How does the domicile change process work for moving to South Dakota?

To change your domicile to South Dakota using SavvyNomad, you'll participate in a guided process with plenty of hand-holding as we help you complete every step to make South Dakota your new legal residence.

Here is a high-level overview of the procedure, from initial steps to ongoing maintenance of your new domicile:

1. Be sure South Dakota works for you: as a frequent traveler from South Dakota, you will be unable to use your address to pay unemployment taxes. While there are many advantages to South Dakota, this is the most limiting factor of a South Dakota domicile. Be sure that you are not currently paying unemployment taxes or that, if you are, you have a contingency plan for when you have your new address in South Dakota. If you are unsure if South Dakota will work for you, contact [e-mail] and we can provide assistance in your domicile selection.

2. Sign up and complete your profile: When changing your domicile, there are many forms involved — and many as the same questions over and over. We simplify the process by pre-populating most forms (and filing for you what we can). To enable us to pre-fill forms on your behalf, we will ask you a number of questions about yourself and various addresses.

3. Complete your USPS 1583 Form: If you’ve selected a plan with mail forwarding, you will need to complete a 1583 form from the US Postal Office. This allows SavvyNomad to legally receive mail that you send us, even if it has your name on it. We integrate with an online notary (proof.com) to make this process as easy as possible. To complete your 1583, you will need to show photo ID (e.g., a passport) and address ID (a document that shows a recent permanent address on it). Please make sure:

   1. For your address ID, you choose one of the options listed on the form in section 9g.
   2. If you select a vehicle or home insurance policy, make sure your photo clearly shows your policy number and effective dates (and is not expired).

4. Obtain a South Dakota address: SavvyNomad provides you with a real, physical address in South Dakota, important for the domicile change process.

   This address will be used for your driver’s license, legal identification, and optional vehicle registration and can also be leveraged for health insurance and other formal purposes.

   In addition, SavvyNomad will provide you with an invoice, showing your legal name and new South Dakota address. This will serve as one of your two required proofs of address when getting your state ID or driver’s license.

5. Document your stay in South Dakota: To claim residency, you must spend at least one night in South Dakota, as state law requires. When you book your hotel stay, make sure to use your new South Dakota address as your billing address. Then, when you get your receipt, it can serve as both proof of your stay in South Dakota and as your second required proof of address.

6. Apply for a South Dakota driver’s license: With your SavvyNomad invoice and lodging receipt in hand, visit a South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS). Present photo ID (e.g., your passport), proof of your Social Security number (e.g., social security card or a recent 1099/W-2), and your proofs of address.

7. Complete a residency affidavit: As a full-time traveler from South Dakota, there is a an affidavit you will want to complete declaring your status as such. You can read more about this here.

8. Vehicle registration: If applicable, complete your vehicle’s profile within the SavvyNomad portal. In addition, take a photo of your new South Dakota driver’s license and email it to [e-mail]. SavvyNomad will complete your vehicle registration and be in touch with any follow up questions from the county treasurer’s office.

9. Notify IRS and Employer: Update your employer with your new address to ensure proper tax withholdings and documentation.

   SavvyNomad will inform the IRS of your change of address by filing Form 8822.

10. Strengthen Your Ties: Use your SavvyNomad address to open a local bank account if desired, and update all personal and business correspondences to reflect your new domicile.

11. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain comprehensive records of all actions taken to establish your new domicile, including receipts, updated documents, and correspondences, to verify your residency status when needed.

12. Cut ties with your old state: Finalize your domicile change by severing ties with your previous state of residence. This might involve switching healthcare providers and updating your address for all personal accounts to ensure there are no legal ties that could complicate your domicile status or link you back to your former state of residence.

13. Maintain your domicile: To uphold your South Dakota domicile, it's important to not spend more than 183 days in any other single state within a calendar year. This helps to avoid creating a taxable presence or implying residency in another state, ensuring your legal residence remains firmly in South Dakota.

Do you still have questions?

Reach us at [e-mail] 

We are here to help!