California Safe at Home Program

Overview

The Safe at Home program is California’s confidential address program designed to help survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, trafficking, and other qualifying crimes protect their residential address.

The program is administered by the California Secretary of State.

How It Works

Participants are assigned a substitute mailing address. Government agencies are required to accept this substitute address for official records in most circumstances.

Mail sent to the substitute address is forwarded confidentially.

Who May Qualify?

Eligibility may include individuals who:

• Have experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault

• Have documented safety concerns

• Work with a certified application assistant

Requirements can change, so individuals should confirm eligibility through official program resources.

Why Address Confidentiality Matters

Public records — including court filings, voter registration, and business filings — can sometimes expose residential addresses.

For survivors rebuilding stability, protecting location information is often a key safety step.

Important Considerations

Safe at Home does not eliminate all legal disclosure obligations. In some court contexts, confidential information may still be handled under protective procedures.

Participants should consult an attorney or advocate regarding how the program interacts with family court, housing, and employment matters.

*Check with your state to see if a similar program exists under federal guidelines/funding.