Upon Arrival:

1. Obtain your CA driver's license or identification card (if you do not drive).
   1. If you have an out-of state driver's license, you will be required to pass the written portion of the CA driving examination. To find the most convenient DMV, check out this website.
   2. The DMV website will also provide you with information on how to obtain the CA Driver Handbook, how to register for the written portion of the examination, as well as provide you with practice examination questions.
2. Register your out-of-state vehicle in CA. Visit the website above for further information regarding this process.
3. Register to vote in California. This can be done in conjunction with getting your license at the DMV.
4. Close all out-of-state bank accounts, and open CA-based bank accounts using your new CA address.
5. While registering for courses using the URSA system, change both your local and permanent address to your new CA address.
6. Make your new CA address the billing address for all credit cards, debit cards, check cards, etc., in the event that you need to send copies of credit card statements along with your petition.
   

In April (tax time):

1. Pay CA income taxes as a resident, including taxes on income earned outside of CA from the date you moved in. You will be required to submit copies of your federal, CA, and previous state income tax returns along with your petition.
2. If you will NOT be 24 years of age by December 31st of the calendar year for which you are requesting resident classification AND you are NOT receiving University Administered funds (e.g. TA, RA, GSR, or University-based fellowships, grants, stipends) at 49% or more, you should request that your parents/guardians NOT claim you as an income a dependent. This will come in handy when you are required to prove your financial independence. You will be required to submit copies of your parent/guardian income tax returns along with your petition.
   • IF YOUR PARENTS DO CLAIM YOU: 
   • Make sure that you are listed as a California resident!
   • Don't have a non-California firm prepare your taxes.
     
   
   

In June:

1. Pick up the updated Petition for Residence Classification from 1113 Murphy Hall. These should be available around June 30th.
2. Be prepared to prove your physical presence in CA for the summer (especially if you will not be 24 by December 31st).
   1. If you will be doing research on campus over the summer, keep copies of your paycheck stubs on hand. Additionally, you will need to provide a letter from your employer with your permanent address and dates of employment.
   2. If you plan to leave CA for any reason over the summer (vacation, etc.), try to use something other than your ATM card while out of town. The Residence Deputy may ask you to submit a copy of your bank statements for the summer showing ATM activity to prove that you were physically present in CA for the entire summer. Having statement activity indicating your presence in your previous state of residence, for example, would lead them to believe that you are only in CA for educational purposes.
3. Proofread your petition!!!!!
4. Make sure you answered these questions as follows:
   Q: What state do you regard as your permanent home?
   A: California.
   Q: Do you plan to remain in California after completing your education?
   A: Yes.