I’VE SPENT THE PAST FEW MONTHS at a friend’s place in New Mexico, helping look after him while he’s dealing with cancer, heart problems and some less serious ailments. I will be here as long as he needs me.
In the meantime, my Arizona license and registration are coming up for renewal. It wouldn’t be a big deal to go there to take care of it, or to handle it all remotely, but I got thinking, what if I changed my residency to New Mexico? I considered the pros and cons and decided it’s what I want to do.
Ah, but how do I establish sufficient residency to qualify for a New Mexico license and registration? I went to the state’s Motor Vehicle Division site and looked up the rules. They’re pretty much the same for all states.
#1: Proof of Identity
For most of you, that means either an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid passport, or a Real ID version of your current driver’s license. There are some other, more esoteric documents that also serve, like certificates of naturalization and permanent resident cards. But you probably have this requirement covered in some way. I have a passport and a birth certificate (although I’m not sure where I stowed the latter). So I’m good there.
#2: Identification Number
This is essentially your Social Security number. If you don’t have the original card from way back when (I’m surprised I still do) you can get a replacement online. A pay stub showing the number, or a W-2 form, or 1099 form are also acceptable. I’ve also got this requirement covered.
#3: Proof of Residency
This is the most likely sticking point for nomads. You need an address and you need to prove it. New Mexico, and the other states, require two proofs if you want a Real ID driver’s license, or only one proof if you don’t—although some states no longer offer non-Real ID licenses. So, what do you do if you no longer live in a building like a properly conforming member of society?
Here’s what I’m doing. I’m using my friend’s address—with his permission, of course. After all, I have been living here a while, even if it’s just in my van parked by the house.
Okay, so how I provide documentation that I live there? And what documentation is acceptable? Here’s a list from New Mexico MVD’s site. Other states are similar:
PROOF OF RESIDENCY
TWO (2) OF THE FOLLOWING and MUST INCLUDE APPLICANT’S NAME and PHYSICAL NM ADDRESS:
• Real property rental or purchase agreement *Must be current
• Local Property Tax Document *Must be most current issued by County Assessor
—OR—
The following documents must be dated within 60 days
-
- Utility Bill which includes water, gas, electric, propane, internet, cable, satellite (does not include cell phone bills)
- Bank, Credit Card or Mortgage Monthly Statement
- Employment Pay stub
- Education Institution Document which include a transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation
- City, County, State, Tribal or Federal document attesting to NM residency
- NM Medical Assistance Card with letter from issuing agency that came with card showing name and address or profile print out from issuing agency or benefit award letter showing current benefits
- NM Public Assistance Card with letter from issuing agency that came with card showing name and address or profile print out from issuing agency or benefit award letter showing current benefits
- Document evidencing eligibility and proof that the applicant is currently receiving services from a non-profit organization qualified pursuant to Section 501 (C) (3) of the Federal IRS Code of 1986 provided the document displays the applicant’s physical address.
—OR—
The following documents dated within 6 months and be unexpired
-
- Insurance Bill, Card or Binder *If you are presenting a binder you must be the policy holder **Home, health, life, auto, homeowners and renter’s policies are acceptable.
**Documents showing only a PO Box or HC Address cannot be used
***Printed paperless statements are acceptable
A Way I Hadn’t Noticed Before
One way I could have done this would be to create a rental agreement/lease form (blank ones are available online) and have my friend sign it. It’s what I had done in Arizona. It would mean a trip to a copy center to have the form printed, but, as I said, my friend is ill and I don’t want to inconvenience him.
As I went over the list I saw another way. It wasn’t a new way, just one my old man brain hadn’t noticed before.
I started with my bank account. I went to my online banking portal and chose account preferences. Would they let me change my address without proof? Yes, they would. They never asked. Then I changed from paperless statements to mailed statements. Sometime next month I’ll get a statement showing my New Mexico address.
What about my only other account that issues documents—my car insurance? This was a little more involved. Since I was changing states, and my location determines my rate, I had to call a number shown on the website and talk to an agent. But she made it as painless as possible. Again, I didn’t need to prove my address. And my rate went down because of my new address. My proof of insurance card, with the new address, is on its way. I suppose I could print out the documents they emailed me, but, like a rental agreement, that would be inconvenient. Besides, I have to wait for the bank statement anyway.
Once the above documents have served their purpose at the DMV I can switch back to paperless statements.
And that’s it
By this time next month I should be a legal resident of the Land of Enchantment, the Chile Capitol of the World. You could probably make it work in any other state as long as you have a cooperative friend or family member and the necessary ID and identification number. And a little time to receive the statements.
In some states, you can walk out of the DMV with your new license, title, registration and plates. Other states will only mail them—and only to the address you gave them, not a PO box. If that’s the case, stick around at your new address long enough for the stuff to arrive. Or go wandering and come back when your cooperative friend notifies you of their arrival. Afterward, if it’s more convenient for your nomadic ways, you could set up a mail forwarding account elsewhere, because your residential address and mailing address need not be the same. In my case, I get so little mail that a mail forwarder wouldn’t be necessary. (Yay, more money savings.) So I’ll put in a change of address with the Postal Service and have everything go to my friend’s—or should I say our—place.
