A dependent student who was first classified as a nonresident may be eligible for reclassification as a Montana resident if their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have permanently moved to Montana. Both the student and the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must apply together and provide documentation showing Montana residency.

Important: If you are married, you must apply as an independent student. Married students cannot apply as dependents.

If a student is classified as dependent, both the student and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must satisfy the 12-month domicile requirement. Supporting documentation must demonstrate the establishment and maintenance of a bona fide Montana domicile for the entire 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which in-state status is sought. Temporary residence in the state does not meet this requirement.

The 12-month residency period does not begin, or will be considered interrupted, during any time that the student or their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) maintain legal ties to another state or country. This includes, but is not limited to, holding an out-of-state driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, or filing taxes as a resident of another state or country, regardless of the reason.

A residency petition is considered complete only when all required documentation has been received from both the student and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

To be eligible for in-state status, the student and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must have established all legal ties to Montana on or before the 15th class day of the semester in which the 12-month residency period begins. Exceptions to this timeline require a written appeal and explanation, which will be reviewed by the Registrar’s Office Residency Committee.

Deadlines

Residency petitions must be submitted during these windows:

  • Spring Semester: November 1 – December 15

  • Summer Semester: April 1 – June 1

  • Fall Semester: June 1 – August 1

Late petitions may not be processed. If late, you must include a letter explaining your circumstances for review by the Residency Committee.

Documents & Deadlines

The Residency Questionnaire, provided by the Board of Regents, must be completed and signed by the student.

In addition, a separate Supplemental Parent/Guardian Residency Questionnaire must be completed and signed by each parent or legal guardian.

The student and each parent or legal guardian must submit a copy of their Montana driver’s license or state-issued identification card.

If any individual currently holds a license or ID from another state, they must obtain a Montana-issued license or ID prior to the start of the required 12‑month residency petition period to sever that legal tie.

Submitted documentation must clearly display the current issue date and, if applicable, the original issue date.

Montana driver’s licenses and identification cards can be obtained through the local Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office.

The student and each parent or legal guardian must submit a copy of their Montana Certificate of Voter Registration showing the issue date. If any individual is registered to vote in another state, they must register to vote in Montana prior to the start of the required 12‑month residency petition period to sever that legal tie.

Certificates of Voter Registration, which do show the issue date, may be obtained from your local Voter Registration or County Election Office.

Proof of voter registration may also be verified at www.voteref.com; however, not all states are included in VoteRef’s database, and availability may vary.

Voter registration cards DO NOT display the issue date.

The parent or legal guardian must submit a copy of their Montana vehicle registration. If a vehicle is registered in another state but operated in Montana, it must be registered in Montana prior to the start of the required 12‑month residency petition period to sever that legal tie.

Montana vehicle registrations are issued through local County Treasurer offices responsible for vehicle titling and registration. Most offices offer in‑person service, and many support online vehicle registration renewal or initial registration transactions via Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Online Services.

Each parent or legal guardian must submit copies of their most recent pay stub(s) from all jobs held during the current year, showing year‑to‑date gross earnings.

Each parent or legal guardian must submit their most recent Montana resident state tax return.

All required Montana resident tax returns must be filed for any taxable income earned during the period in which residency is claimed.

If you have difficulty obtaining tax return documentation, contact the Montana Department of Revenue at (406) 444‑6900 for assistance.

This requirement does not apply to petitions submitted on behalf of dependent students (i.e., family reclassification petitions).

If the parent or legal guardian relocated to Montana primarily for full‑time, permanent employment prior to the student’s application to MSU, the student may qualify for residency reclassification.

If applicable, this documentation must be submitted along with the Employment Affidavit. Acceptable documentation may include a letter from the employer confirming the relocation or transfer to Montana.

Please note that self‑employment does not qualify for this consideration.

If applicable, submit documentation verifying home ownership in Montana (e.g., a property deed or property tax statement).

This requirement does not apply to petitions submitted on behalf of dependent students (i.e., family reclassification petitions).

  • A student who registers for more than 7 credit hours in any semester during the 12‑month residency establishment period is presumed to be in Montana for educational purposes.  
  • A student who is absent from the state for more than 30 total days during the 12‑month residency establishment period is also presumed to be in Montana primarily for educational purposes.
  • A student who accepts an Academic Achievement Award or a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarship during the 12‑month residency establishment period is presumed to be in Montana for educational purposes.

This information is provided for informational purposes only. Final residency determinations are made in accordance with the Board of Regents’ Residency Policy and the Montana University System’s Guide to Montana Residency Policy.

Appeals

If your petition is denied:

  1. You may appeal in writing within 14 days of the committee’s decision to the MSU–Bozeman Residency Committee.

  2. If denied again, you may submit a second appeal to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education within 14 days of the campus decision.

  3. Appeals must include your letter and any supporting documents.

Submit appeal materials to:

Veronica Jordan – veronica.jordan@montana.edu. She will forward your complete appeal packet to the appropriate committee.

Privacy (FERPA)

All residency petitions and decisions are considered student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

  • Staff cannot share details with parents, guardians, or others without the student’s written consent.

  • Montana law provides additional restrictions for dependent student records.