Couple from UK buying their first RV!
Hi Everyone Not sure where to start. I have so many questions. Here’s our story. We currently live in the UK. Starting in early 2014, we want to buy an RV and spend part of each year (3-6 months)...
Forum Discussion
I sent you a pm which might be of interest.
As ex-pats ourselves, here is a bit more info
The B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa, one step up from the Visa waiver scheme however most DMVs don't know that. In Arizona you can arrive, get an 'address' typically at a UPS store mailbox and go to DMV with your passport, visa and I94 and they will register you for a driving license that expires when your I94 does - typically 6 months.
You will not be considered resident for tax purposes so your tax liability in the US is nill (other than sales tax) as you are not permitted to work here. Your tax liability will be wherever you have 'residence' sounds to be the UK in your cases. Essentially you are on an extended holiday (vacation).
Some places in Arizona (Lake Havasu) have no inspection or emissions testing.
Insurance in the US is more expensive than in the UK and there is no such thing as a 'No Claims Discount' - most if not all Insurers will accept a foreign driving license but may charge a premium, getting the US license will solve that one.
Registration fees are based on a depreciated original sticker price and can be expensive in some States for high end rigs. If you are looking at $400,000 motorhomes then it's an issue - at $50,000 much less so.
The other issue is how heavy your RV will be - typically a 40' diesel will require a special license in many States - under 26,000lbs then all States will let you use a regular car license. The special (non CDL) test is another complication you can do without.
Keep the questions coming - happy to help!
As ex-pats ourselves, here is a bit more info
The B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa, one step up from the Visa waiver scheme however most DMVs don't know that. In Arizona you can arrive, get an 'address' typically at a UPS store mailbox and go to DMV with your passport, visa and I94 and they will register you for a driving license that expires when your I94 does - typically 6 months.
You will not be considered resident for tax purposes so your tax liability in the US is nill (other than sales tax) as you are not permitted to work here. Your tax liability will be wherever you have 'residence' sounds to be the UK in your cases. Essentially you are on an extended holiday (vacation).
Some places in Arizona (Lake Havasu) have no inspection or emissions testing.
Insurance in the US is more expensive than in the UK and there is no such thing as a 'No Claims Discount' - most if not all Insurers will accept a foreign driving license but may charge a premium, getting the US license will solve that one.
Registration fees are based on a depreciated original sticker price and can be expensive in some States for high end rigs. If you are looking at $400,000 motorhomes then it's an issue - at $50,000 much less so.
The other issue is how heavy your RV will be - typically a 40' diesel will require a special license in many States - under 26,000lbs then all States will let you use a regular car license. The special (non CDL) test is another complication you can do without.
Keep the questions coming - happy to help!
