Proof of Residency: What You Need and How to Show it

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

This article has been viewed 454,075 times.

Proving residency will demonstrate that you a resident of a certain location or state. This can be necessary to prove your eligibility for certain benefits, programs or classifications in that area. To register to vote, you may only be required to bring a utility bill that contains your address, but you need to prove at least one year of residency to receive resident tuition at most colleges and universities. Make sure your home address is listed on all evidence of residency.

Method 1 of 3:

Discovering the Local Requirements

If you are struggling to find the information on a website, it can be quicker and easier to phone up directly or go into a local office or city hall.
There is an online database that provides details of state requirements for different universities and colleges that you can use.
Often you will find that residency requirements are indicated within the state statute. [1] X Research source

In all cases you will need to provide more than one proof of residency, often two, and sometimes four.
It is best to have at least two government issued pieces of evidence to use to prove residency. [2] X Research source
If you are using a utility bill, bring one from a year ago and one from within the last month so you can demonstrate long-term and current residency.
A utility bill could be water, electric, gas, garbage, bank statement or landline phone service.

You should always remember to check with your local requirements as some of these documents are accepted in some states.
If you are unable to research the requirements in advance, it's prudent to bring as many items as possible when you go to apply to give yourself the best chance.

Advertisement Method 2 of 3:

Proving Residency For College

Contact the college to which you want to apply. One common instance in which people need to prove residency is when they are applying to study at college. The requirements will vary so you have to start by asking the financial aid office how long you must reside in the state to be eligible for in-state tuition. Most state colleges require one year of residency, but others only require three to six months. Use the online list to find your college. [3] X Research source

Clarify your residency before your enrolment date. You should be sure to have your residency situation clarified with your college well in advance of the start of the semester. This will mean you can avoid stress and problems with fees when you are beginning college. If you haven't proven your residency by the date of your enrolment you may have to pay non-resident tuition fees.

These are not substitutes to the official requirements, but you can use them to supplement and strengthen your claim. [4] X Research source

For example, if you own a house in another state, have a driver's license or are registered to vote in a different state, the assessor may question your intention to maintain or establish permanent residency.
These are not conclusive factors, but should be taken into account. [5] X Research source

Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

Writing an Affidavit of Residency

Understand what an affidavit is. In some instances you may be required to produce a written affidavit of residence to go along with the other forms of proof you are submitting, such as a utility bill or government issued ID card. An affidavit is an official statement from you which is made under oath, or is attested to under penalty of perjury, that certifies your residency. That means that this is a legal document, which if faked, can lead to a prosecution. [6] X Research source

An example of the text could be: "I, the undersigned (full legal name) hereby certify that I live at (address) and have been resident there since (date residency began)." [7] X Research source
You need to use your full legal name in the affidavit.
Write it in a formal style and ensure it is presented clearly and professionally.

When you go to the notary you will need to bring identification with you so be sure you know what to bring before you go.
Don't sign the affidavit before you go, your notary needs to witness you doing this.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Please provide your name and last initial Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Things You'll Need