Certificate of Residence

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 can be done no earlier than 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:

1. Resident of New York State for at least one (1) year prior to date of registration to a community college, and
2. 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

1. Complete the affidavit/application.
2. 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.
3. 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 1329
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.

Proof of Residence

Proof of residence must be able to confirm that the student has resided in New York State for at least one year from the date of application and that the student has resided in New York City for at least six months from the date of application. Specific examples can be found below.

Students must submit proof of residency; students may show residency by using option A., B., or C. below.

A            Valid New York State ID

1. • A valid New York State ID which shows both one year of residency in New York City from the date of this application and six months residency in New York City from the date of this application.

OR

B            Two Pieces of documentation

1. • One proof must be dated older than 6 months and demonstrate residence in the state of New York for at least one year immediately preceding the date of registration to a community college.
   • Second proof must be dated more recent than 6 months and demonstrate residence within New York City for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the date of registration to a community college.

OR

C            Parental Documentation

1. • If a student is a dependent aged 24 or younger, they may utilize documentation from their parent(s) or guardian(s) to show proof of residency as described above.
   • Additionally, the student must submit a notarized letter from their parent or guardian confirming that the student currently lives with them at the New York City address and has lived there for at least one full year.

Examples of acceptable proof of residency are:

All proofs must contain the student Name, Address, (P.O. boxes or in care of a third party are not acceptable) and be dated as per the requirements above.

• 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