Participants

All Address Confidentiality Program participants receive the following:

• A Handbook about the services and responsibilities of the participant
• A substitute mailing address to use with Washington state and local government agencies instead of their home, work or school address
• An ACP Authorization Card

Participant Responsibilities:

• Accept mail forwarded from the ACP
• Inform the ACP in writing, with their signature of any changes in address/information
• Notify senders of the substitute address and Participant Mailbox (PMB) number
• Renew program membership every four (4) years
• Carry and present their ACP Authorization Card when interacting with state and local agencies

**Agencies are authorized to make a copy of a participant’s ACP Authorization Card**

Additional Information

Using the substitute address

The ACP provides participants with a legal substitute address and mail-forwarding services. Participants use the substitute address on public records. Participants may also use the substitute address for personal use. Participant mail is sent to the substitute address and received by the ACP. The ACP team then forwards participant mail to their actual mailing address on file.

Addressing Mail

The following mail format is recommended for timely and accurate forwarding of mail:

Participant Name

PO Box 257 PMB #####

Olympia, WA 98507-0257

**If an agency has fillable address regions with an irregular format, list the PMB # in the same field as the full name - full name, PMB #####, and PO Box 257.**

Voter Registration

ACP participants can register to vote as a Protected Records Voter (PRV). Registration requires their actual physical address in addition to the substitute address provided by ACP. After becoming a PRV, the participant's actual physical address, name, county, and voting precinct number will be kept out of public record.

If a participant would like to make changes to their voter registration record, call the ACP at (360) 753-2972. We will send the correct registration form to the participant to keep their address out of public record. DO NOT use the online voter registration system, VoteWA.

Participants should always register to vote using the Protected Voters Registration Form at their local county elections office or from the ACP which will have the ACP logo.

ACP participant should not register or update their voter registration records at any public state assistance agency, such as:

• Driver’s License Facility (DOL)
• Voter Registration Drives (VRD)
• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• Health Benefits Exchange (HBE), etc.

      **If asked, say no.**

**ACP cannot remove public voter listings that already exist, such as those on Sound Politics.**

Updating ACP Information

When a participant moves, they must notify the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) at least two (2) days before they move. Address changes MUST be:

• Submitted in writing; AND
• Include their signature (to verify their identity)

To make things easier, Washington ACP offers a Change of Information/Address Form that can be filled out and submitted, or used as a template.

Changes to a participant file cannot be submitted by email.

Purchasing a Home

Buying a home or other real estate requires a person to sign many documents that list their name and the address or location of the property. These documents are available as public records. ACP laws do not currently provide protection for these types of property records.

Purchasing property records involves private businesses as well as state and local agencies. Private businesses like title companies, banks, real estate professionals, and mortgage companies, are not subject to Washington ACP laws. Private businesses may be willing to work with ACP participants even though they are not required to accept the ACP address.

ACP participants can use a specific type of Revocable Living Trust to purchase real property while using their ACP substitute address. ACP participants may want to check with an attorney before purchasing a home or other real estate to discuss options and any disadvantages. To learn more about buying a home through a Revocable Living Trust and to find self-help resources, visit WashingtonLawHelp.org. 

Businesses, Nonprofits, and Charities

If you are enrolled in the ACP and have a business, nonprofit, or charity;

1. You may use the ACP substitute address when filing with the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS).
   • The CCFS online application will allow you to check a box stating you are an ACP participant.
   • You will then need to enter your PMB# to complete the application.
2. If you are the registered agent, for a business or charity, you may use the ACP address as your personal mailing address, not as the mailing address for the business.
   • Registered agents must provide a physical street address. (RCW 23.95.410)
3. If you are employed by your own business, nonprofit, or charity, you may use the substitute address as your work address.

   Remember, you must send the ACP a written request to forward mail in your business name.

   If the ACP does not have a written request to forward mail in your business name, we must return the mail to the sender.

   If you own your own business; the Federal Communication Commission has information on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses.

Survivor Resources

Washington Resources

ACP Participants can us a Revocable Living Trust to Buy Real Property Confidentially

Native & Strong Lifeline

Northwest Justice Project

Washington Law Help

WA Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)

WA Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)

National Resources

CETA: Clinic to End Tech Abuse

• Provides resources and guides for survivors of intimae partner violence (IPV) who are experiencing technology-facilitated abuse.

National Center for Victims of Crime

• Provides resources and support for the public as well as law enforcement agencies, including offering an information clearinghouse, training, and a comprehensive website.
• 202-467-8700 phone

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• Serves as a national information, resource, and referral center.
• 1-800-799-7233 phone

National Crime Victim Law Institute

• Works on behalf of and with victims through public policy, legal advocacy and training, and education.
• 503-768-6660 phone

National Cybersecurity Alliance

• Provides online safety and privacy resources for the public.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Provides 24 hour support through advocacy, safety planning, resources and hope to everyone affected by domestic violence.
• 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) phone

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

• Provides research and tools to advocates working to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

• Provides 24 hour support and resources for victims of human trafficking. The website includes a National Human Trafficking Referral Directory.
• 1-888-373-888 phone or online chat
• *233733 text

Sacred Circle: National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women

• Provides training, resources, and materials to tribes and tribal organizations regarding violence against native women and assists in the development of tribal strategies and responses to end violence.
• 877-739-3895 phone

SAFE: Stop Abuse for Everyone

• Human rights organization providing services and support to those who typically fall between the crack of domestic violence services: straight men, GLBT victims, teens and the elderly.
• 503-853-8686 phone

SPARC: Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center

• Federally funded project providing education and resources about the crime of stalking. SPARC does not provide direct services to victims or survivors of stalking.

Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors

• Provides resources containing safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology from the Safety Net Project at the Nation Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). NNEDV does not provide direct services.

Victim Connect Resource Center

• A free referral helpline (call, text or chat) where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially. Operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime.
• 1-855-484-2846 phone or text, or online chat

Forms - MUST be submitted by fax or mail.

Change of Information Form

Cancellation Request Form

Utility Alias/Safe Label Name Request Form

FAQs

What is the length of enrollment?

The length of enrollment is four (4) years. Participants may renew their enrollment at the end of the four-year term. A participant can voluntarily withdraw from the program at any time.

Does ACP forward all types of mail?

No. The ACP ONLY forwards 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 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.