Domestic Violence - Address Confidentiality
The Address Confidentiality Program provides a cost-free mail forwarding service for all First-Class mail. Certified program participants are authorized to use a “substitute” mailing address in lieu of their physical home address. Once certified and enrolled, participants and each enrolled household member will be issued an Address Confidentiality Program Authorization Card. Certification is good for three years. Participants may choose to renew their certification every three years by completing a renewal application for certification. Participants may withdraw from the program at any time.
The actual physical address of a program participant is confidential and available only to designated Office of the Attorney General staff involved in the operation of the Address Confidentiality Program and to law- enforcement officers for law- enforcement purposes. Virginia state and local government agencies are required to accept a participant’s substitute address as if it is their legal physical address. Currently private businesses and federal agencies are not required to accept a participant’s substitute address.
The Address Confidentiality Program is not retroactive and cannot provide absolute protection. Participants are encouraged to seek counseling through local based domestic and sexual violence agencies. For assistance connecting with a local community advocate for comprehensive safety planning and local community resources please contact the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance Statewide Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 or visit this link https://vsdvalliance.org/get-help-ayuda/hotlines. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 911.
For an application, please contact your local domestic or sexual violence program or victim witness assistance program. If you need assistance finding your local program, please contact the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance Statewide Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 for assistance.
For more information or questions regarding the Address Confidentiality Program, please contact program staff at (804)-482-2280 or
- Information Sheets