Certificates of Residence are issued to Dutchess County residents who are planning to attend community colleges within New York State (excluding Dutchess Community College which does its own certificates.) Certificates may be filed with the Commissioner of Finance no sooner than sixty (60) days prior to and no later than thirty (30) days after the class start date. Each applicant must have resided in Dutchess County for at least six (6) months and in New York State for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the date of application. Required proof of residency is outlined in the Certificate of Residence Information Sheet (.pdf) . The Affidavit (or Affirmation) and Application for Certificate of Residence (.pdf) can be obtained from the County or the community college. Applicants can submit their applications in person or by U.S. mail. Original signatures are required - Faxed and e-mailed applications are not acceptable.