Tips and Tricks Full-Time RVers Use to Maintain an Address
Whether you’ve decided to travel full time in an RV, or you’re still sitting on the fence about it, there are two questions that have probably popped into your mind.
One of these questions is how you’ll get mail when you live on the road.
And the other is how to get a domicile (or residential) address for things like obtaining a driver’s license, voter registration, or other state-provided services.
In this article we’ll look at different ways you to have both a residential address and mail delivery, wherever you happen to be.
7 Methods for Getting an Address When Your Home is the Open Road
1. Get a USPS or Canada Post Office Box
If you already have a post office box (PO box), you can keep renewing it, and then have mail forwarded to general delivery at a post office wherever you go.
If you don’t already have a PO box, you can use general delivery at the nearest post office.
In the USA, call the post office where you want to pick up mail and ask if it offers general delivery service.
In Canada, go to the nearest post office in person, speak with the postmaster, and request an application for general delivery service.
In Canada, travelers can receive mail for up to four months at any post office, free of charge.
2. Get a private mailbox and a UPS address
UPS stores are often conveniently located and they offer mailboxes.
Not only that, but when you get a UPS mailbox, they provide you with a street address that includes your box number.
The advantages of this option are that you get both a mailing address and a legitimate domicile address as well as perks like mail and package notifications and call-in mail checking.
The downside is that UPS doesn’t offer free mail forwarding.
3. Use your RV park for an address
Many RV parks will accept delivery of mail for monthly or seasonal guests.
So if you stay at an RV park for more than a few weeks at a time, you may be able to make use of this service.
In addition, if you stay at a park for six months of a calendar year, you can use it as your domicile address.
5. Pick up Amazon parcels at Amazon Lockers or pick up desks
Amazon delivers to sites at RV parks, but in my experience, drivers sometimes have trouble finding campsites and your parcel can end up delayed for a day or more.
Many times, it’s easier to have packages delivered to an Amazon locker or pick up location near you. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Amazon.com/ulp/view
- Click on Search near your current location
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get your package delivered to a convenient location
6. If you reside in the US, establish a domicile address in Florida, South Dakota, or Texas
A domicile state is the state where you legally reside and where you register your vehicles, pay taxes, and vote.
If you live in a traditional, sticks and bricks home, your domicile is where you live.
However, for full-time RV travelers, it’s not so simple because each state has its own rules when it comes to residency.
However, you’ll need to establish a domicile in order to remain compliant with tax liabilities, to access your right to vote, and generally access any government services.
That said, Florida, South Dakota, and Texas stand out as favorites for full-time RVers.
Florida
There are a lot of advantages to having a domicile in Florida. Warm weather, no state income or estate taxes, and a large RV community are among them.
However, in order to claim residency, Florida has a whole host of requirements because they want to make sure you really want to live there.
Requirements for getting a domicile in Florida:
- Live in Florida most of the year
- File a Florida Declaration of Domicile
- Obtain a Florida driver’s license
- Register Your Vehicle(s) in Florida
- Register to Vote in Florida
- File a final resident income tax return in your present home state
- Begin filing non-resident, income tax returns in your home state
- Have a residence in Florida
- Change mailing address on account statements to Florida
South Dakota
South Dakota requires proof of 24-hour residency to establish a domicile. This RV-friendly state also offers other perks, too.
A lack of state income tax, low vehicle registration fees, and straightforward residency requirements are among them.
Also, many mail forwarding services are based in South Dakota.
Texas
Texas has a lot of appeal as a domicile state for full-time RV travelers.
Texas is a popular choice due to its lack of state income tax, relatively low property taxes in some areas, and the presence of mail-forwarding services that cater specifically to RVers.
Escapees RV club is based in Livingston, Texas and it offers both mail forwarding and domicile services to members.
Requirements For Getting a Domicile In Texas
- Establish a Texas address
- Register your vehicle in Texas
- Obtain a Texas driver’s license
- Register to vote in Texas
7. Use a Friend’s or Relative’s Address for an Address
Last but not least, you can always use the address of a trusted friend or family member for either a domicile or mailing address.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should ask them first. The downside to this is that people move, and they can also get tired of forwarding your mail to you.
Conclusion
Even with the unfettered freedom full-time RV life offers, you’ll always need an address.
Although we’re living in a digital age where nearly everything can be done online, we still get both mail and parcels from time to time.
In addition, having address allows us to access government services like voter registration, or vehicle registration and licensing.
However, having an address doesn’t have to tie you down to a single location.
Having a PO Box, a mail-forwarding service, and carefully choosing a domicile state that suits your needs allows you to have the best of both worlds.
You can enjoy full freedom to explore and connect with the world around you, while still getting mail and enjoying voting and government services.
Don’t let the address dilemma hold you back from your full-time RV dreams!
The post How to Establish an Address When You Travel Full-time in Your RV appeared first on RV LIFE.
