This service enables a student to use one residency determination for when applying to multiple North Carolina public colleges and universities. To claim residency, you must submit a residency application to the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS).The NC Division of Motor Vehicles recognizes the documents below as proof of North Carolina residency. Have 12 months of physical presence in North Carolina. • Have held legal residency for at least 12 months prior to the start of the requested term. Visit the North Carolina Residency Determination Services website for more information. Step-by-step Guide to Filling out Residency Application. The NC Residency Determination Service determines residency for tuition purposes for all UNC System universities.