Acceptable Documents as Proof of Residency or Address
There are a surprising number of ways to prove your address. We’ve created a categorized list below so everyone from retirees to students who are too young to have state ID cards is included. If you don’t have one type of proof, such as utilities in your name, then you will find plenty of alternate options in other places, like financial institution paperwork or even school documents. Remember that all these proofs must contain at least your full name and residential address to be considered acceptable.
Property Related Forms of Proof
Property-related proofs deal directly with the physical location where you live. This might include a bill or contract a homeowner paid to a business for a home repair, but most of these proofs are more directly related to occupying the residence.
· Notarized proof of residency letter
· Mortgage statement or contract
· Authorized change of address form
· Lease agreement for your residence
· Residence permit
· Residential property deed
· Home insurance or car policy
Government Issued Forms of Proof
The government offers a number of options to prove your identity and address. Paperwork like getting your driver’s license renewal in the mail is an excellent place to start looking for evidence of residence. Below are five forms of governmental proof of residence.
· Tax forms from the federal or state government
· Driver’s license
· State ID card
· Car registration
· Letter issued by a public authority (e.g., a courthouse)
Financial Paperwork as Forms of Proof
Banks and financial institutions have to check your ID and have you prove where you live before they issue you accounts. Since these institutions have already verified your address, their paperwork is typically accepted as evidence of where you live.
· Bank statement
· Bank reference letter
· Credit card bill or statement
· Canceled check (dated within 90 days before application) returned by the bank.
· Credit report issued by Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion (dated within 12 months before application)
Utilities Related Forms of Proof
Almost any utility you pay for counts as evidence of your address. Like many of your options, utility companies have already vetted your ID and address, so their services at that address offer reasonable proof you live there.
· Water Bill
· Electricity Bill
· Residential Gas Bill
· Landline Telephone Bill
· Internet Bill
· Cellular Phone Bill
· Trash or Sewer Service Bills
Employment Related Forms of Proof
Employers often provide proof of work forms for various reasons. For example, parolees may need to show they are working to meet the conditions of that parole. Payslips and employment letters are something most businesses are very familiar with issuing. You can use the following three items as proof of address from an employer.
· Company payslip
· Letter of employment on company letterhead
· Pension or retirement statement
Education-Related Forms of Proof
Educational proof of address benefits young adults or underage persons who must show where they live. Parents and guardians are usually required to prove their residence to sign you up for school.
· Official letter from an educational institution
· Report card from grade/high school or college/university
· Certified grade/high school or college/university transcript
· Tuition invoice or other official mail from a college/university (dated within 12 months before application)