§ 2021 Temporary Absence Domicile Rules

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that moving to another state or area for a short, temporary stay doesn't change where you legally live, and you can't create a new legal home there unless you plan to stay permanently.

Key Takeaways

•Temporary moves don't change your legal home.
•You only gain a new legal home if you intend to stay there permanently.
•Intent to return is the key factor.

Example

John moves from his apartment in City A to rent a short‑term hotel room in City B for a two‑week vacation, planning to go back to City A afterward.

Because John only stayed temporarily and intends to return home, he keeps his legal domicile in City A and does not gain a new domicile in City B.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 2021 Temporary Absence Domicile Rules

(a) A person who leaves his or her home to go into another state or precinct in this state for temporary purposes merely, with the intention of returning, does not lose his or her domicile. (b) A person does not gain a domicile in any precinct into which he or she comes for temporary purposes merely, without the intention of making that precinct his or her home. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

domicile temporary purposes intention of returning intention of making that precinct his or her home

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 2021.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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