Compliance

­Pursuant of RCW 40.24.050, a program participant may request Washington state and local agencies, law enforcement and the courts to use his or her designated Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) address. When creating or modifying a new public record, state and local government agencies shall accept the address designated by the secretary of state as a participant's home, work, or school address unless the secretary has determined that:

• The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the address which would otherwise be confidential; and
• The address will be used only for statutory administrative purposes

Public schools are required to accept and use the substitute address as the legal address of an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) family when presented with an ACP authorization card. All student records must show only the ACP substitute address to protect students. The location of the actual residence is not permitted.

Schools are allowed to make a copy of the card and are encouraged to do so to ensure student safety. Schools are also encouraged to contact ACP to verify that the family is actively enrolled in the ACP program.

The ACP participant is encouraged to provide the school with emergency contact information for the child or children. If an ACP participant requests transportation, the parent or guardian must provide the drop-off and pick-up location.

The school is authorized to use the ACP substitute address for regular First-Class correspondence and forwarding records.

School District Eligibility

Upon request from the family or the school, Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) staff may send a letter verifying the residence is within district boundaries. Staff will mail the verification letter to the ACP participant and ask that the participant redact their residential address from the letter. The letter can be shared with the district or school.

A ruling (FIN-2009-R003) by the United States Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), issued on November 3, 2009, allows financial institutions to use the street address of the ACP sponsoring agency instead of the participant's substitute address. Contact the ACP for more information.

Washington Businesses can play an important role in preventing the exchange and sale of confidential address information by agreeing to accept a participant’s substitute address. The office of secretary of state forwards all First-Class mail from any business to the program participant. Private businesses are not required to accept the substitute address.

The Secretary of State serves as the participant's legal agent for service of process. Staff may accept service on behalf of the program participant (WAC 434-840-080).

Service of process by mail:

P.O. Box 257

Olympia WA 98507-0257

Service of process in-person:

Secretary of State Office

416 Sid Snyder Ave SW

Olympia WA 98504

Please include the participant's name and PMB. Please mark the outside of the envelope that contains the documents to be served with "Service of Process". This ensures the proper tracking of the service received.

The following mail format is recommended for timely forwarding of participant mail:

Full Name

PMB ##### (ACP Authorization Code number)

PO Box 257

Olympia, WA 98507-0257

 

OR

 

Full Name

PO Box 257 PMB #####

Olympia, WA 98507-0257

**Any mail sent to an ACP participant that is not addressed with their full name, PMB number, and PO Box 257 will most likely be returned to the sender.

Can agencies verify ACP participant status?

Yes.  Agencies are encouraged to ask for, and make a copy of, a participant’s ACP Authorization Card.  They can also call the ACP at (360) 753-2972 to confirm their status.  The ACP will not release any other information about a participant other than their status in the program.

Can agencies make a copy of the ACP Authorization Card?

Yes.  Agencies are encouraged to make a copy of a participant’s ACP Authorization Card.

Must state and local government agencies accept the substitute address reflected on an ACP Authorization Card?

Yes, with very few exceptions. 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 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.