Steps for Obtaining North Carolina Residency

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents only - within 10 days from the start of your first semester of classes, you must do the following:

1. Obtain a North Carolina driver's license
    
2. Register your car in NC and obtain NC license plates
    
3. List your personal property for taxation
    
4. Register to vote in North Carolina (U.S. Citizens only)
    
5. Open a savings and a checking account at a local bank or credit union.
   
6. If possible, convert membership(s) in professional associations, service or civic groups, churches, etc. to local chapters of these groups.
    
7. After completing steps 1-6 contact Terry DeRubeis (thesis_editor@ncsu.edu, 515-4497) within the first 10 days of classes to ensure your application will be accepted.
    
8. Fill out residency application form. IMPORTANT: wait until three months before the end of your second semester before filling out and submitting residency application form. See instructions for details.

NOTE: It is wise to save all rental agreements, canceled checks, etc. because you may be asked to provide specific proof of the dates of your residency. Also, do not delay in following the steps above -- the sooner you become a resident, the better chance you will have of becoming a resident for tuition purposes. Students who have waited until late in their first year of residency to begin these actions have been denied residence status.