What is the confidentiality status of the records maintained by the department regarding applicants' home addresses?

The records maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding applicants' home addresses are designated as confidential and are not subject to disclosure. This confidentiality is established to protect the privacy and safety of individuals who apply for various licenses and permits, ensuring that their personal information is not exposed to the public or misused.

Such confidentiality aligns with broader privacy laws and policies that aim to safeguard sensitive personal information. By restricting access to home addresses, the department helps prevent potential harassment, stalking, or other forms of intrusion that could occur if that information were publicly accessible.

This protection extends to ensuring that only authorized individuals or entities, such as certain law enforcement officials or those with legitimate reasons consistent with legal standards, may access such information. Other options suggesting that the records are publicly accessible, can be requested by anyone, or are only available to licensed investigators do not align with the confidentiality protocols designed to protect personal data.