Certificate of Residence
Why do I need a Certificate of Residence?
A Certificate of Residence issued by your home county (any borough of New York City) entitles you to pay the resident tuition fee when attending a New York State community college outside of New York City rather than the higher, non-resident rate. The New York City Comptroller issues these certificates to qualified residents living within the five boroughs of New York City.
New, first-time applicants must submit the Affidavit/Application form and appropriate documentation (2 forms of proof of address) two months prior to the date of registration for the school year and ending one month after the start of the semester. The certificate is effective for one year from the date it is issued.
Prior to the expiration of the previously issued Certificate of Residence, returning applicants must renew and submit a new Affidavit/Application with two proofs of address to receive a new Certificate of Residence for the current college year. The submission to acquire a renewed certificate of resident MUST be done five-days prior to the expiration of the previously issued certificate of resident. Please note that the 90-day window only applies to new/first-time applicants, and not renewals. Failure to submit a Certificate of Residence along with your tuition payment within the noted time frames will result in the applicant being charged the higher non-resident rate, which is not refundable.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of New York State for at least one (1) year prior to date of registration to a community college, and
- Resident of New York City for at least six (6) months prior to date of registration to a community college.
Note: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, while on full-time active duty and stationed within New York State, and their spouses and dependents are eligible for the resident tuition rate.
How to Apply
- Complete the affidavit/application.
- Email the affidavit/application, plus two items of proof of residency to CertResHD@comptroller.nyc.gov or submit in-person at the NYC Comptroller’s Office.
- Proof of residency must show applicant’s address (not P.O. Box or in care of a third party) and include the applicant’s name.
- One proof must demonstrate residence in the state of New York for at least one year and a second proof that demonstrates residence within New York City for a period of at least six months, both immediately preceding the date of registration to a community college.
- If the applicant wishes to submit the affidavit/application and two proofs in-person, please visit us at the following address:
NYC Office of the Comptroller – ROOM 1225
1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
Attn: Certificate of Resident
Hours of Operations
Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed for all mandated, legal holidays including Veteran’s Day, Election Day and Juneteenth
For assistance on acquiring a Certificate of Residence, please reach out to CertResHD@comptroller.nyc.gov or call 212-669-2784.
Examples of acceptable proof of residency are:
- lease or deed, or, if not available, a letter from a landlord on the landlord’s letterhead listing dates of tenancy and rent payments
- postmarked envelope mailed to you at your current address, dated less than six (6) months ago
- prior year’s income tax return (parents’ or parent’s tax return, if you are listed as a dependent)
- homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
- driver’s license or automobile registration certificate
- bank statement
- automobile insurance policy
- utility bill
- cell phone bill
- selective service card
- voter registration
Note: If residing with your parent, you must bring one of the above proofs that show the permanent, New York City address of the parent/student residence, along with a letter signed by your parent and notarized that states the student is now, and has been for a period of one year, living with that parent.