Application Periods:
Fall: July 15 – September 15
Spring: November 15 – February 15
Summer: April 15 – June 15
Residency reclassification allows you to change your status from a non-resident to a resident for tuition and fee purposes. Your residency status is initially determined during the admissions process based on the information provided in your application. You can apply for reclassification if you were classified as a non-resident and later establish residency in Missouri.
You may qualify for residency reclassification if you, your spouse, or your parent/guardian meet specific conditions, including:
You, your spouse, or your parent/guardian have lived in Missouri for 12 consecutive months.
You, your spouse, or your parent/guardian move to Missouri for full-time employment, professional practice, retirement, or to run a business.
Your parent/guardians are divorced, and one parent/guardian lives and works in Missouri.
You marry a Missouri resident and establish a common household.
You moved to Missouri to work full-time and have decided to enroll at Missouri State University.
Special Circumstances
If none of these circumstances apply to you, you must establish residency in Missouri for at least 12 consecutive months before applying for reclassification.
*Required documents for residency reclassification vary depending on how you qualify—whether through yourself, your spouse, or your parent/guardian. Be sure to review the specific criteria and provide the appropriate documentation based on your eligibility category.
*If qualifying on your own, all documentation must be in your name.
Missouri Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID
Voter Registration (or U.S. Permanent Resident Card if applicable)
Proof of Presence (e.g., lease agreement or mortgage agreement)
Proof of Income (W-2 or Missouri state tax return showing minimum $3,000 earnings)
*If qualifying by your spouse or parent/guardian, all documentation must be in the qualifying party's name.
Brief Personal Statement, which must include your intent to make Missouri your permanent home (outside of being in Missouri for educational purposes).
Missouri Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID
Voter Registration (or U.S. Permanent Resident Card if applicable)
Proof of Presence (e.g., lease agreement, mortgage statement, or notarized residency statement)
Proof of Income (W-2 or Missouri state tax return showing minimum $3,000 earnings)
Military Applicants
Missouri National Guard Applicants
*Required documents for residency reclassification vary depending on how you qualify—whether through yourself, your spouse, or a parent/guardian.
When applying for residency reclassification, you must submit several documents, some of which may require notarization:
You are responsible for applying. According to Missouri State’s Residency Policy, it is your responsibility to apply for residency reclassification after establishing residency in Missouri. You must also provide any required proof of residency as requested by the university.
Reclassification is not retroactive. If your application is approved, your residency status will only be updated for the term in which you applied—it will not apply to previous terms.
Deadlines cannot be extended or appealed.
Your permanent address must be in Missouri. Before submitting your application, update your permanent address with the university to a Missouri address. While your physical address does not determine residency status, your records should reflect your Missouri residency.
Temporary IDs are not accepted. You, your spouse, or your parent/guardian must have a permanent Missouri driver’s license or state identification before applying.
Once submitted, your application will be processed within 2-3 weeks when the university is open. During this time, the Office of the Registrar cannot provide status updates.
Student employment status does not count as proof of residency. If you live in university housing or have a campus job, these do not count as proof of Missouri residency since they are based on your student status.
Some documents may require notarization. Free notary servise are available on campus; call ahead to confirm availability. Notaries at MSU
International Students: Only students with eligible visas or permanent resident status may qualify. F, J, or M visa holders are not eligible.
Disputing Residency Status: If you believe your residency status was misclassified during admission, contact the Office of Admissions at Admissions@MissouriState.edu
Policy and AppealsMissouri State University follows the State of Missouri's residency policy for determining residency status for tuition and fees. Learn more: Residency Policy
For more information or questions, contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@MissouriState.edu.