Address Confidentiality Program

Also known as the Safe at Home Program

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, you may be enrolled in an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) in your state. These programs are designed to help protect your safety by keeping your residential address out of public records.

We recognize that navigating the mortgage process while protecting your privacy can feel overwhelming. This page is here to help.

What Address Confidentiality Programs Provide

ACPs are statewide confidentiality systems administered through a Secretary of State or Department of Justice office. Depending on your state, your program may provide:

  • A substitute address for use on public records
  • Mail forwarding services
  • Confidential voter registration
  • Limited public record shielding

Important: Update Your Address Before Any Credit Activity

Before taking any action that may result in a credit inquiry, such as applying for a mortgage or other loan, you must first update your address information with the three major credit bureaus. Completing this step in advance helps ensure your protected address is in place before your credit is accessed.

How to Update Your Address with the Credit Bureaus

Step 1

Write a Letter to Each Credit Bureau

Your letter should include:

  • A statement that you are participating in an Address Confidentiality Program
  • The address or addresses you would like removed from your credit report
  • Your new ACP substitute address to be added in its place
Step 2

Gather Your Supporting Documents

Along with your letter, you will need to include:

  • Proof of program participation (a photocopy of your ACP acceptance letter or authorization card)
  • Proof of identity (one of the following)

Accepted proof of identity documents:

  • Driver's license
  • Government-issued ID
  • Passport
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate

Please submit photocopies only. Do not send original documents.

Step 3

Mail Your Documents

Send your letter and supporting documents to each of the three credit bureaus:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 105874
Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian
P.O. Box 1069
Allen, TX 75013

Additional Resources

TransUnion Safe at Home (California)
Information specific to California's Safe at Home program and how TransUnion processes ACP requests.

Survivor's Source: Address Confidentiality Programs
A national resource for survivors with information on ACP programs by state.


Questions?

If you have questions about how your protected address may affect your mortgage application, please reach out to your lender.