For tuition purposes, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are not residents of California may be able to establish California residency to be effective in one year. This process is not automatic. In all cases, the student must petition prior to the first day of instruction for the semester resident classification is sought.

To become a California resident for tuition purposes, you must show that you have lived in California and established intent to make California your permanent home for more than one year before the first day of classes for the semester for which you seek resident status. You must be physically present in California one year prior to the beginning of the term (366 days). You must begin to document your presence in the state as soon as you arrive.

· You must have a valid California operator's license to drive a car, motorcycle, or moped in the state. You can apply for a license at any of the local offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in nearby Oakland (5300 Claremont Avenue or 501-85th Avenue) or El Cerrito (6400 Manila Avenue). *

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you must pass a written test of California vehicle laws, as well as an eye exam, and provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have a valid license from another state or if you plan to operate a motorcycle, you must also pass a driving test.

Obtain a driver's license or a California Identification Card (if you have never had an out-of-state driver's license) within ten days of settling in California.

Appointments can be scheduled through the California DMV web site (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dmv.htm); general information can be obtained by calling (800)777-0133. You can pick up a copy of the California Driver Handbook outside of Graduate Admissions in 309 Sproul Hall.

· Register your vehicles in the state of California within 20 days of settling in California. Vehicles are registered at the local DMV office.

· Open a local bank account as soon as possible and close all non-California bank accounts. Retain official documents showing the opening and closing of your accounts.

· Register to vote and vote in California elections. Voter registration forms are available outside of Graduate Admissions at 309 Sproul Hall, at voter registration tables on Sproul Plaza, or at any fire station, public library, or DMV office. The form is postage-paid; just fill it out and drop it in the mail. You should receive verification from the County Registrar within four weeks of submitting your application. If you do not receive confirmation of your voter's registration, you should immediately contact your county's Registrar of Voters.

· Use your California address as your permanent address. Do not list your parents or any other out-of-state address as a permanent address on any University forms or other legal documents.

· Remain in California when school is not in session. Travel for purposes of research, fieldwork or a fellowship may not necessarily jeopardize your resident classification if the absence is part of a regular requirement for your degree program or fellowship. Contact the Residency Office at 39 Sproul Hall for more information regarding any absences outside California.

· Physical presence in California must be demonstrated during nonacademic periods. You should keep all dated material that proves your presence in the state, including airline tickets; paycheck stubs from work; credit card receipts; and bank and credit card statements showing ATM, credit card, and debit card activity. Students with joint accounts should consult with the Residency Office, 39 Spoul Hall. Credit card receipts need not be signature copies. Please note that the foregoing items are primary indicators of physical presence and will be weighed heavily in determining your status. Items such as copies of lease agreements, rent or utility checks, etc., are much lesser indicators of physical presence and are not acceptable alone.

Your intent will be questioned if you are absent from California for more than 21 total days during the period in which you are establishing resident status for tuition purposes. Graduate students who are planning to travel outside of California for more than 21 total days during nonacademic periods should visit the Residence Affairs Office, 39 Sproul Hall, to seek advising prior to filing for classification and leaving the state.

· Financial independence is another factor considered when determining your eligibility for classification as a California resident for tuition purposes. Financial independence is not a factor in determining residence for graduate students who are employed as Graduate Student Instructors or Graduate Student Researchers for a minimum of 49 percent time or awarded the equivalent in University-administered funds for the term in which resident classification is sought.

For more information, contact the Residency Office at 39 Sproul Hall, (510) 642-1614, or see the handout "Establishing Legal Residence for Tuition Purposes at the University of California," available at the Graduate Division, in your department, or on the Office of the Registrar Web site (registrar.berkeley.edu/Residency/legalinfo.html).

Note: This summary is not a complete explanation of the law regarding California residence. Please note that changes may be made in the residence requirements between this publication date and the relevant residence determination date.