How do I become a DC resident?

August 1, 2007 3:53 PM

I am currently a "resident" of North Carolina, but I don't live there and never will again. How do I get residency and a driver's license in Washington, DC?

I go to school in Washington, DC, and I will be here for the forseeable future. I'd like to have a DC driver's license and not have to pay taxes to North Carolina.

How do I go about this? this claims that, as a student, I need to have lived in the District for more than a year prior to starting classes, but I'm not seeking educational benefits. Can I get around that and just give them a utility bill or something? What department do I even talk to?

posted by borkingchikapa to law & government (8 comments total)

Oh, I do have an NC license.
posted by borkingchikapa at 3:54 PM on August 1, 2007

I think everything you need to know is linked to on this DC DMV page. Looks like the main burden is showing a utility bill or other official "proof" of residency.
posted by gum at 4:00 PM on August 1, 2007

Here you go.

You need proof of residency, which is usually a bill showing your name and the new address.
posted by smackfu at 4:00 PM on August 1, 2007

This thread may be helpful.
posted by kittyprecious at 5:02 PM on August 1, 2007

The stuff you need besides the usual proof of SS#, current license is:

If you live in a dorm now, a lot of this might be pretty difficult.

* Utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Oil, or Cable) with name and address, issued within the last sixty (60) days.
* Telephone bill (no cell phone, wireless or pager bills acceptable) reflecting applicant's name and current address, issued within the last sixty (60) days.
* Deed or settlement agreement.
* Unexpired lease or rental agreement with the name of the applicant listed as the lessee or renter.
* DC Property Tax bill.
* Unexpired homeowner's insurance policy reflecting name and address.
* Letter with picture from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) or DC Department of Corrections certifying name and residence.
* DC DMV Proof of Residency Form signed by the person owning the residence and a copy of this person's unexpired DC driver's license or DC identification card.
posted by jare2003 at 5:26 PM on August 1, 2007

jare2003--I think you must only need one of those forms, not all of them, right? I know DC's reputation, but I'm pretty sure you don't have to go to jail to claim residency there.
posted by Deathalicious at 5:53 PM on August 1, 2007

Even a dorm room would have a lease or rental agreement.

The difficulty is not proving your DC residency to DC -- they'll be thrilled to have another taxpayer on the books -- but making sure you are clearly a permanent DC resident if North Carolina tries to collect taxes from you. Moving your license and any car registrations may be enough, but the safest thing to do is to make sure your permanent DC address is on everything official and semi-official. File a change of address with your partial-year NC return next spring to make it clear you've moved, along with a change of address form with the IRS. If you're a student, inform your college that you have a new permanent address. If you're male and under...age 26, I think, inform Selective Service of your new address. Etc.
posted by backupjesus at 7:15 PM on August 1, 2007

Oops! Yeah, just one of those forms will work. Should have been more clear.

Yeah, you should be able to switch it, though it might be a hassle - check and see what they need for residency for a college student (probably a rental agreement for the year might work?)

Do you own a car? Are you switching your car as well? THat takes quite a bit more work, but you can check out old Ask MeFis about that.

Also, when you fill out the license app - there is a box where you can inform Selective Service.

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Here's info on the reciprocity permits (getting a temporary street parking permit instead of switching your license over)

Full-time student attending a college or university in District of Columbia

This type of permit is valid for one year and is renewable.

* Statement from registrar's office on the college's or university's letterhead stating that you are a full time student
* Valid out-of-state driver's license
* Valid out-of-state vehicle registration with student's name on the registration
* Proof of Insurance with student's name on the insurance as required by the issuing registration jurisdiction.
* Proof of DC residency

Note: DC law prevents students in Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) areas 2A and 2E and ANC 3D06 and 3D09 (Georgetown area) from receiving reciprocity parking permits. Students in these areas must get a DC driver's license and register their vehicles in the District in order to be able to park in those areas. For information on ANC areas, click here
* If you live on a street zoned for residential parking, as indicated by a two-hour residential restriction sign on your block, you may obtain a residential parking permit (RPP) for an additional fee.
posted by jare2003 at 4:50 AM on August 2, 2007