Address Confidentiality Program

On August 31, 2003, the Secretary of State began administering a new program in Nebraska, the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).  The ACP provides services to residents of Nebraska who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.  Laws governing the ACP are found in Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-1201 through 42-1210.

The program has two basic parts.  First, the ACP provides victims who have moved to a new location, unknown to their abuser, with a substitute address for use when interacting with state and local agencies.  Second, the program provides participants with a cost-free first-class mail forwarding service.

The Address Confidentiality Program allows the state to contribute to the safety of victims by denying abusers the opportunity to use public records as a means to violate the rights of others.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the ACP, an individual must be:

  • A victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking who fears for his or her safety or a parent or guardian applying on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person, and
  • A resident of Nebraska who has recently relocated to a place unknown to his or her abuser or is planning to move in the near future.

Applying for Participation

Application is made in person at one of the designated victim assistance programs located throughout the state.  Designated programs are state or local agencies as well as private centers that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of abuse, sexual assault or stalking.  You may contact the Nebraska 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-876-6238 to reach a victim's advocate.

Certification of a Program Participant

Upon receiving a properly completed application, the ACP will certify the applicant as a program participant.  The certification is effective for four (4) years unless otherwise cancelled before the expiration date.

Upon certification, the participant is assigned a substitute address and issued an authorization card identifying the individual as an Address Confidentiality participant.

Substitute Address

The substitute addresses assigned to participants have no relation to their actual address.  The address may have be used as the participant's residence, school and work address.  The address is a post office box number and the same number is assigned to all participants.

Certification Card

The ACP issues each participant a laminated certification card that identifies the individual as a program participant.  The authorization card includes the participant's name, authorization code, substitute mailing address, certification expiration date, and applicant's signature.  Cards issued to minors or incapacitated persons are signed by the parent or guardian.  In addition, the authorization card contains the ACP toll-free telephone number should questions arise about the program or the valid use of the card.

An ACP participant must present his or her card to state and local government agencies in order for the substitute address to be accepted.

Service of Process

The Secretary of State serves as each participant's agent for service of process and for receipt of mail.  Mail received at the substitute address is forwarded to the program participant.  Participants agree to accept all mail forwarded to them by the ACP.

State and Local Agencies

Program participants use the substitute address when interacting with state and local agencies.  When presented with the authorization card, state and local agencies must accept the ACP substitute address as though it is the participant's actual residential address.  Agencies cannot require the participant to disclose his or her true address, except in rare cases after receiving a written exemption from the Secretary of State.

Voter Registration

Participation in the program allows eligible voters to apply to vote as an absentee voter.  Neither the participant's name or address will appear on any list of registered voters made available to the public.

Public Schools

When a student presents his or her authorization card, the school must accept the ACP substitute address.  The student does not have to disclose his or her actual address.  Verification of enrollment eligibility and transfer of school records are handled by ACP staff.

Program Cancellation

The Secretary of State may cancel a program participant's certification for any of the following reasons:

  • Failure to notify the ACP of a change in address within 30 days after moving.
  • Obtaining a name change.
  • Mail forwarded by the ACP is returned undeliverable.
  • Providing false information in application to the ACP.

Confidentiality of Records

Program participant records are confidential and cannot be released by ACP staff unless directed by a court of law or requested by a law enforcement agency.  The fact that an individual is participating in the program, as well as the substitute address, is not confidential.  Confidential information sent via fax or e-mail my not be secure.  Please do not send confidential information via these means.

ACP Contact Information

Telephone: 402-471-3568 or toll free at 1-866-ACP-NEBR (227-6327)

Fax: 402-471-2530

E-Mail Address: acp@nol.org

Mailing Address: ACP, P.O. Box 98921&  Lincoln, NE 68509

Website: http://www.sos.state.ne.us