
Service of Process
Rules & Statutes
FAQs
About Us
ACP is designed to help people who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. Passed by legislature in 1991, ACP is used as part of an overall safety plan to prevent perpetrators from locating participants through public records such as driver licenses, voter registries and marriage records.
The ACP is not a crisis center or direct service agency and does not provide 24-hour access, safety planning, emergency shelter, transportation, funds to relocate or legal advocacy.
Learn about the
history of ACP
.
**ACP is housed in a secure location with no public access.**
How to Apply
ACP provides services that work best as part of an overall safety plan. ACP provides a substitute address for eligible individuals and their household members. This address can be used on new records with government agencies and the courts. ACP also provides confidential mail forwarding services that includes acting as a legal agent for services of process. In addition, we protect two normally public records - voting and marriage.
Is the ACP Appropriate for Me?
Do I Qualify?
Application Process
Participants
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
Key Information Handbook
(pdf)
Using Your Substitute Address
Voter Registration
Updating ACP Information
Purchasing a Home
Owning a Business, Nonprofit, or Charity
Survivor Resources
Forms
Newsletters
Summer 2025
*No PMB stamp on mail
*School Eligibility letters
*Voter Registration & the ACP
*Need to make an update?
*Resources
NNEDV, National DV Hotline, Womens Law, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, OneRep, Safe Shepherd, Delete Me, One Trust
Winter 2025
*We have a new manager
*We are fully staffed
*Automatic Voter Registration and the ACP
*School Eligibility Letters
*Need to make an update?
*Resources
NNEDV, Safety Net "Connected Cars: Privacy and Security for Survivors"
**Earlier newsletters have been removed due to the inability to make them accessible for a screen reader. Relevant information can be found under Survivor Resources.**
Advocates
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
Agencies & Businesses
Pursuant to
RCW 40.24.050
, state and local agencies, law enforcement, and the courts shall use the ACP designated address as the participants address when creating a new public record. ACP participants must request the agency use of the designated address and may use it as their home, work, or school address.
State and Local Government
Schools
Courts
Banks
Private Business
Addressing Participant Mail
Agency Exemption Request
Service of Process
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
PO Box 257
Olympia WA 98507-0257
Service of process in-person:
Office of the Secretary of State
c/o ACP
416 Sid Snyder Ave SW
Olympia WA 98504
Upon receipt of service, a copy will immediately be forwarded to the program participant at their current mailing address.
Rules & Statutes
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.
ACP Law and Codes
Chapter 40.24 RCW
Chapter 434-840 WAC
Applicable State Laws
RCW 26.09.460
RCW 26.12.270
RCW 9A.46.020
RCW 9A.90.120
Applicable Federal Laws
U.S. Treasury-Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
ACP Exemptions
Exemption Determination 92-1
Exemption Determination 2017-1
Exemption Determination 2025-1
FAQs
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 Licensing
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.
This includes:
Voting Registration
Department of Licensing
Marriage Records
Banks
Public Libraries
Washington Court System
Social Services
Police Departments
Confidential vs. Non-Confidential
Confidential Information
Actual street address
Mailing address, if different
City of residence
County of residence
Voting precinct
Unique identifying information related to a participant's home, work, or school
Non-Confidential Information
ACP participation status
A participant's substitute address
State of residence
Records created before ACP enrollment
Information voluntarily provided by the participant to a state or local government agency
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