DEPENDENT: Person, whether or not living with his/her parent, who has been claimed by his/her parent under the federal income tax code (most recent tax return) OR a person who does not meet one of the categories listed below to automatically be considered independent for whom 51% or more of his/her support has been provided by another. Students who are dependent on out-of-state parents are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

INDEPENDENT: Person who provides more than fifty percent (51%) of his/her own support. For persons not meeting one of the categories listed below to automatically be considered independent, a copy of your and your parents’ most recent tax return will be required as proof that you have not been claimed as a dependent.

• The student is 24 years of age or older by the first day of classes of the term for which residency status is sought.
• The student is married.
• The student has children who receive more than half of their support from the student.
• The student has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from the student.
• The student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or is currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or National Guard or Reserves for purposes other than training.
• At any time since the student turned age 13, where both of the student's parents are deceased, or the student is or was (until age 18) one of the following:
  • A ward/dependent of the court or
  • In foster care.
• The student is determined to be an unaccompanied homeless youth by a school district homeless liaison or by a staff member of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.
• The student is working on a master's or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought.

A minimum of two (2) documents is required for a review. The two (2) documents supporting the establishment of legal residence in Alabama must be dated, issued, or filed twelve (12) months before the start of the term in question. Additional documentation other than what is required above may be requested.

• Alabama voter's registration 
• Alabama driver's license
• Alabama state identification card
• Alabama vehicle registration
• Proof of permanent home in Alabama, which is occupied as a primary residence by the individual or by the individual's parent if the individual is a dependent child
• A permanent home in Alabama is evidenced by the applicant's (parent/legal guardian if claiming dependent status; spouse if claiming marital status) name being reflected on the lease/rental agreement and utility bills (if renting) or on the deed/mortgage statement and utility bills (if homeowner). If the applicant's name is not reflected on these documents, then the home is considered a temporary domicile. Residence in someone else's home (i.e., boyfriend/girlfriend, fiancé/fiancée, friend, etc.) does not constitute a permanent residence. Additional supporting documentation may be required.
• Proof of permanent full-time employment in Alabama for at least 30 hours per week for a 12-month period (required: a letter from your HR department stating your position, start date, and hours per week)
• Alabama professional or occupational license

Notes

• Full-time permanent employment is defined as consecutive employment in a permanent job for a minimum of 12 months prior to the semester of qualification (minimum of thirty hours a week). Permanent employment is not defined as a series of temporary jobs.
• The Office of the Registrar cannot consider personal justifications for documents not meeting the 12-month requirement. For example: “I have a driver’s license now, but I did not get a driver’s license when I moved here a year ago because…” CANNOT be considered.
• University dormitories, fraternities, sororities, scholarship houses, and other UWF campus addresses are not considered permanent addresses for residency purposes.
• A marriage license/certificate is required in all cases where a spouse is claiming residency on their partner's behalf.