Update
The documents mentioned above—insurance card and bank statement—satisfied the Motor Vehicle Division with no problems. I have my new title, registration and plate, and the driver’s license will arrive in the mail after a while. Woo-hoo, I’m a new New Mexican.
I’ve lived in Arizona since 1965, renewed my driver’s license last year, and opted for regular DL. I cannot fly unless I have a passport or an upgraded form of AZ DL which would have allowed flights within the states. One reason I decided not to upgrade was the ridiculous checklist to prove myself worthy. The big issue at the time was that I paid rent for over ten years, inclusive of utilities, by check to my landlord upstairs; and I did not need to get a receipt each time. And because my rent was inclusive, I did not have proof of utilities payments. Also, I retired in 2017; no pay stubs. I did keep my Social Security copy informing me of my monthly payment. Interesting because over the last two years I’ve contemplated NM, as central AZ where I live is virtually occupied by retirees from all over the country desiring the dry clime, and not having to put up with harsher winters of Flagstaff (6900′) , Williams, and even Prescott (5300′). The big game changer about NM is the economy. It has an old Spanish colonial mindset, and although rich in resources, has never fully developed its industrial capacity, unlike Phoenix. Ok, Intel is at Rio Rancho. Industry either goes to AZ or to TX, leap frogging over NM. And makes The Land Of Enchantment a hidden gem for van dwellers, as much attention is given to AZ due to RTR. There are many areas in NM that offer relieve from summer heat. I think that you have found the ‘hidden gem’ that most of us in the southwest know about, although rarely acting upon it! Congratulations!
St. Brendan’s Isle Inc., Walnut St., Green Cove Springs, Fl., 32043 You get a street address.
will let you establish residence including a house number and forward your mail. Designed for travellers. See website for real mail or virtual mail forwarding. Florida has no income tax.
You might want to double check how AZ and NM tax social security.
NM no longer taxes Social Security.
https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/social-security-income-tax-exemption/
Does your Social Security income change when moving your domicile as well as vehicle insurance?
Social Security doesn’t care where you live since it’s a federal program. Medicaid would be affected, though, since it’s handled by states —some of them benevolent and some not.
Need to renew my D.L. into a REAL, as I do Fly from time to time, in two weeks!!
Currently, it’s a Colorado License, but I sold that house 3 years ago and have been Full Timing, again, since then.
I am close (about an hour) to N. Sioux City, S.D., but Live & Work out of Iowa.
Although I’m aware that Mail Forwarders, etc., offer ‘Residency’ out of Sioux Falls, that’s too far for me to go to have a mailbox there, etc.
Who knows what the ‘Residency Game’ is for South Dakota, and how can I get this done by the middle of this month?!?
I know I have to stay at either a Campground or a hotel, for at least one night, and then get a Mailbox Service…at least I think that’s what it is?
Again, anyone know the Specifics?
Thanks in Advance, Geoff
“…that’s too far for me to go to have a mailbox there…” The point of a mail forwarder is that all your mail goes to them and then they forward it to wherever you are.
As for details on residency, DL, registration and insurance, a mail forwarder can give you ALL the details. I did it when I first hit the road and it was fairly painless.
what about your Arizona property up north?
Bob has property, but I (the one who wrote the article) don’t.
Arkansas recently started renewing car tags for 1,2 or 5 years. All you have to do is keep your taxes paid online and keep your insurance up.
That’s what I did in Arizona.
I did the same with my daughter here in NM, now you can enjoy the nm resident discount on the state park
camping pass.
I love the time I am here and enjoy coming back after a trip.
Escapee Travel Club provides several services for people who RV. You can establish an address with them where they will collect your mail and forward to you. For many establishing an address in Washington, Florida, Texas – you can escape paying State Income Tax. For those who have accumulated sizable estates – consult an attorney. My suggestion is putting the assets into an LLC. For those whose only assets is the cargo van and social security – You can get an address from UPS – that will provide a street address – that you can use to establish residency. Kiss – Keep it simple stupid.
Many (most?) states run addresses through the database and reject those that are listed as businesses. Likewise with PO boxes. Yes, Escapees is one way to do it, or mail forwarders in South Dakota, or renting a space in an RV park. But the way I outlined above doesn’t require a membership, contract or other expense. And you can probably do it in any state that suits you.
A slightly off-center reply to this post, but there is a little-known USPS feature for those who rent a P.O. Box. It’s called “street addressing”. Can be hugely useful, though most banks and such can tell that it’s not a residential address, so that is out.
“An additional service to consider adding to your PO Box is Street Addressing. With Street Addressing (if available), you have the option of using the street address of your Post Office location, combined with your PO Box number, as your mailing address. This lets you receive packages from private carriers (such as UPS, FedEx, DHL and Amazon), as long as they comply with USPS mailing standards.” You’ll have to ask at your post office if this feature is available there. Probably is.
Related USPS URLs:
https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm
https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm#streetaddress
https://www.usps.com/pobox/customer-agreement-for-premium-po-box-service-enhancements.pdf
The land of the free? I don’t think so. Too many rules , laws and regulations. Very sad to do this to a citizen of the USA. But thanks for all the information provided.
Go to Mexico or whole South America, you have more freedom down there but less safety. You have to chose in between. They are incompatible. So, one ore the other?
Thanks for the information.