Establishing physical presence and intent To meet these requirements, you must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date (generally the first day of classes) and intend to make California your home permanently.

To claim California residency, particularly for in-state tuition or tax purposes in 2026, you must demonstrate "physical presence" and "intent" for at least one full year (366 days) prior to the residency determination date. Physical presence means you must be living in the state continuously; absences exceeding six weeks can disqualify your claim. Intent is proven through legal ties: you must obtain a California Driver’s License or ID card, register your vehicle in the state, and register to vote in California within specified deadlines (usually shortly after moving). Crucially, you must "sever ties" with your former state, which includes filing a California resident tax return and closing out-of-state bank accounts or voter registrations. For students under 19, residency is generally derived from their parents, meaning the parents must meet these requirements. Merely attending school in California does not constitute residency; you must prove that your move was for reasons other than just obtaining an education.