Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the Secretary of State's Office. When used as an overall safety plan, Safe at Home offers program participants a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. Eligible applicants must enroll at a Safe at Home designated Enrolling Agency. An Enrolling Agency application assistant will help clients determine whether they are eligible to participate and explain how Safe at Home can be a part of their overall safety plan.

Eligibility:

Applicants are eligible to participate if they:

Reside in California
Are one of the following:

  • Victim of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abduction, and elder or dependent adult abuse
  • Reproductive health care provider, employee, patient, or volunteer who has experienced threats of violence, violence, or harassment because of their affiliation with a reproductive health care services facility
  • Public entity employee/contractor who has experienced threats of violence, violence, or harassment because of their work for a public entity
  • Are a household member of a category listed above.
    Are in fear for their safety, or for the safety of a minor child or incapacitated adult.

Applicants With Minor Children

  • The law requires the Safe at Home Program to notify the other custodial parent of your enrollment .

  • Existing court orders may be required.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in participating in Safe at Home, you should make an appointment with a designated Enrolling Agency. You can find locations of Enrolling Agencies by accessing Where to Find an Enrolling Agency.  

When you meet with an Enrolling Agency application assistant and understand the purpose of the Safe at Home Program, they will assist you in completing the application process. Completed application materials are sent to Safe at Home for review and approval.  

What happens after my application is submitted?

Once approved, the applicant receives an enrollment packet containing resource information and an official identification card for use in business or public transactions that require a mailing or street address. By law, state and local agencies must accept the Safe at Home address displayed on the identification card. However, private entities or businesses, or the federal government are not required to accept or honor the Safe at Home Program assigned address.

Sample Applications