You can establish domicile in Colorado only if you are residing in Colorado with the present intention to reside permanently in the state. Evidence of Colorado domicile includes actions that in your circumstances would normally be expected of, or that would be characteristic of, any permanent resident. You are expected to take appropriate action on all factors relevant in your circumstances. Pursuant to Colorado law, the Tuition Classification Officer considers a variety of evidence, and any additional relevant information, when evaluating requests for in-state tuition. No single factor or combination of these factors may be considered conclusive evidence of domicile.
The following may be considered as evidence of Colorado domicile:
- Payment of Colorado state income tax
- Colorado driver's license. If you have a driver's license from another state, you must apply for a Colorado driver's license. If you do not drive, you may obtain a Colorado identification card. Please visit the Department of Motor Vehicle’s website (opens in a new tab) for information about identification requirements.
- Colorado vehicle registration. Please visit the Department of Motor Vehicle's website (opens in a new tab) for information vehicle registration requirements.
- Voter registration in Colorado. You may register to vote with your county clerk, or when you obtain your Colorado driver's license, as soon as you move into the State.
- Permanent employment or acceptance of future permanent employment in Colorado.
- Ownership of residential real property in Colorado that is your primary residence. Ownership of vacation or income property is not an indication of domicile.
- Graduation from a Colorado high school.
- Continued residence in Colorado during the summer or during other periods when not enrolled as a student or during periods between academic sessions.
- Other factors particular to your situation may be considered also, and should be documented.
The following may be considered as evidence indicating domicile outside Colorado:
- Failure to pay Colorado state income tax. Filing a nonresident Colorado tax return is persuasive evidence of domicile outside Colorado.
- Failure to comply with any law imposing a mandatory duty on a permanent resident of Colorado. Examples include failure to register a motor vehicle and failure to change your driver's license to Colorado within the statutory periods, as well as failure to file a Colorado state income tax return.
- Return to your former state of residence for a substantial period of time during the summer or during other periods when not enrolled as a student or between academic sessions.
- Maintenance of a home in another state.
- Prolonged absence from Colorado, except for military or government service or for temporary absences required by an employer.
- Any other factor particular to your situation that indicates non-Colorado domicile. Examples include applying for a loan or receiving college financial aid from another state where domicile in that state is a condition for receiving funds, and voting or registering to vote in another state.