(Note: The term “residency” below refers to Missouri residency for fee purposes. All interpretation of FAQs and responses will comply with the Missouri residency policy.
How long do I have to live in Missouri to become a Missouri resident?
Determining residency is not based solely on length of time in Missouri, but rather on your purpose for being in Missouri. If your purpose is to obtain your education, that does not qualify you as a Missouri resident. However, if you move to Missouri for other purposes, such as a full-time job, military orders, etc., you may be able to qualify for residency.
Though I live out of state, my family owns a lake house in Missouri where we vacation. Are we Missouri residents?
Simply owning property in Missouri does not qualify you as a Missouri resident for fee purposes.
I’m in the military. Do I qualify for Missouri residency?
If your home of record (or your spouse’s home of record) is in Missouri, then you may qualify for Missouri residency. If you have military orders to be stationed in Missouri, then you may qualify for residency.
Are there any options for me if I don’t qualify for Missouri residency?
Yes, here are other fee-reducing resources:
- Out-of-State fee stipend
- Continue the Tradition Fee Waiver Program
- The Yellow Ribbon program (for military veterans)
We live in a border state but work in Missouri. Do we qualify for Missouri residency?
No, but you may qualify for a tax credit. See section 7G of the residency policy.
My spouse is accepting a full-time job (or being transferred) in Missouri. I plan to go to school full-time. Do I qualify for Missouri residency?
You may qualify for Missouri residency. We would need to have a letter from your spouse’s employer showing date of employment, that s/he is currently employed there, and that s/he is employed there full-time. We would need your marriage certificate as well, in addition to helpful items such as Missouri driver’s license, proof of vehicle tags in Missouri, and voter registration card.
I have signed for a one-year lease on my apartment, and I obtained a Missouri driver’s license and my voter registration card. Am I now a Missouri resident?
No. For fee purposes, signing a lease does not make you a Missouri resident—nor does simply obtaining your Missouri license, vehicle tags, and voter registration. While these items are helpful, they do not alone qualify you as a Missouri resident. Determining residency is not based solely on length of time in Missouri, but rather on your purpose for being in Missouri. If your purpose is to obtain your education, that does not qualify you as a Missouri resident. However, if you move to Missouri for other purposes, such as a full-time job, military orders, etc., you may be able to qualify for residency.
I have lived in Missouri almost all my life, but I moved to another state for just the past two years to accept a job there. Am I still considered a Missouri resident?
No. Your residency is based on your most recent location. Living in Missouri most of your life does not determine your current status.
My parents are divorced, and I live with my mother in a state other than Missouri. However, my father lives in Missouri and provides financial support for me. Am I a Missouri resident?
You may be able to classify for residency for fee purposes. We would need proof of your father’s financial support and his residency in Missouri (for example, a Missouri tax return form with your name listed, a letter from his employer showing his full-time employment in Missouri, etc.).