Program Overview
Vermont's Address Confidentiality Program assigns qualifying applicants a substitute mailing address managed by the state. Government agencies are legally required to use this substitute address in place of your real home address in their records. Mail sent to the substitute address is forwarded to your actual home.
Who Qualifies
- Victims of domestic violence or family violence
- Victims of sexual assault
- Victims of stalking or harassment
- Victims of human trafficking
- Current Vermont residents who fear for their safety if their address is disclosed
A police report or protective order is not required. Applicants certify their safety concern on the application form.
How to Apply
Find a Certified Application Assistant
Contact the Vermont Attorney General at (802) 828-3171 to locate a certified Application Assistant near you. Assistants are typically based at domestic violence shelters, sexual assault centers, and legal aid offices.
Gather Your Documents
Bring any available documentation: a protective order, police report, or advocate statement. A sworn personal statement about your safety concern is sufficient if you have no formal documentation.
Complete the Application With Your Advocate
Your Application Assistant helps you complete the application. You certify your safety concern and provide your real home address for mail forwarding records.
Receive Your Authorization Card
Processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks. You will receive an authorization card at your real home address with your substitute address and program authorization number.
Update Your Government Records
Use your authorization card to update your driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration, and any relevant court records. Present the card to any agency unfamiliar with the program.
What the Substitute Address Covers
- State driver's license and vehicle registration
- Voter registration records
- State court records (family, civil, criminal)
- State benefit programs
- County property deed records (not automatically protected)
- Federal records (IRS, Social Security, USPS)
- Private data broker databases
Enrollment and Renewal
Enrollment lasts 4 years. Renew before expiration to keep your substitute address active. The Vermont Attorney General typically sends a renewal notice 60–90 days before expiration. Renewal can usually be completed by mail. See the full renewal guide.
Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Address Confidentiality Program |
| Administered by | Vermont Attorney General |
| Phone | (802) 828-3171 |
| Website | ago.vermont.gov |
| Enrollment Period | 4 years |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
| Cost | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Vermont's program does not require a police report or protective order to apply. You certify your safety concern on the application form. If you have documentation, include it — it can strengthen your application and may help with expedited processing.
ACP does not automatically protect county property deed records, federal agency records (IRS, SSA, USPS), or private data broker databases. For property record privacy, consider holding the property in a revocable living trust. See our guide on what ACP doesn't cover.
Standard processing is approximately 2–4 weeks. Emergency processing may be available with an active protective order or documented immediate threat — ask your Application Assistant.