FAFSA Form & Financial Aid Form Blog

Some folks get confused by this question on your FAFSA - what is your state of legal residence?

The state of legal residence has nothing to do with immigration status or anything else - it’s the state in which you, the student, reside permanently. Many students have a school-based mailing address, but they are legally still living at home, at least for tax purposes.

Two easy ways to determine your state of legal residence - it’s whatever is on your driver’s license (if you have one) or whatever address you list on your IRS federal tax return (if you file one).