When Do you Need an Affidavit of Residency?
There are many situations in which an affidavit of residency may be required. Some common examples include the following.
1. When you apply for tuition at a college or university in your state
You might need to prove that you have lived at a certain location for a specified period of time when it comes to applying for college or university tuition. This document might also be needed for kids who want to get enrolled in a school in a certain district after the family moves there.
2. When you are in the process of getting a driving license at a local DMV
An affidavit of residency might be needed when you are an applicant for a driver’s license. It has to be done by a third party and typically comes in addition to other proofs of residency such as an ID (with the inclusion of the individual’s address), lease agreement, etc.
3. When asking for proof of living at a rental place from the landlord
When a lease agreement does not suffice as proof of residency, an affidavit of residency might be the needed supplemental evidence. If the affidavit is gotten from a landlord, attestation of the signature by a notary public is recommended.
4. When you are involved in a child custody case
In order to let a court decide where the child should live within the child custody case, an affidavit of residency should be written by the child’s parents. They should use the document to state the benefits of a child living with them by the time the court rules in someone’s favor.
5. When you are selling property
An affidavit of residency might be a necessary document for a seller of property. It has to do with the states withholding taxes following the sale of the property.
6. When you intend to get certain benefits
Some programs might require an affidavit of residency as proof of an applicant’s place of residence. For instance, the Medical Aid Program in the state of Massachusets might request filing the affidavit when registering in the system and receiving medical benefits.
Other situations when an affidavit of residency might be handy include applying for certain government benefits, verifying the place of living of a deceased person, etc.
How to Fill Out a Residency Affidavit
If you decide to use our free affidavit form, here are some simple steps to filling it out.
Step 1 – Put personal and contact information of the affiant
The affidavit must state the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the affidavit.
Step 2 – Add the length of residency
The affidavit must state the length of time that the person has resided at the current address.
Step 3 – Include the documents to support the affidavit
You can support your affidavit of residency by adding some documents for consideration of the person or the institution requiring the affidavit.
Step 4 – Write down the signature and notarize the affidavit
Lastly, the affiant should put their signature on the affidavit. At the same time, the affidavit must be notarized by a notary public. The language required for the affidavit should state that the affiant appeared personally in front of the notary and signed the affidavit in their presence.
The affiant may also be required to sign before one or two witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an affidavit notarized?
The cost of getting a document notarized varies by state, but is typically around $10.
Where can I find a notary public?
You might find a notary at a bank, law firm and courthouse. You can also search for a notary public using the American Association of Notaries’ Find a Notary tool.
I’m an out-of-state student attending school in California. Do I need to get a residency affidavit?
No, you do not need to get a residency affidavit if you are an out-of-state student attending school in California. However, you may need to provide other documentation, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to prove your legal residence.
Legal Ways to Prove Your Residency
There are a few different ways that you can go about proving your residency during a legal proceeding.
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One way is to simply show the court your lease agreement or mortgage documents. You could also provide utility bills, pay stubs, or any other documents that show your name and current address.
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Another option would be to have someone who knows you well testify under oath that you live at the address in question. This person would ideally be a neighbor, family member, or close friend.
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A notarized affidavit of residency. If you need to show residency proof for any reason, an affidavit of residency can be a helpful document. This affidavit is a sworn statement from someone who knows you and that can verify your current address and how long you have lived there.
Proving Residency Using an Affidavit
Write an affidavit
A residency letter is used as an official testimony of an individual’s address, either for the resident themselves or someone writing on their behalf. The letter is not required, but is recommended to be signed by a notary and include the identification of the author as a sworn statement. A residency letter can act as a cover letter for any other documents or evidence proving residency and provides contact information in case the sources of residency are questioned.
Add supporting documents
Supporting documents should be attached by the author, if necessary. The more up to date the documents are, the better.
There are many things that can be used as proof of identity, including cell phone bills, driver’s licenses, and bank statements. The government agency or third party requesting proof will accept a letter and any two of the supplemental documents.
Send the affidavit to the respective bodies
The person who has lived at the address must submit the letter and documents, and they will be returned to them once accepted.
What to Include in a Residency Affidavit
When filling out a residency affidavit, be sure to include the following information:
– Your full name and current address
– How long you have resided at your current address
– A statement affirming that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge
After you have completed the affidavit, be sure to sign it in front of a notary.