How to Establish Residency in Another State

You may want to take advantage of certain financial benefits that are available if you establish residency in another US state. For example, you may want to set up a residency in a state other than your own for the benefits of a business you want to incorporate (lower taxes, etc.) or for lower personal taxes (or eliminating state tax). You may want another or a different residency for the purpose of securing in-state tuition at a university or college that you would be unable to attend otherwise, because of the expense of out-of-state fees.

Establishing residency in a new state can be performed generally in the same manner in all of the 50 US states. However, you need to check any specific state and the particular part of the state that interests you for more details. This would include the length of time one must live in that state in order to qualify legally as a state resident. Be sure to examine any new state's specifications for making actual residency complete. Some US states require you live in the location for only six months. Other states require a full year to establish residency.

You will need an actual street address in your new state, and not a P.O. box or a Private Mail Box (PMB) address, which is often listed as only a street address. The US Postal Service can determine fraudulent residencies in this way and this can cost you at least a hefty fine.

You may not establish residency in two different US states, because this could lead to multiple voting in federal elections and this is a crime. You might own homes in two or more states, but you can only choose one US State as your primary residence.

You may be interested in paying only lower, in-state college fees rather than out-of-state tuition. In this case, check with the college or university you want to attend and determine their specific requirements state residency. Some schools require proof you have lived in the community for two years prior to even applying to the college or university. Refrain from taking advantage of in-state residency status for college in two US states at once. If and when you are found out, those privileges will end and you may be fined and/or prosecuted for fraud. However, if you are in the US military, many universities and colleges will offer you nonresident (out-of-state) tuition waivers. This benefit is often offered to dependent relatives living with you as well.

To establish legal residency in a new US state:

• Locate a place to live in the new state. Purchase a home if you can.
• Spend substantial time in the new state during vacations and holidays.
• Maintain social and business relations in the new state.
• Have a bank account in the new state.

• Next, establish a living address with the U.S. Postal Service by going to the nearest post office and filing a change of address form.
• Have your important documents transferred to your new address (insurance, memberships, licenses, etc.).
• You will then need to find a job, pay taxes, and file tax returns in the US state in which you seek residency.
• Obtain a driver's license and car registration in your new US state, or apply for a non-driver's state ID card if you do not drive.
• Next, register to vote in your new state.
• If you have professional licenses, have them transferred to your new state. DO this by contacting the governing board of your occupation in the new state (nurses, physicians, social workers, attorneys, etc.). Temporary licensing can often be granted immediately while you are waiting for the permanent license.