Establishing Washington State Residency

Guidelines for Graduate Students

What do I need to do?

• Prove you have lived in Washington for 12 consecutive months

• Prove you have significant ties to the state

• Prove you are financially independent

• Submit your application in person or by mail with all supporting documents

How do I prove I am a legal resident of WA for tuition purposes?

1. Proof of domicile

2. Driver’s license

3. Voter registration card

4. Vehicle registration

5. Financial independence

Proof of Domicile

• Lease or rental agreement• Home purchase agreement• Rent receipts• Cancelled checks• Letter from landlord• Letter from employer• Proof of bank account, etc.

Getting Your Driver License

• Pre-apply online if you:

• Are getting your first WA driver license

• Have a WA residence street address

• Visit the driver licensing office

• 980 S. Grand Avenue

• Provide proof of identity

• Pay $35 application fee + $54 issuance fee (good for 6 years)

cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, some debit cards

• Provide Social Security number

• Vision screening test

• Pass other required tests, if any

Getting Your Driver License:Proof of Identity

One of these documents:•Out-of-state driver license or ID card•US armed services ID card with photo•US passport•Immigration ID with signature•US certificate of citizenship or naturalization

Two or more documents from other lists

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/idproof.html

Registering to Vote

• Register when you get your driver license• Register online, by mail, in person• Voter registration card not always mailed to you• Contact county auditor’s office if you need proof of

the date of your voter registration

Whitman County Auditor: Eunice Coker400 N. Main Street, Colfax WA

509-397-6270

Registering Your Vehicle

• Necessary if you own or use a motor vehicle in the state of Washington

• Vehicle must be registered in WA even if it is owned by someone in another state!

• WA law says this must happen within 30 days of arrival in WA

• Must have a copy of the car’s title

Pufferbelly Depot330 N. Grand Avenue, Suite B

Establishing Financial Independence

• Cannot be claimed as a dependent on your parents’ tax return (2014 returns)

• Submit copy of federal income tax return for most recent tax year

• Document income (your tax return, W-2 forms)

• Income may include employment, financial aid, scholarships, irrevocable trust funds

• If 24 or younger, submit Income and Expense Report

What if I am not a US citizen?

• Permanent Residents may qualify if status was obtained at least 12 months prior

• Visa types A, E, G, H-1, I, K or L may qualify

• Must meet the same documentation requirements as US citizens (except for voter registration)

When should I submit my application and supporting documents?

• As soon as possible!

• No later than the 30th calendar day of the semester for which you are applying

• If application approved after the start of the semester, the non-resident portion of your tuition will be refunded

Why is this necessary?

• Residency policies are set by the State of Washington (RCW 28B.15)

• Non-resident graduate students on assistantship appointments are eligible for a non-resident waiver during their first year.

• If residency is not established, students are responsible for non-resident tuition after the first academic year.

• Failure to pay non-resident tuition can result in substantial late fees

Residency Information Links and Resources

General Information

http://www.registrar.wsu.edu/registrar/apps/residency.aspx

Questionnaire

http://www.registrar.wsu.edu/Registrar/Content/questionaire.pdf

FAQ

http://residency.wsu.edu/faqs/

Lori Carris, Associate Dean, Graduate SchoolFrench Administration 336

509-335-6424