Frequently Asked Questions
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Maryland Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Secretary of State that provides victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and stalking a legal substitute address to use in place of their physical home, school, or work address in order to keep their location information off public record.
Yes, 38 other states have address confidentiality programs.
Any of the following people may apply to the Program:
- A victim of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, or stalking
- A parent or guardian of a minor child who is living with the parent or guardian, if they
fear for the safety of the minor child
- The guardian of a disabled person who is fearful for the safety of their dependent
- Any person living in the same home as a victim as an intimate partner (roommates are
not eligible)
- Maryland state residents
- Victims who have recently moved or are intending to move to an address unknown to
the abuser*
*Please note that submitting a change of address with the Post Office or MVA publicizes the address and disqualifies one from ACP Participation.
In order to apply to the program, the victim must complete an application form and provide
evidence of domestic violence or other eligible victimization.
- Individuals must apply through a trained Application Assistant. To find an Application
Assistant near you, call Maryland Safe at Home at 410-260-3875.
- Must provide one piece of evidence:
- Certified law enforcement, court, or other federal or State agency records or files
(such as a police report or protective order);
- Documentation from a domestic violence program; or
- Documentation from a religious, medical or other professional from whom the
applicant or victim has asked for assistance or treatment.
Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an ACP authorization card with their substitute address, and an information packet to guide program participation. The participant can use the substitute address to receive first-class mail, registered mail, certified mail, and service of process. There are specific procedures for participants to update their driver’s license to the substitute address, and to register to vote. In Maryland, all government agencies and private entities are required to accept the substitute address.
Program participation is for four (4) years, unless the participant withdrawals or is cancelled
from the program. Participants may re-enroll every 4 years as long as they still qualify for program
participation.
The Secretary of State may cancel a person’s participation if:
- The person files a request to be withdrawn from the program;
- The person does not properly notify the Secretary of State of a legal name change,
change of address, or phone number change;
- The person knowingly submits false information on the application; or
- Mail forwarded to the person by the Secretary of State is repeatedly returned as
undeliverable.
The office of the Secretary of State will only disclose a participants address if ordered by a court of law.
No, there is no enrollment fee and no other costs to the participants.
