Domicile state is the state in which you are residing continuously for a period of last five years. The word or phrase domicile refers to housing that someone is living in, or (law) the residence where you have your permanent home or principal establishment.Domicile is more permanent and is essentially somebody's home base. Domicile refers to the place you call home permanently. Your domicile is important for legal purposes such as paying taxes, voting, and claiming benefits. In California, the term "residence" is synonymous with domicile and is defined in Government Code section 244. The word or phrase domiciles refers to housing that someone is living in, or (law) the residence where you have your permanent home or principal establishment. See Section L,. Meaning of Domicile. A nonresident is any individual who is not a resident.