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For anyone looking to attend a community college in New York State, the Certificate of Residence form is an essential document that can significantly reduce tuition costs. This form serves as proof of residency, allowing eligible students to qualify for the lower resident tuition rate instead of the higher non-resident fees. To obtain this certificate, applicants must demonstrate that they have lived in New York State for at least one year and have been a resident of New York City for at least six months prior to applying. The application process involves completing an affidavit that requires notarization, confirming your residency details and the college you plan to attend. Importantly, the Certificate of Residence must be dated no more than two months before the semester begins, ensuring that the information remains current. The New York City Comptroller's office is responsible for issuing these certificates, which are valid for one year. Students must submit this document annually, along with proof of residency, to maintain their eligibility for the resident tuition rate. Failure to provide this certificate can result in being charged the higher tuition rate, making it crucial for applicants to understand the requirements and process involved.
Sample - Certificate Of Residence Form
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DIRECTIONS
LAST NAME |
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FIRST NAME |
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SOCIAL SECURITY # |
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE |
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Important: A Certificate of Residence must be dated two (2) months or less prior to the start of the semester.
CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE
AFFIDAVIT (or AFFIRMATION) and APPLICATION
For New York City Residents
In connection with attendance at community colleges in New York State.
Pursuant to Article126, Sections 6301 & 6305 of the Education Law.
I, __________________________________________________________ do hereby swear (or affirm) that I reside at
(applicant's full name)
__________________________________________________________________, State of New York; that I now am
(permanent New York City address, including borough and zip code)
and have for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the date of this affidavit (or affirmation) been a resident of the State of New York; that I now am, and have been for at least six months immediately prior to the date of this affidavit (or affirmation), a resident of New York City, county of _____________________, and that I have lived at the
(county of residence)
following places during the year immediately prior to the date of this affidavit (or affirmation) and application:
ADDRESS(ES) |
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DATES (From – To) |
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I further state that I plan to enroll in ________________________________________________ and that this affidavit
(community college)
(or affirmation) is made for the purpose of securing from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the City of New York a certificate of residence pursuant to the requirements of Article 126 of the Education Law.
___________________________________________________
(sign in presence of Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds)
Your signature must be notarized before this affidavit (or affirmation) is submitted.
Sworn to (or affirmed) before me this
___________ day of ________________________________, 20________
Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds
THIS SPACE FOR USE OF CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER OF NEW YORK CITY (COMPTROLLER)
Certificate issued ( ) |
Certificate not issued ( ) |
Date _____________________ |
By ________________________ |
Education Law, Section 6305 (3), provides: "The chief fiscal officer of each county, as defined in section 2.00 of the local finance law, shall, upon application and submission to him of satisfactory evidence, issue to any person desiring to enroll in a community college as a non‐resident student, a certificate of residence showing that said person is a resident of said county . . . Such person shall, upon his registration for each college year, file with the college such a certificate of residence issued not earlier than two months prior thereto, and such certificate of residence shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance."
Rev. 7/12
CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE
Information and Directions
For Residents of New York City
A Certificate of Residence issued by your home county entitles you to pay the resident tuition fee to attend a community college in New York State and not the higher,
The Certificate of Residence is EFFECTIVE FOR ONE YEAR from the date it is issued. You must apply for and submit a new Certificate of Residence to your college once a year, every year at the beginning of the semester (or quarter), along with your tuition payment. If you do not submit the Certificate of Residence, you will be charged the higher,
RESIDENCY QUALIFICATIONS:
Resident of New York State for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the date of application, and also
Resident of New York City for at least six (6) months immediately prior to the date of application.
Note: Members of the U.S Armed Forces, while on
TO APPLY:
All applicants (students) must provide two forms of proof to verify residency: ONE THAT IS DATED MORE THAN SIX MONTHS AGO AND ONE DATED LESS THAN SIX MONTHS AGO. Proof must show applicant's address (not P.O. Box or in care of a third party) and include the applicant's name.
Examples of acceptable proof of residency are:
lease or deed, or if not available, a letter from a landlord on the landlord's letterhead indicating 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 listed as 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 parent, you may 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 parent and notarized that states the student is now, and has been for a period of one year, living with that parent.
Fill out the AFFADAVIT AND APPLICATION form (reverse side) and have it NOTARIZED. A Notary Public is available at the NY County Clerk's Office, New York State Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, Room 141B, Mon. – Fri. from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (Valid photo ID required.) The Comptroller's Office does not notarize.
Present the original, NOTARIZED AFFIDAVIT plus the TWO ITEMS to prove residency in person to:
Office of the New York City Comptroller One Centre Street (Municipal Building) Room 1329, Certificate of Residence Desk New York, NY 10007
Open ONLY during these hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Not open on weekends or holidays).
