About the Program

The New York State Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) was formally launched in October 2012. As of July 2025, the New York State ACP has served just under 9,000 participants making up over 5,100 households. 

In 2025, the ACP Office created a new logo to better reflect New York State Branding. The Office will still accept applications and forms with the former logo. State and local agencies, businesses, and nonprofits that interact with ACP participants are similarly expected to accept the former logo, as it will take until 2029 to phase out every outdated ID card. If you are an entity that interacts with ACP participants and would like a copy of what an ACP card looks like, please contact the ACP at [email protected].

Over 40 states have a version of an Address Confidentiality Program, many use the title “Safe at Home.” Although each may slightly differ, these programs are all critically important for victims of gender-based violence that are relocating out of fear for their safety and need to keep their new address confidential. In New York State, reproductive health care services workers, volunteers, and patients are also eligible to participate, protecting their address from individuals who may want to harm them because of their involvement with reproductive health care services.

There are many reasons why a victim of violence may not be able to “just leave” a perpetrator. Abusive partners often prevent victims from having access to household finances, prevent victims from having a job, and threaten to harm their children, pets, and other family members if they leave. Unfortunately, after fleeing a domestic violence situation is often the most dangerous time for a victim or survivor. For more information on why people stay, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website. 

Because it is so difficult to leave such a situation, when someone does have the means to flee, we want their move to be safe and successful. Perpetrators will often go to great lengths to find the new location of a victim to intimidate them or further harm them. Address Confidentiality Programs help keep that new, confidential location shielded from public records while still allowing participants to use public services and go about their daily life. 

The ACP works as follows:

1. Individuals apply for the ACP. The application includes a self-attestation that the information being provided is accurate and the applicant fits one of the eligibility categories. Individuals may apply online, via emailed/faxed/mailed form, or with the help of an Application Assistance Provider.

    

2. The ACP Office reviews new applications and either accepts or rejects them. Applications are reviewed within 1-2 business days of being received.
   1. An application may be rejected if there is missing information, a missing signature, or if the applicant does not reside within New York State.

   2. Applicants are notified if their application is rejected.

       

3. Once approved, the ACP Office mails the new participant an ID card for proof of participation in the program and a welcome packet with more details and FAQs.

    

4. The participant receives their ID card and can begin using the ACP substitute address (PO Box 1110). It is the responsibility of the new participant to notify any government agency, business, or other organization of their new address. The PO box will not automatically receive mail. Participants should not complete a change of address form with their local Post Office as that will create mail flow issues.

    

5. The mail forwarding process begins and a participant’s membership lasts for 4 years. After 4 years, a participant needs to renew their membership to stay in the ACP. 

The ACP Office is actively scheduling training and presentation opportunities. We are happy to present to stakeholder interested in learning more about how the ACP works and what our application process looks like for potential Application Assistance Providers. 

Previous and upcoming presentations have been with:

• Local library networks
• Gender-based violence service agencies
• Other nonprofits
• County agencies

To request a virtual or in-person training, please email [email protected]. 

The full governing statute of the ACP, NYS Executive Law §108, outlines the relevant definitions, the application process, application assistance provider guidelines, and more. Read the whole statute here. 

The 19 NYCRR Part 134 regulations outline how the ACP works in practice. Read the regulations here. 

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