Two Different Problems, Two Different Tools
ACP and an LLC address privacy in completely different contexts. Comparing them is a bit like comparing an umbrella to a raincoat — they both address rain, but they work differently and you may need both. Here is a clear breakdown of what each actually does.
ACP Protects: Personal Government Records
ACP replaces your home address in state government databases. It covers your driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration, court records, and state benefit programs. These are the records most people think of when they want to keep their address private.
ACP does not protect business records, property deed records, or federal records. ACP is a personal privacy tool, not a business or property tool.
An LLC Protects: Business Identity and Property Deed Records
An LLC (or other business entity) protects your personal name from appearing in business filings and — if you own property in the LLC's name — from appearing on property deeds. The LLC name appears on the deed and business registration, not yours.
An LLC does not protect your personal government records. Your driver's license, voter registration, and court records are personal records — the LLC has nothing to do with them.
LLC Limitations for Privacy
An LLC is not a magic privacy solution. It has several limitations that many people overlook:
- Most states maintain public LLC member databases — in many states, LLC members and officers must be listed in the Secretary of State's public database. Searching by name returns the LLC and its associated address.
- Registered agent address is public — every LLC must have a registered agent with a public address. Using a registered agent service provides a commercial address, but the LLC itself is still searchable.
- Mortgage complications — obtaining a conventional mortgage in an LLC's name is extremely difficult. Most residential lenders require personal ownership, which means the deed must initially be in your name.
- Annual costs — formation fees, annual report fees, and sometimes franchise taxes add ongoing expense.
- No homestead exemption in most states — LLC-owned property typically doesn't qualify for homestead exemption, increasing property taxes.
Why a Revocable Trust is Often Better Than an LLC for Primary Residences
For a primary residence, a revocable living trust accomplishes the same deed privacy as an LLC without most of the drawbacks:
- Your name does not appear on the recorded deed (the trust name does)
- Most states allow homestead exemption for trust-held primary residences
- No annual fees beyond initial attorney setup cost
- Conventional mortgages are generally possible with a trust (verify with lender)
- Trust documents do not need to be filed publicly in most states
An LLC makes more sense for investment properties where liability protection and tax treatment are additional considerations.
Using ACP and a Trust Together
For maximum privacy, most experts recommend combining ACP enrollment with trust-held property ownership:
- ACP covers personal government records (DMV, voter, courts)
- Revocable trust covers property deed records (county recorder)
- ACP substitute address used as mailing address on all documents
This combination closes the two major gaps that either tool alone leaves open. See the full guide on keeping your address private when buying a home for implementation details.