New residents of Massachusetts may need to provide proof of residency when applying for health coverage or other benefits when they first arrive in Massachusetts. Even existing residents may need a proof of residency letter from time to time to allow them to apply for loans, open bank accounts, and take advantage of various programs offered in Massachusetts.
This post covers how to write a proof of residency letter, some of the secondary documents that may be used to support your letter and residency, and provides templates and samples to assist in preparing the letter.
What Is a Proof of Residency MA Letter?
The proof of residency letter provides information concerning where you live and for how long you have lived at the address in Massachusetts, along with contact information. It also summarizes any documents you may have attached supporting your address claim. In effect, it can be considered as a transmittal letter to the agency requiring proof of residency.
Essential Elements
All Massachusetts proof of residency letters must include the following details to support your residency claims and the support programs etc.; you may be applying for.
- Your full name and current Massachusetts address must be included in the letter
- Your Massachusetts address must match government records and government-issued documents
- Any supporting documents included as supporting information must include the company’s logo, name and address, and your name and your Massachusetts current address
- The documents must be current. In most cases, they should not be older than 60 days; however, check with the agency you are sending the proof of residency for specific requirements.
- You may need to provide a minimum of two supporting documents, and they must correspond with your name and address shown on your proof of residency letter.
Note: The agency you are providing the proof of residency to will have a specific list of acceptable documents that must accompany your proof of residency. There may be a need to have your signature witnessed, and/or they may also require the letter and the document to be notarized.
Proof of Residency MA Letter (Template)
The agency you are providing proof of residency letter to may indicate on their website the information they need to establish proof of residency. Some will even provide a template that can be used; however, the following template provides all the information most agencies require, is professional, and follows a business format.
[Your Legal Name]
[Your SSN if needed]
[Date of Birth]
[member ID if applicable]
[Full Address including State and Zip code]
[Contact phone number]
[Email address]
To Whom it May Concern
I confirm that I, [ Your name], live at [Your street address, including unit number].
I confirm that I, [Your name], have resided at this residence for [years] beginning on {Date]. Please accept this letter and attachments as proof of my Massachusetts residence for [Add purpose].
I, [Your name], guarantee that the above information is accurate. I have added the following documents to support my proof of residency (Note – documents must show your name and address):
[Document 1]
[Document 2]
Thank you,
[Your Signature] [ Date]
[Your Printed Name]
Witnessed
I/we have witnessed the aforementioned claims made by [Your Roommates Name] and confirm their residency status.
Witness signature [ Signature] [Date]
[Printed name of witness]
Witness signature
[ Signature] [Date] [Printed name of witness]
State of [State Name]
County of [Name of County]
Sample Proof of Residency MA Letter
John Green
SSN:123456789
Birth Date: April 1, 1961
Member ID:123456
Suite 601, 100 Grant St., Waverly, MA, 123456
Mobile Phone: 123-456-7890
To Whom it May Concern
I confirm that I, John Green, live at Suite 601, 100 Grant St., Waverly, MA, 123456.
I confirm that I, John Green, have resided at this residence for five years, beginning on June 1, 2017. Please accept this letter and attachments as proof of my Massachusetts residence for health coverage.
I, John Green, guarantee that the above information is accurate. I have added the following documents to support my proof of residency (Note – documents must show your name and address):
Lease agreement for Suite 601, 100 Grant St., Waverly, MA, 123456
Electrical invoice for Suite 601, 100 Grant St., Waverly, MA, 123456
Thank you,
[Your Signature] [ Date]
John Green
FAQs
The following are several of the most frequently asked questions regarding proof of residency in Massachusetts.
Proving you are a New Massachusetts resident requires gathering documentation that supports your residency in Massachusetts. A new lease signed with a landlord and a new mortgage on a property you purchased is two examples that can be used to indicate your residency. For a complete list, please refer to the next question many readers have.
New residents should consider their situation and focus on the documents that are easiest to obtain. Over time, more items will qualify as proof, for example, utility bills, driver’s licenses, etc.
There is a lengthy list of documents that can be used to support proof of residency in Massachusetts. In most cases, the document should be no more than 60 days old, and you may need at least two documents to support the address where you reside in Massachusetts. Usually, the documents you select as supporting documentation are listed in your proof of residency letter and must meet the requirements of the agency you are sending the letter to.
Note: Always check with the agency beforehand to confirm the documents they accept and whether the documents need to be notarized.
The potential list of supporting documents must show a Massachusetts address and includes:
ᐅ MA(Massachusetts) driver’s license
ᐅ MA(Massachusetts) -issued professional license
ᐅ Annual Social Security Statement (most current)
ᐅ Bank statement showing the current address in Massachusetts
ᐅ MA(Massachusetts) Property Tax Bill (most current)
ᐅ MA(Massachusetts) Utility Bill (no more than 60 days old)
ᐅ Voter Registration card (current)
ᐅ Excise tax bill (current year)
ᐅ MA(Massachusetts) vehicle registration (most current)
ᐅ Payroll stub showing the current address in Massachusetts
ᐅ Tuition bill (most current) from a MA(Massachusetts) college/university for yourself or a dependent
ᐅ Certificate of Residency from your Massachusetts (MA) city or town
ᐅ Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for your MA(Massachusetts) home (current year)
ᐅ Mortgage documents for your MA(Massachusetts) -based residence
ᐅ A rental agreement for your MA(Massachusetts) -based residence (current year)
ᐅ Official Change of Address Confirmation Letter from the United States Post Office (no more than 60 days old)
Key Points
Each agency may have its specific requirements for establishing proof of residency MA. Always confirm the requirements before assembling the documents and preparing your letter.
Attaching supporting documents is a great approach; however, they must show your name and current address in Massachusetts.
Witnesses and/or notarization are sometimes required. Always have your witnesses and/or notary witness your signature. Never sign the letter ahead of time. They may also want to review your supporting documents.
New residents will need to show proof of residency that commits them to live in Massachusetts, such as a long-term lease or mortgage for a home they have purchased. Once they have lived at the address for a longer period, additional documents such as utility bills or driver’s licenses can also be utilized.
It is considered a violation of civil and criminal codes to provide false information in a proof of residency letter, which may be punishable under Massachusetts law.
