Guidelines for Determining Residency Status

Residency for tuition purposes is determined by state law and is subject to change by the Texas Legislature. To establish initial residency status, students must complete the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Core Residency Questions, found in the Admissions Application.

Students are responsible for ensuring they use the correct residency classification when applying for admission. If there is any doubt about their classification as a Texas resident or as residing within the Laredo Municipal College District, students must address the issue with appropriate administrative officials before or during registration. Any change in residency status must be reported to the Office of the Registrar.

A student is considered a Texas resident for tuition purposes if they meet both the Domicile and Residency requirements.

Eligibility for Establishing a Domicile

A person may establish a domicile in Texas through:

• A professional license to practice in Texas (e.g., physician, lawyer, nurse).
• Ownership of a business in Texas.
• Ownership of property in Texas.
• Military transfer or release orders to Texas.
• An employment verification letter from a Texas employer.
• A Texas marriage certificate or an informal marriage declaration proving the spouse has established domicile for 12 consecutive months in Texas.
• A visa allowing the person to establish domicile in the U.S.

Documents Supporting Residency

The following documents may support a claim of physical residence in Texas:

• A Texas high school transcript showing attendance during the full senior year before the census date.
• Utility bills for the 12 months preceding the census date.
• Transcripts from a Texas institution showing presence in the state for 12 months.
• A Texas driver’s license or ID card valid for at least four years.
• Canceled checks indicating Texas residency for 12 months.
• A credit report documenting residence in Texas for 12 months.
• Texas voter registration card (not expired).
• Pay stubs for employment in Texas for 12 months.
• Bank statements with a Texas address for 12 months.
• Proof of real property ownership in Texas with utility bills for 12 months.
• Lease or rental agreements for Texas property (excluding campus housing) for 12 months.

Students must provide clear and convincing evidence of domicile and maintain it by completing a Residency Packet at the Office of the Registrar. Residency requests will be reviewed, and if approved, changes take effect the following term. Students classified as non-residents remain in that status until they submit a written reclassification request and receive approval.

In-District Residency

Students meeting the requirements for Texas residency and residing within the City of Laredo boundaries for at least 60 days before the census date are eligible for in-district residency if they are:

• 18 years or older and financially independent, or
• Under 18 or financially dependent, and classified according to the residency of their parents or guardians.

Legal Texas residents living outside Laredo but owning property within the city boundaries and paying ad valorem taxes may qualify for a tuition waiver covering the difference between in-district and out-of-district tuition for themselves and their dependents (Board Action, August 25, 1992).

Proof of In-District Residency

Students must submit a Residency Packet and provide documentation proving residency within the City of Laredo. Required documentation includes three of the following:

• Current bank statements.
• Current utility bills.
• Current pay stubs.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Texas voter registration card (not expired).

Residency status changes are subject to review, and approved changes will apply to the following term. For any questions, students should contact the Office of the Registrar.