Safe at Home Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Safe at Home is one of Ohio’s key legal protections for survivors of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, trafficking in persons, rape, or sexual battery.

The program helps survivors and their household members keep their personal information confidential — such as home addresses and phone numbers — to prevent offenders from locating or harming them again.

Participation begins by working with a certified application assistant.

See Ohio Revised Code 111.42 for legal authority.

A person may apply if they are a survivor, or live with a survivor, of any of the following crimes:

• Domestic violence

• Human trafficking

• Rape

• Sexual battery

• Menacing by stalking

Not eligible: Individuals classified as Tier I, II, or III sex offenders/child-victim offenders are not eligible for the program.

No. While most participants live in Ohio, you may still apply if you work or attend school in the state.

Ohio’s Safe at Home program offers protection for survivors who may live in a nearby state but commute into Ohio for employment or education.

Yes — as long as the person qualifies and resides, works, or attends school in each state, they may participate in both programs.

However, eligibility requirements vary by state, and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office cannot determine or advise on other states’ program rules.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Find an Application Assistant - Locate one online or call 614-995-2255 for help.

2. Complete the Application
   Work with your certified assistant to fill out and submit the Safe at Home application to:

   1. Ohio Secretary of State
      P.O. Box 16395
      Columbus, OH 43216

3. Receive Your Participant Packet

   1. If approved, you’ll receive a welcome packet and participant card containing:

      • Instructions for safely using the program.

      • Your Safe at Home identification card — show this to government offices to keep your address out of public records.

      • A substitute P.O. Box address to use instead of your real home address.

      • Confidential voter registration forms to protect your name and address.

      • An application for a Safe Name for use in real estate records if you plan to buy property.

Safe at Home works best when participants have recently moved or are planning to move soon, minimizing the chance that an abuser knows their address.

Old addresses that still appear valid can also provide a layer of protection — in this case, misdirection can be beneficial.

Participants receive a variety of legal and practical protections:

• Confidential public record status: Your address and contact details are legally protected under Ohio Revised Code 149.43(A)(1)(ee).

• Substitute address: Government agencies must use your Safe at Home P.O. Box instead of your real address.

• Driver’s License/State ID: The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may replace your address with that of the Secretary of State’s office in Columbus.

• Mail forwarding: The Secretary of State’s office receives and forwards your mail to your confidential address.

• Confidential voter registration: Allows you to register and vote without disclosing your location in public voter rolls.

• Safe Name: You may request a Safe Name to appear on property or mailing records instead of your legal name (note: this is not a legal name change).

Participants who wish to purchase a home can protect their identity by:

• Using a Safe Name, and

• Filing a Real Property Confidentiality Notice (RPCN).

Learn more on the Confidential Real Property Records page

No. Safe at Home is not a witness protection program or complete safety plan.

It does not shield participants from legal obligations or provide protection related to criminal prosecutions.

While participation doesn’t require cooperation with law enforcement, the program provides a secure foundation for rebuilding a survivor’s life.

No. Victim compensation is managed by the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website for details on applying for crime victim compensation.

Find a certified application assistant through the online directory or by calling 614-995-2255. These trained advocates help survivors safely complete the application and understand program benefits.

Participants must update their records with Safe at Home if they:

• Move to a new address,

• Change their legal name, or

• Get a new phone number.

Complete the update form provided in your welcome packet or call the program office to request another copy.

Ohio law allows Safe at Home to assist when participants have difficulty providing confidential information to certain agencies — such as:

• U.S. Postal Service

• Judges or magistrates

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Schools

• Public assistance administrators

• Food pantries or social service programs

Participants can submit an Authorization to Release Confidential Information (ARCI) form through the program to securely share necessary information with authorized entities.