Attorney General Alan Wilson announces details of upcoming Address Confidentiality Program for some crime victims

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the details today of the state’s new Address Confidentiality Program, which will launch this fall to help protect some victims of crime.

On July 2, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster signed S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-130 into law, creating South Carolina’s Address Confidentiality Program. Administered by the Office of the Attorney General, the ACP provides victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, harassment, and sexual offenses with a designated substitute address. All state and local governments, as well as the courts, must use this substitute address, thereby preventing a victim from being located through public records. The program provides confidential mail forwarding services to individuals and families across South Carolina.

“Our office has always been focused on helping victims of crime,” Attorney General Wilson said. “This new program is another important step in making sure people who’ve already been victimized can feel safer knowing that where they’re now living is confidential.”

To enroll in the program, potential participants must meet with a registered Application Assistant, who will help fill out the application. The Application Assistant will also verify that eligibility requirements, such as type of victimization and proof of South Carolina residency, are met. After reviewing the application and verifying that eligibility requirements have been met, ACP staff will certify the applicant as a program participant. At the time of enrollment, program participants will receive a welcome packet that will include information on things such as:

• How to register to vote;
• How to enroll their child in school;
• How to use the substitute address at the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV);
• How to use the substitute address at their local county tax assessor’s office;
• and much more.

The goal of the ACP is to provide a level of security to victims who genuinely believe that disclosing their location would jeopardize their safety or increase the risk of violence to them or their family. The ACP is not, however, a witness protection program and cannot shield participants from any legal obligations. ACP staff are agents for service of process and will forward all legal documents and certified mail to the participant. 

When the statutory requirements are met, the ACP will disclose the program participant’s confidential address to any agency that has a bona fide statutory, administrative, or law enforcement need for the participant’s confidential address.

Launching in early October 2025, we are proud to introduce you to the Address Confidentiality Program!

ACP Contact

803-734-4517

[email protected]

www.scag.gov/acp