How to become a California resident if you're moving to California then you may be wondering what it will take for you to become a resident of the state while the process for becoming a resident is relatively easy there are a few requirements to establish a legal record of residency once you establish your residence in California you'll need to transfer your state document if you want to qualify for in-state college tuition you'll have to meet additional requirements establishing your residence in California plan to live in California for at least nine months of the year when you move to California you can immediately begin establishing your status as a resident however you will not be considered a legal resident in the state unless you live there at least three quarters of the year if you have homes in more than one state your California home should be your primary residence if you are trying to establish your residency in order to qualify for state tuition you must live in California for more than a year at least 366 days directly before the residents determination date to get state tuition you must also come to California with the intent to live there not just to go to school if you have homes in more than one state your California home should be your primary residence if you are trying to establish your residency in order to qualify for state tuition you must live in California for more than a year at least 366 days directly before the residents determination date to get state tuition you must also come to California with the intent to live there not just to go to school sign a lease on a house or apartment if you want to be a resident you need to have a place to reside signing paperwork on a lease or mortgage is one of the first steps to become an official resident if you don't have a place of residence then it will be difficult to establish legal residence in the state you must have a legal address to be considered a resident save copies of this paperwork as you'll need it to demonstrate that you do in fact live in California now save copies of this paperwork as you'll need it to demonstrate that you do in fact live in California now use other papers to prove your residency if you aren't renting or buying if you don't own a house don't pay rent or just don't have a permanent address you can attain a California driver's license or ID using other documents that show you are living in the state approved documents include the following home utility bills including cell phone school documents with your date of birth medical documents employment documents faith-based documents with the name and the address of the issuer insurance documents IRS our California Franchise Tax Board returns vehicle or both titles change of address confirmation for the Postal Service