Questions regarding the above may be directed to (212)
File Specs
| Fact Name | Description |
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| Purpose | The Certificate of Residence allows eligible New York City residents to pay resident tuition fees at community colleges in New York State. |
| Governing Law | This form is governed by Article 126, Sections 6301 & 6305 of the New York Education Law. |
| Residency Requirement | Applicants must be residents of New York State for at least one year and residents of New York City for at least six months before applying. |
| Application Validity | The Certificate of Residence is valid for one year from the date of issuance. |
| Submission Timeline | The Certificate must be dated no more than two months prior to the start of the semester in which the student intends to enroll. |
| Notarization Requirement | The affidavit must be notarized before submission to ensure its validity. |
| Proof of Residency | Applicants must provide two forms of proof of residency, one dated more than six months ago and another dated less than six months ago. |
Certificate Of Residence - Usage Guidelines
Completing the Certificate of Residence form is an important step for New York City residents planning to attend community colleges in New York State. This process ensures that you qualify for resident tuition rates. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form correctly.
- Print the form: Obtain the Certificate of Residence form and ensure it is printed clearly.
- Fill in your personal information: Write your last name, first name, and Social Security number in the designated spaces.
- Provide your address: Enter your permanent New York City address, including the borough and zip code.
- State your residency: Confirm that you have been a resident of New York State for at least one year and a resident of New York City for at least six months prior to the date of the affidavit.
- List your addresses: Fill in all the places you have lived in the past year, along with the corresponding dates.
- Indicate your college: Write the name of the community college you plan to enroll in.
- Sign the affidavit: Sign your name in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds. Your signature must be notarized.
- Gather proof of residency: Collect two forms of proof that verify your residency. One must be dated more than six months ago, and the other must be dated less than six months ago.
- Submit your application: Present the notarized affidavit along with the two proof items in person at the Office of the New York City Comptroller.
After submitting the form and required documents, wait for the Chief Fiscal Officer to process your application. If approved, you will receive your Certificate of Residence, which will allow you to pay the resident tuition fee at your chosen community college.
Your Questions, Answered
What is a Certificate of Residence?
A Certificate of Residence is a document that allows eligible residents of New York City to pay the lower resident tuition rate when attending community colleges in New York State. It confirms that the individual has been a resident of New York City and New York State for the required periods prior to their application.
Who is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Residence?
To be eligible, you must have lived in New York State for at least one year and in New York City for at least six months before applying. Additionally, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in New York State, along with their spouses and dependents, can also qualify for the resident tuition rate.
What documents do I need to provide when applying?
You need to provide two forms of proof of residency. One document must be dated more than six months ago, and the other must be dated less than six months ago. Acceptable documents include a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or a letter from your landlord, among others. These documents should clearly show your name and current address.
How do I complete the application process?
First, fill out the Certificate of Residence Affidavit and Application form. This form must be notarized. You can have it notarized at the New York County Clerk's Office. After notarization, submit the original affidavit along with the two proof documents in person to the New York City Comptroller's Office at One Centre Street, Room 1329, during their business hours.
How often do I need to apply for a Certificate of Residence?
You must apply for a new Certificate of Residence each year at the beginning of the semester or quarter. The certificate is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not submit the certificate, you will be charged the higher non-resident tuition fee.
What happens if my application for a Certificate of Residence is denied?
If your application is denied, you will be notified by the Comptroller's Office. You can inquire about the reasons for the denial and may have the opportunity to correct any issues or provide additional documentation to support your residency claim.
Where can I find more information or assistance regarding the Certificate of Residence?
For more details, you can visit the New York City Comptroller's website at www.comptroller.nyc.gov. If you have specific questions, you can also contact their office directly at (212) 669-2784 during business hours.
Common mistakes
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Not Dating the Form Correctly: Make sure the Certificate of Residence is dated within two months of the semester start date. If it's older, it won't be accepted.
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Missing Notarization: Your signature must be notarized. If you skip this step, your application will be rejected.
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Incorrect Residency Proof: Provide two forms of proof of residency. One must be dated more than six months ago, and the other less than six months ago. Ensure both documents show your name and address.
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Incomplete Application: Fill out all sections of the affidavit and application completely. Leaving out information can lead to delays or denials.
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Providing a P.O. Box: Your proof of residency must show a physical address. A P.O. Box or third-party address won't work.
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Failing to Submit on Time: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Plan ahead to avoid any issues with your enrollment.
Documents used along the form
The Certificate of Residence form is essential for students attending community colleges in New York State. It allows residents to pay the lower resident tuition fee rather than the higher non-resident fee. In addition to this form, several other documents are often required to support the application process. Below is a list of these documents, along with brief descriptions of their purpose.
- Proof of Residency Documents: Applicants must provide two forms of proof to verify their residency. One must be dated more than six months ago, and the other must be dated less than six months ago. Acceptable forms include utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements that show the applicant's name and address.
- Affidavit and Application Form: This is the document that the applicant must fill out and have notarized. It affirms the applicant's residency in New York City and is necessary for obtaining the Certificate of Residence.
