Documents to Support Domicile and Residence

Proof of Domicile

The following documents can be submitted, which may support the establishment of a domicile in Texas and maintenance of a domicile in Texas.

Significant Gainful Employment

1. An employer’s statement of dates of employment in Texas; proof of self-employment; or proof of other income such as pensions, veteran’s benefits, social security or savings from previous earnings. Documents must include the beginning and current or ending dates that encompass 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Employment based on student status such as college work study does not constitute gainful employment for purposes of establishing a domicile.
2. For a person unemployed and living on public assistance, written statements from one or more social service agencies located in Texas indicating services were provided for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment.

Residential Real Property

Sole or joint ownership of residential property in Texas with documentation such as a warranty deed to verify 12 consecutive months of ownership prior to enrollment with the person or dependent's parent having established and maintained domicile at the residence.

Marriage to a Person Who Has Established and Maintained Domicile in Texas

A marriage certificate or declaration of registration of informal marriage with documentation to support that spouse has established and maintained domicile in Texas for the 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment.

Ownership of a Business in Texas

Documents that support the ownership and management of a business in Texas by the independent student or dependent’s parent without intention of liquidation in the near future.

Member of U.S. Armed Forces

A member of the United States Armed Services whose Home of Record with the military is Texas is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. A member whose Home of Record is not Texas but who provides Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) that show the member has claimed Texas as his or her place of residence for the 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment.

NOTE An individual whose initial purpose for moving to Texas is to attend a college as a full-time student is presumed not to have the required intent to make Texas his or her domicile. However, the presumption may be overruled by clear and convincing evidence.

Proof of Residence in Texas

The following documents may be required to support physical residence in Texas for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls. These documents do not show the establishment of a domicile.

1. Utility bills for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date.
2. A Texas high school transcript for full senior year immediately preceding the census date and showing presence in the state for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date.
3. A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card that has not expired and, if it reflects an origination date, shows an origination date at least 12 months prior to the census date.
4. Cancelled checks that reflect a Texas residence for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date.
5. A current credit report that documents the length and place of residence of the person or the dependent’s parent to be in Texas and the length of residence to be at least 12 consecutive months preceding the census date.
6. Texas voter registration card that was issued at least 12 months prior to the census date.
7. Lease or rental of residential real property in the name of the person or the dependent’s parent for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date.

Temporary Absences from State

An individual who met the criteria for in-state residency, who is temporarily absent from the state for a short duration (i.e. less than one year) with the intention to always return, does not lose his or her ability to claim Texas as his or her permanent residence. However, in some situations the absence can be significantly longer. Examples include:

1. A person or the dependent’s parent who is temporarily absent from the state for the purpose of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Defense, or U.S. Department of State.
2. A person or the dependent’s parent whose company temporarily assigns him or her to work elsewhere.
3. A person or the dependent’s parent who is temporarily absent from the state for educational purposes.