What Is a Proof of Residency Letter?
A proof of residency letter is a legal document used to verify a person’s current residential address. It is sometimes referred to as an affidavit of residency or a residency affidavit. It is a sworn statement that confirms that you live where you say you live.
This letter is helpful if you don’t have other documents, like a bank statement, to prove your address. The details can change depending on what the requesting organization requires. Most letters include your name, address, how long you’ve lived there, and a signature from people who can confirm your residency.
When Do You Need a Proof of Residency Letter?
Consider some situations where you may need a proof of residency letter:
- DMV or state ID applications: Many states require you to provide proof of address when applying for a driver’s license or a state identification card.
- School enrollment: Public schools may request a residency affidavit from the parents or guardians to prove that a child lives within the district.
- Financial institutions: Banks and mortgage companies require proof of residency when opening a new bank account, applying for loans, or making certain transactions that require additional verification.
- Government programs: You may be asked to show proof of current residential address when applying for government benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security.
- Housing and rental programs: You may need an affidavit of residency to qualify for rental assistance, apply for housing programs, or verify your address in a housing dispute.
Who Can Write a Proof of Residency Letter?
A proof of residency letter can be written by the person whose address is being confirmed. In the letter, they can list other people who can verify and confirm that they live at that address.
- The landlord or property owner can confirm the tenant’s current address.
- A family member or guardian can write the letter for minors or dependents.
- An employer can write the letter when providing housing through a job.
- A roommate or housemate can confirm that the resident lives at the same address.
If the affidavit is being written for a minor for school enrollment purposes, a parent or guardian must write the affidavit. The parent or guardian would need to confirm their own address and clearly explain that the child lives with them at the same address.
Anyone listed in the affidavit should have direct knowledge of your residential address. It is also important to note that making false statements in an affidavit may be considered perjury, leading to serious legal consequences under federal law (18 US Code § 1621) as well as associated state laws.
How to Write a Proof of Residency Letter
A solid proof of residency letter clearly declares where you live and lists reliable people to support your statement. Follow the steps below to write your own affidavit of residency. You can also use a Legal Templates form to quickly generate a personalized proof of residency letter that meets your needs.
Step 1 – Add the Title and Date
Start the letter with a clear title such as “Proof of Residency Letter” or “Affidavit of Residency.” Include the date, since some agencies may only accept recent documentation.
Step 2 – Identify Yourself as the Resident
You will need to provide the following personal identification details in your letter:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security Number
- Your full current residential address
- Your length of residency
Step 3 – Mention Who Can Vouch For You
Include the full legal name and relationship of the person who can confirm your address (such as landlord, family member, employer, or roommate). Keep in mind that this person must be someone other than your spouse. This is because a partner is usually considered too biased to provide objective proof.
Step 4 – Provide a Statement of Truth and Signature
Add a short statement confirming that the information in the letter is true and accurate. Sign and print your name at the bottom of the letter. You can also include your phone number or email address at the bottom if the organization needs to contact you for further information.
Step 5 – Complete Notarization (if required)
In most cases, the proof of residency letter must be notarized because it is an affidavit or a sworn statement. Be sure to sign the letter before a notary public. Notarizing your letter gives it legal weight.
Sample Proof of Residency Letter
View our proof of residency letter example to see what information to include. Use our step-by-step questionnaire to complete a free proof of residency template and download it in PDF or Word format.
Other Documents That Can Prove Residency
In addition to a residency letter, you may also be asked to show supporting documents that list your name and current address, for example:
- Utility bills: Use recent water, gas, electricity, or internet bill.
- Lease or rental agreement: A signed lease shows your current address.
- Driver’s license or state ID: If you present this type of identification as proof of residency, it must display your current address.
- Bank or credit card statements: These documents may include your current address for billing purposes.
- Voter registration card: It shows where you’re registered to vote, which is where you live.
- Government correspondence: IRS tax forms, Social Security statements, and property tax bills often include your current home address.
Always check with your state or local agency to confirm which documents they accept as proof, since requirements vary. Some states also publish official lists of acceptable proof of residency documents. For example, the California DMV requires two residency documents when applying for a REAL ID (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13 § 15.01).
