Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)

What is the Address Confidentiality Program?

The Address Confidentiality Program provides a substitute address for participants to use with S.C. state and local government agencies to keep their physical addresses out of public documents.  The ACP is most effective when used as part of an overall safety plan.

Who is Eligible?

Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, harassment, or sexual offenses are eligible to apply for enrollment.  Participants must reside in South Carolina and be at least 18 years old, or the parent/legal guardian acting on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person.  If the applicant does not reside in S.C. at the time of application, he or she must have plans to move within 90 days.

What Services are Offered?

The ACP offers a substitute mailing address for program participants to use with all S.C. state and local government agencies.  Forwarding service for all first-class, registered and certified mail is provided.  The residential address will be kept private - all state and local government agencies will be required to use the substitute address in all records and communication.  The ACP will also act as the program participant's agent for legal service of process.

What Kind of Mail is Forwarded?

All first-class, registered and certified mail will be forwarded to the program participant.  The ACP will not forward packages, magazines, prescriptions, liquids, or junk mail. 

Will Mail Be Delayed?

Yes.  Mail will be delivered to the ACP and then repackaged and forwarded to program participants.  Mail may be delayed 5-7 days.

Can Other Household Members Participate?

Anyone living in the household of the primary applicant can join the program as a co-applicant.  The primary applicant must be 18 years old, but a parent or legal guardian can apply on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person. All participants must reside in South Carolina.

Who is Required to Accept the Substitute Address?

All South Carolina state, county, and city government agencies and S.C. courts must accept the ACP designated mailing address as the program participant’s actual residential address.

What Happens if Someone Refuses Use the Substitute Address?

When someone refuses to accept the substitute address, please share the ACP phone number with the government agency or law enforcement, and we will be happy to discuss the program’s requirements.  However, private companies are not required to use the ACP substitute address

Does The ACP Remove or Delete Existing Public Information?

No. The ACP cannot delete information that already exists in public records.

Is the ACP Like a Witness Protection Program

No. The ACP does not hide program participants or help them change their identities, social security numbers, or location.  The ACP provides program participants with a substitute mailing address in lieu of a residential address that they can use with South Carolina government agencies.  The ACP should be used as part of a larger safety plan that the program participant should create with a Victim Service Provider.

Is There Any Cost to Participate in the Address Confidentiality Program?

No. There is no fee for participation in the program.

Can Someone Be Removed From The Program?

Yes.  The ACP may cancel a program participant’s certification under certain circumstances as provided in S.C. Code Ann. §16-25-130.