I need Residency Help please! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

I need Residency Help please!

bigredoes · RV-Dreams Family Member

The best way to get answers to any and all of your questions is to search out one of the many businesses in SD that provide this service to RVers...

We are "SD" residents and found it simpler to have all of our 'eggs' in that basket at the same time....Drivers license, registered to vote, etc. I do remember that the woman who runs My Dakota Address told us to keep the license plates on our cars until they expired and then switch them over at that time.

We did this as soon as we were no longer earning income in our former state (retired).

But everyone's story is different so I would encourage to get your answers from the people in SD who have the experience.

Sorry if I didn't 'really' answer any of your questions...

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

One I located in SD: Your Best Address.com located in Sioux Falls. Best Of Luck! Pieere

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, I was also looking at America's Mail Box. Anyone know which is a better service? Americas Mail box or Your best Address?

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Changing your driver's license is pretty much one of the primary indicators of calling a state your domicile. And depending on how aggressive the state of MI is in getting its rightful tax dollars, you may or may not be setting yourself up for difficulty by registering out of state while keeping ties to MI.

We're with MyDakotaAddress.com in Madison, SD - and Terri there has been very helpful over the years in helping us figure it all out. We went with her service simply because she was the first to respond with helpful info when we sent out inquiries to the various services. And we've been happy there since. But I'm sure any of the services there can help you with these sorts of questions.... they do this stuff day in and out. Whereas the rest of us typically do it once :)

I do recall that when we registered our first vehicle in SD (right after buying it, to save on the taxes) we were told we had 90 days from when we registered our vehicle to complete our residency by appearing in SD to get our driver's licenses. This was back in 2007, and I know some things have changed in getting a DL as a traveler, so it's possible the grace period has changed too.

I do know that there weren't law enforcement officers following us around the country (and we were already on the road, not technically residing anywhere) and making sure we met that 90 days, and we encountered absolutely no questions at the DL office when we did arrive pretty much at day 92. But had there been issues such as traffic violations, accidents or insurance inquiries - we could have been pushing our luck.

- Cherie

bigredoes · RV-Dreams Family Member

We also use MyDakotaAddress.com in Madison SD - Terri is an absolute pleasure to deal with - she goes out of her way to be helpful. I am not entirely sure of the various levels of service she provides but a simple check of the website would answer all of them.

Good Luck with wherever you choose

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ugh. I think I am going to just stay a Michigan resident for now. I have to pay income tax here anyway cuz we have
rental properties.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

SD was looking good but it's over $200/year to register my coach. I guess if I ever trade I could make up the savings but for now I guess I will remain in FL.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

For those of us in CA $200 would be a bargin. Hopefully this will be the last year for registration in CA.

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here in Michigan...we get a "lifetime plate" for $200. I think I may just go that route, less hassle.

SueMac · RV-Dreams Family Member

You will hear good things about all of the SD mail forwarding services. We used Alternative Resources in Sioux Falls for years. Then bought a home in Box Elder, SD. Now, as we prepare to go back to full timing, we'll use America's Mailbox. Great folks, and they are local (Box Elder as well). Since we still have some church responsibilities, we'll be in the area part of the year and it will be easy to pick up our mail from therm. When on the road, we'll have it mailed to us.