- Notarized Signature: The applicant's signature on the affidavit must be notarized. This step verifies the authenticity of the application and is a critical requirement before submission.
- Identification Documents: A valid photo ID is required when submitting the application. This can be a driver's license or any government-issued identification that confirms the applicant's identity.
- Additional Residency Verification: If the applicant resides with a parent, a notarized letter from the parent is necessary. This letter should state that the student has been living with the parent for at least one year and include the parent's address.
Gathering these documents is crucial for a successful application for the Certificate of Residence. Each piece of documentation serves a specific purpose in confirming residency and eligibility for resident tuition rates. Ensuring all forms are correctly filled out and submitted can help streamline the process for students seeking affordable education options.
Similar forms
The Affidavit of Residence is a document that serves a similar purpose to the Certificate of Residence. It is often used to verify an individual's residency status, particularly when applying for benefits or services that require proof of residence. Like the Certificate of Residence, the Affidavit of Residence must be completed and notarized. This document typically requires the applicant to provide details about their current address and the duration of their residency, ensuring that the information is accurate and legally binding.
The Residency Verification Form is another document akin to the Certificate of Residence. This form is commonly used in various contexts, such as applying for in-state tuition or certain public services. It requires the applicant to provide proof of their residency status, often needing supporting documents like utility bills or lease agreements. Similar to the Certificate of Residence, the Residency Verification Form aims to confirm that an individual meets the residency requirements set by the institution or agency they are applying to.
The Voter Registration Application also shares similarities with the Certificate of Residence. When individuals register to vote, they must provide proof of residency to ensure they are eligible to vote in their respective districts. This application often requires the same types of documentation as the Certificate of Residence, such as a driver's license or a utility bill. Both documents emphasize the importance of residency verification in accessing rights and services within a specific geographic area.
Lastly, the Homestead Exemption Application is comparable to the Certificate of Residence in that it requires applicants to prove their residency to qualify for property tax benefits. This application is used by homeowners to claim a reduction in property taxes based on their primary residence. Just like the Certificate of Residence, the Homestead Exemption Application necessitates supporting documentation that verifies the applicant's residency status, reinforcing the connection between residency and eligibility for financial benefits.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Certificate of Residence form, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. Here are seven things you should and shouldn't do:
- Do print all information clearly. Illegible handwriting can lead to delays.
- Do make sure the form is dated no more than two months before the semester starts.
- Do provide accurate residency information, including your current address and the duration of your residency.
- Do gather two forms of proof of residency, ensuring one is dated more than six months ago and the other less than six months ago.
- Don't use a P.O. Box as your address; it must be a physical location where you reside.
- Don't forget to have your signature notarized before submitting the affidavit.
- Don't submit incomplete documentation, as this can result in the denial of your application.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application for the Certificate of Residence is processed efficiently and without unnecessary complications.
Misconceptions
Here are seven common misconceptions about the Certificate of Residence form:
- It is only for new students. Many believe the Certificate of Residence is only necessary for first-time students. In reality, all students must submit a new certificate each year to qualify for resident tuition.
- It can be dated anytime before the semester starts. Some think they can submit a certificate dated well in advance. However, the certificate must be dated no more than two months prior to the start of the semester.
- Proof of residency is optional. There is a misconception that applicants can skip providing proof of residency. In fact, applicants must submit two forms of proof showing their address, one dated more than six months ago and one dated less than six months ago.
- Only utility bills can serve as proof of residency. Many assume that only utility bills are acceptable. In truth, various documents, such as a lease, bank statement, or voter registration, can also verify residency.
- Notarization is not necessary. Some applicants think they can submit the affidavit without notarization. This is incorrect; the affidavit must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public.
- Residency requirements are the same for everyone. Many believe that all applicants face the same residency requirements. However, specific rules apply to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, allowing them to qualify for resident tuition while stationed in New York State.
- Submitting the certificate guarantees resident tuition. Some individuals think that simply submitting the Certificate of Residence ensures they will pay resident tuition. It’s important to note that if the certificate is not submitted, the applicant will be charged the higher non-resident tuition rate.
Key takeaways
Key Takeaways for Filling Out and Using the Certificate of Residence Form
- The Certificate of Residence must be dated no more than two months before the semester starts.
- Applicants must be residents of New York State for at least one year and New York City for at least six months prior to applying.
- To qualify for resident tuition, submit the Certificate of Residence along with your tuition payment at the beginning of each semester.
- If the Certificate of Residence is not submitted, you will be charged the higher non-resident tuition fee.
- Provide two forms of proof of residency: one dated more than six months ago and one dated less than six months ago.
- Acceptable proof includes lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements, and voter registration, among others.
- The affidavit must be filled out completely and notarized before submission.
- Submit the notarized affidavit and proof of residency in person at the Office of the New York City Comptroller.
- Office hours for submission are Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; it is closed on weekends and holidays.