Establishing residency in California is a crucial step for many individuals, whether they are applying for a driver’s license, seeking in-state tuition at a public university, or enrolling in a state-sponsored health insurance program. In 2024, the state of California has specific requirements and acceptable documents that can be used to prove residency.
Acceptable Documents for Proving California Residency in 2024
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there are several documents that can be used to prove California residency in 2024. These include:
- Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
- Deed or title to residential real property
- Mortgage bill
- Home utility bills (including cellular phone)
- School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth
- Medical documents
- Employment documents
- Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
- Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service [IRS] or California Franchise Tax Board [FTB])
- Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
- Property tax bill or statement
- Faith-based document that includes the name and address of the organization
- Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
- Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
- Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
- An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
- Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
- Letter from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting that the applicant resides in California
- A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
- California Certificate of Title or registration (vehicle or vessel)
- A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed
It’s important to note that the residency documents must list the applicant’s first and last name and the California residence address must match the residence address as listed on the driver’s license or identification card application. If the applicant includes a separate mailing address on the application, the address on the document must match the mailing address included on the application.
Proving Residency for Specific Purposes in 2024
The acceptable documents for proving California residency may vary depending on the purpose for which the residency is being established. Here are some examples:
Applying for a Driver’s License or Identification Card
When applying for a driver’s license or identification card in California in 2024, an applicant must submit one document from the list above that contains their residence address. The document must list the applicant’s first and last name, and the California residence address must match the address listed on the application.
Enrolling in Medi-Cal or Covered California
To apply for Medi-Cal or Covered California in 2024, proof of California residency is often requested. Acceptable documents include evidence of employment in California, enrollment of children in a California school, receipt of public assistance in California, current California utility bills, rent or mortgage receipts, and voter registration forms or receipts.
Establishing Residency for Tuition Purposes
To be considered a resident for tuition purposes at a California public college or university in 2024, a person must have lived continuously in California for at least one year immediately preceding the residence determination date. Acceptable proof of residency documents include a valid California ID or driver’s license, state tax forms for the previous year with a California address, active military ID card, receipt for payment of residential property tax, rental or lease agreement showing continuous occupancy in a California property, and a notarized letter of residency.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and acceptable documents for proving California residency may vary depending on the purpose and the institution or agency involved. It’s always best to check with the specific entity for their exact requirements before submitting any documents.