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Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States

Effective January 1, 2012, all students applying for in-state tuition must provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. The following documents may serve as proof of lawful presence in the United States, students must provide appropriate documentation in order to determine their eligibility for in-state tuition:

  • Current driver's license issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
  • Current photo identification cards issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
  • Current driver's licenses or photo identification issued by:
    • Alabama: Issued after August 1, 2000.
    • Florida: Issued after January 1, 2010, or if the licenses have gold stars in the upper right hand corner. 
    • South Carolina: Issued after November 1, 2008.
    • Tennessee: Issued after May 29, 2004.
    • Any other State: Valid driver's licenses or ID cards with gold stars in the upper right-hand corner.
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate showing students were born in the United States or United States territory (photocopies are not acceptable).
  • Approved, completed Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current financial aid year if students were selected for verification and have provided appropriate documentation to the Financial Aid Office .
  • Current, valid Permanent Resident Cards (USCIS form 1-151 or 1-551).
  • Current, valid military identification cards for active duty soldiers or veterans.
  • U.S. Certificates of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (DS-1350) or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
  • Current U.S. passports.
  • U.S. Certificates of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
  • U.S. Certificates of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).

Students who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States are not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition regardless of how long they have lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy and Procedure V.B.3 to warrant as in-state students. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state residents and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also meet the verification requirement.