If you have homes in more than one state, your California home should be your primary residence. If you are trying to establish your residency in order to qualify for state tuition, you must live in California for more than a year (at least 366 days) directly before the residence determination date. To get state tuition you must also come to California with the intent to live there, not just to go to school.
Save copies of this paperwork, as you’ll need it to demonstrate that you do in fact live in California now.
Home utility bills, including cell phone School documents with your date of birth Medical documents Employment documents Faith based documents with the name and the address of the issuer Insurance documents IRS or California Franchise Tax Board returns Vehicle or boat titles Change of address confirmation for the postal service Documents issued by a United States government agency Property tax bill or statement Records from a financial institution Voter registration Proof of tuition payment at a California college or university Court documents that prove you live in California A letter from a shelter on letterhead A birth certificate or marriage license
If your bank account has been at a local bank, close out your old account and open a new account at a California-based bank. To transfer your account at a national or international banking institution, you may have to meet with a branch representative in-person, but some banking institutions allow you to call to arrange to have your accounts moved to the new state. [5] X Research source
Keep in mind that you will need to meet other requirements if you plan to apply for resident tuition.
You must go in person. The licensing fee is $35. [7] X Research source The DMV may waive your driving exam if you already hold a driver’s license from within the United States. [8] X Research source If you are an immigrant, you can attain a California ID if you are a legal resident of the United States. You will need to bring your U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued documents to prove your residency. [9] X Research source #*Alternatively, if you are an undocumented immigrant, you can get an AB-60 license if you can show proof of identification and residence in California. [10] X Research source
Smog/emissions tests are performed by DMV-approved inspectors. They are valid for two years, but residents cannot use results from an out-of-state test. [12] X Research source Car safety inspections are not required in California.
To vote in California, you must register by the 15th day prior to the election. You can pick up a form at the DMV. Visit this site to register to vote in California: http://registertovote. ca. gov/ If sharing your address could put you in danger, California offers alternatives for safe registration. You can call 877-322-5227 or visit http://www. sos. ca. gov/registries/safe-home/.
Students who were born out of the country must also meet INS requirements for residency in the United States. Paperwork should prove that they have been living in the United States for at least 366 days, coinciding with their move to California. [15] X Research source If you are an immigrant, you may be eligible for residency status if you are a permanent resident alien or an adult alien with a legal status that allows you to stay in the country after graduation. You must also meet the other residency requirements that all students must meet. [16] X Research source
For example, you can’t maintain two homes in different states, yet apply for residency status. [17] X Research source
Provide a copy of California license or ID. Prove you have a legal residence in the state. Show that your car is registered and insured in California. Provide copies of bank statements, bills, and memberships with California addresses. Demonstrate that you are paying taxes in the state. [18] X Research source
You must also be unmarried and not claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return. You must have supported yourself financially for two years before applying for residency status. Your money can be earned or borrowed, but loans must be in your name only. You must show documentation of where your money came from, such as pay stubs, loan documents, and bank statements. You cannot have been claimed as a dependent on another person’s taxes during the two years you supported yourself. Free room and board, even if gained through barter, does not count as self-sufficiency. [19] X Research source If you are over the age of 24 or married, then you are assumed to be financially independent unless someone else claims you as a dependent on their taxes. [20] X Research source
Make sure to check with your school to ensure you meet all deadlines, which vary by university. Many schools require you to submit your application before May 1 and your paperwork by mid-July.
