Legal Things to Do When Moving to a New State – Complete Checklist

Moving to a new state is exciting, but before you can fully settle in, there are several legal tasks you must complete. Each state has its own rules about driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, taxes, insurance requirements, and residency guidelines, and missing any step could result in fines or delays later on.

This complete Van Lines Move guide walks you through every legal things to do when moving a new state, in the exact order you should handle them.

11 Legal Things to Do When Moving a New State

🚗 1. Update Your Driver’s License

Almost every state requires you to update your driver’s license within a specific timeframe—usually 10–30 days after establishing residency.

Typical requirements include:

• Proof of residency (lease agreement, utility bill, mortgage statement)
• Proof of identity (passport or old license)
• Social Security number
• Vision test (in most states)
• Payment of state fee

Why this matters:

Driving with an outdated license after the deadline can lead to fines or even being ticketed for invalid ID.

Van Lines Move Tip: Pre-book your DMV appointment—many states have long wait times.

🚗 2. Register Your Vehicle in the New State

This is separate from updating your license.

Vehicle registration usually requires:

• Title to the vehicle
• Proof of insurance issued in the new state
• Emissions testing (required in some states)
• Registration fee
• VIN inspection (certain states only)

Deadlines range from 10 days to 60 days, depending on the state.

Failure to update your vehicle registration can lead to penalties, late fees, and in rare cases, impoundment.

🗳️ 3. Update Your Voter Registration

This is one of the easiest steps and can usually be completed online.

Reasons to update:

• You cannot vote in your new state until registration transfers
• Some states automatically register you when you update your driver’s license (but not all)

You can also register through:

• USPS change-of-address confirmation
• Local county election office
• State voter registration portals

✉️ 4. File a Change of Address with USPS

This ensures:

• Mail forwarding for 12 months
• Updated address with government agencies
• Health insurance and Social Security mail redirected

🏛️ 5. Update Your Address With Government Agencies

Beyond USPS, you must update your address with:

➤ IRS

Use Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your new address.

➤ Social Security Administration

Required for anyone receiving benefits.

➤ USCIS (if applicable)

Non-citizens must update their address within 10 days.

➤ Medicare/Medicaid

Each state manages its own program, so new enrollment may be required.

🏥 6. Update Your Car & Health Insurance

Auto Insurance

All states have different minimum coverage requirements.

Your old policy will not meet legal requirements in your new state.

Tasks:

• Get quotes from insurers licensed in your new state
• Update address for accurate rates
• Avoid coverage gaps (even one day can raise premiums)

Health Insurance

If you move to a different state:

• Your health network may no longer be accepted
• You may need new coverage through an employer or the federal marketplace

🏠 7. Understand State Residency Requirements

To be legally considered a resident, you typically must complete at least 2–4 of these:

• Register to vote
• Get a state license
• Have a lease or mortgage
• Pay state taxes
• Show utility bills in your name
• Open a local bank account
• Register your car in the state

Residency usually affects:

• Taxes
• Tuition for public colleges
• Insurance rates
• Legal status in case of accidents

Each state has different residency timelines, ranging from 30 days to 12 months.

💰 8. Understand New State Taxes

State-to-state tax differences can be huge.

Check:

• State income tax (some states have none: TX, FL, TN, WY, WA, AK, NV, SD)
• Property taxes
• Vehicle taxes
• Sales tax
• Local city/county taxes

You must file part-year tax returns in both the old and new state during the year you move.

🐶 9. Register Your Pets

Most states require:

• Vaccination records (especially rabies)
• County pet licenses
• Microchips for certain breeds

Deadlines are typically 30 days from arrival.

📚 10. Update Schools & Education Records

If you have children:

• Transfer school records
• Provide proof of residency
• Update immunization paperwork
• Enroll in programs required by the new state

Some states have special testing required before school entry.

🧾 11. Update Your Estate Documents & Legal Contracts

When you move states, ensure legal documents reflect the new jurisdiction:

• Wills
• Living trusts
• Power of attorney
• Medical directives
• Business registrations
• Homeowner/tenant contracts

Laws vary by state, so updates are crucial.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Moving to a new state means more than unpacking — you must complete several legal steps to become an official resident. From updating your driver’s license to understanding new tax laws, following this checklist will keep you compliant and stress-free.

Van Lines Move provides long-distance relocation support and guides to help you manage the entire moving process smoothly — from planning to paperwork.