Full timing Tx vs Fl vx SD for mail and license

rockhillmanor wrote:
I think TX still has emission testing. Which means you would have to go back every time you need to renew plates.

Check for tax laws also. Some have no state tax so you don't have to pay taxes on your SS/retirement, etc.

Go to Escapees.com

This is based in TX and SD, but they have a LOT of great info about everything you need to know on their site for the first timer starting out. Good Luck :C

You know, you keep posting the same MISinformation over and over again. You do not have to go back to get 'safety' checks done - - only when you are actually IN the state do you need to have it done. And if you are registered in one of the smaller counties (like Polk county, where Escapees is located) then there is NO emission check, just the lights, brakes, wipers, etc. And you get your plates in the mail - you don't have to go back for that either. We know people who haven't been back in 5 years. The only time you need to go back is for the 2nd drivers license renewal - so you can be gone for 12 years before returning!!!!!

Barb

TX emissions test - not needed unless you're licensing in one of the bigger cities; Houston, Dallas, etc.

TX state inspections - not needed if you never stay in TX past the grace period. If you don't stay in TX - no inspections needed. You can even drive right through TX enroute to somewhere else and if within the grace period - no inspections is needed.

Mail forwarding: The Escapees RV Club has a terrific service. They will give you a real street address in Livingston, TX - not a P.O. Box which can cause problems in other areas. We've used them for 17 years.

kagraham65 wrote:
... My question is this -- if I choose Tx for my mail service does my driver's license have to be from Tx? Likewise for SD or Florida?

It depends, if you're just using the mail service for convenience and not changing your Domicile, then you can keep your DL and everything else in your current domicile state. But if you intend to change your domicile state (as most fulltimers do), then yes you must change your DL, your vehicle registrations, your insurance, and all your personal affairs to your new domicile state.
Just moving your mail service doesn't make you a resident of FL, SD or TX; its moving your entire personal affairs to that state (and physically leaving the previous state) that changes your domicile, whether you live in a home, an apt or an RV.

rockhillmanor wrote:
I think TX still has emission testing. Which means you would have to go back every time you need to renew plates.

It is the inspection sticker that gets renewed. You only have to do that when and if you return to Texas after it expires.

If you keep your DL in NJ, how will you get the new one when it's time to renew?

Logic says, the mail forwarding will get the notification and forward to whatever location you happen to be in. With stricter HLS regulations (Real ID Act), you have to provide more documentation to renew (in some states) or get a DL in a different state as most have transitioned over.

I kept my other state DL as we have kids who live in the other state. But when it was time for renewal, I had to go in and appear in person even though I'd had the same DL for nearly 30 years. Had to bring unexpired DL, birth certificate, marriage license and 2 documents proving our address. I brought bank statement and cell phone bill. All documents were scanned into their computers, they took a new photo and I paid and received my new DL a few weeks later at my DD's.

DH has the tags for both vehicles, his DL and full time insurance is all in the same state as our UPS Store Address. Simplifies the process.

I think TX still has emission testing. Which means you would have to go back every time you need to renew plates.

Check for tax laws also. Some have no state tax so you don't have to pay taxes on your SS/retirement, etc.

Go to Escapees.com

This is based in TX and SD, but they have a LOT of great info about everything you need to know on their site for the first timer starting out. Good Luck :C

www.myrvmail.com has mail forwarding service in Crestview, FL that provides a permanent address which you can use for drivers licenses once you have proof of residency. You will need a bill showing that address. Each state has a list of documents required for proof of residency on their drivers license site.
Also Escapees in Livingston TX should be able to help.

We have been registered in SD for over 10 years and feel that we have made a good choice. It has to do with taxes and such.

Typically, people use texas, SD, and FL for residency to avoid state taxes. If you don't want to avoid state taxes, there is no reason to limit your mail service to those states, nor do you need to change your license. If you want to use those states for residency, then yes, you need to change your license and registration.

At some point you are going to need to renew your current drivers license and you will need a physical address plus other documentation to do so.

It's a lot easier as a FT'r to have everything from one state.

Picking a 'domicile' state is more than just DL's and mail forwarding service.
Taxes not just state but retirement/pension, medical coverage, insurance coverage/costs, inheritance/estate tax etc.