1. Physical presence in California one year prior to the residency determination date. The residence determination date is the day before classes begin. The one year period begins when you are not only present in California but also have demonstrated clear intent to become a permanent resident of California.
2. Intent to make California your permanent place of residence. A person can only have one permanent place of residence at any given time. Some examples of demonstrated residence are:
   1.  Living in California for two consecutive years
   2. Owning residential property
   3. Registering to vote and voting in California
   4. Obtaining a license from California for professional practice
   5. Holding active membership in service or social clubs
   6. Showing California address on federal tax returns
   7. Having spouse, children or other close relative reside in California
   8. paying California state tax as resident
   9. possessing California driver's license
   10. possessing California motor vehicle license plates
   11. maintaining California as legal state on Leave and Earnings Statement and W-2 Form while in the armed forces
   12. establishing and maintaining active California bank accounts
   13. being a petitioner for divorce in California
3.  Examples of conduct inconsistent with a claim of California residency:
   1. maintaining voter registration in another state
   2. being a petitioner for divorce in another state
   3. attending an out-of-state institution as a resident of that state
   4. declaring non-residency for state income tax purposes
   5. maintaining a driver's license and/or vehicle registration in another state

Palomar College considers these factors more important than the others.

1. Complete the Change in Residence Status Form
2. Obtain copies of documents to support your change in residency. Usually, a copy of your CA driver's license, vehicle registration and last year's CA 540 state tax return (top page only) will suffice. If these documents do not demonstrate physical presence in CA for one year, then please submit a copy of a utility bill, lease or other document that demonstrates physical presence of one year prior to the start of classes. Gathering and submitting documentation for residency is the sole responsibility of the student.
3. Call Admissions Office at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2164 to make an appointment to see a Residency Specialist or fax your documents to (760) 761-3536. If faxing or mailing documents, please call the Admissions Office in 48 hours to confirm your items were received and processed.

1. Active Duty Military & Spouse/Dependents. A person on active duty (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard) and stationed in California and spouse/dependents are granted courtesy residence as long as they are on active duty and stationed in California. Present your current military ID or military dependent ID when you submit your application. If you have been released in the last year and were stationed in California one year prior to discharge, you are entitled to residency status for 1 year from date of discharge. Present your DD214 with your application. One year after discharge, you must submit proof of intent to make California your primary residence.
2. Foreign Student - Aliens and refugees
3. Minors - Minors, 19 years of age or under and unmarried, derive their residency from their parents. If the parent is a California resident and the minor student arrives in California before his/her 18^th birthday, that student receives California residency. If the student arrives after his/her 18^th birthday, proof must be shown that the student's parent is a California resident and claimed the student on their CA-540 state income tax form for the preceding tax year.
4. Undocumented Status, English , Undocumented Status, Spanish - AB 540 Frequently Asked Questions