“I currently live with my mother while I’m in school and do not have any utilities in my name nor do we wish to do so. I read somewhere that you need a letter from the person who owns the house stating that you live there, I also read something about it, needing to be notarized, but that’s pretty unreasonable considering my mother is always at work at the times where I need to be at the DMV. Do you have any advice?”

It’s a common situation for students living with parents to not have utility bills in their name. Here’s a breakdown of advice, keeping in mind that exact DMV requirements can vary by state:

General Principles for Proving Residency as a Dependent:

• Affidavit/Statement of Residency: Many DMVs do have a specific form or accept a letter from the homeowner (your mother, in this case) stating that you reside at their address.
• Proof of Relationship: You’ll likely need to prove your relationship to the homeowner. A birth certificate showing your mother’s name would usually suffice.
• Supporting Documents (even without your name on utilities): Even if utilities aren’t in your name, there are often other documents that can help establish residency.
• Check Your Specific State’s DMV Website: This is the most crucial step. Every state has slightly different requirements. Search for “[Your State] DMV proof of residency” or “[Your State] DMV requirements for new driver’s license/ID.” Look for sections related to “minors” or “dependents” or “living with parents.”

Addressing Your Specific Concerns:

1. “Letter from the person who owns the house stating that you live there”: This is often called an “Affidavit of Residency” or “Statement of Identity and/or Residence.”
   • Content of the Letter: The letter from your mother should clearly state:
     • Her full name and address.
     • Your full name.
     • That you reside at that address with her.
     • The date.
     • Her signature.
   • Notarization: This is where it gets tricky and depends heavily on your state.
     • Some states do require notarization for these affidavits. If this is the case, you’ll need to find a way to get it notarized. Many banks offer notary services, and there are often mobile notaries or notaries available at shipping stores (like UPS or FedEx stores) with more flexible hours.
     • Some states do not require notarization, but may require the homeowner (your mother) to be present with you at the DMV. This is often a more convenient option if notarization is difficult.
     • Some states accept the letter without notarization or her presence, as long as it’s accompanied by other acceptable proofs of residency for you.
2. “Unreasonable considering my mother is always at work”:
   • Notarization Solutions (if required):
     • Mobile Notary: Look for mobile notary services in your area. They often come to you, which might be easier to schedule around your mother’s work.
     • Bank Notaries: If your mother banks somewhere, check if they offer free notary services to their customers.
     • Shipping Stores/Mail Services: Places like UPS Store or FedEx Office often have notaries on staff, sometimes with evening or weekend hours.
   • DMV Presence (if required instead of notarization): If your state requires your mother to be present, you’ll need to coordinate a time when she can go with you. Some DMVs allow appointments, which might make it easier to plan.

Alternative/Supporting Documents You Might Be Able to Use:

Even if you get the letter, the DMV often requires two or more proofs of residency. Since you don’t have utilities in your name, consider these:

• School Documents:
  • Official school transcripts or report cards showing your name and the residential address.
  • Enrollment verification letter from your school on letterhead.
  • Student loan documentation.
• Bank Statements:
  • If you have a bank account, see if you can update your mailing address to your mother’s address and then get a printed statement (not an online printout, often they need an official statement mailed to you or printed by the bank) with your name and address.
• Mail:
  • Some DMVs accept postmarked mail with your name and the current address (e.g., junk mail, magazine subscriptions, official correspondence).
• Medical Documents:
  • Health insurance statements or medical bills with your name and address.
• Employer Documents (if applicable):
  • Pay stubs with your name and address.
  • A letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your name and address.
• Vehicle Registration/Insurance (if applicable):
  • If you have a car registered or insured at that address, these documents can sometimes serve as proof.
• Parent’s Documents: Some states explicitly state that for minors or dependents, you can use a parent’s driver’s license/ID or other proof of residency (like a utility bill in their name) in conjunction with proof of your relationship (birth certificate) and potentially the affidavit.

My Best Advice:

1. Go to your specific state’s DMV website FIRST. Look for the exact requirements for the type of license/ID you’re applying for and for individuals living with parents/dependents.
2. Print out the list of acceptable documents.
3. Prepare as many supporting documents as possible from the list that include your name and the residential address, even if they aren’t utility bills.
4. Confirm the notarization requirement. If it’s required, explore mobile notary services or places with extended hours. If your mother needs to be present, plan accordingly.
5. Consider calling your local DMV office (though getting through can be tough) if the website isn’t clear, and ask specifically about the affidavit and notarization for someone in your situation.

By being well-prepared with multiple forms of documentation, even if they aren’t the primary ones you might expect, you’ll increase your chances of a smooth DMV visit.