Article by: Steve Blume, Tiffin Ambassador
One of the best parts of full-time RV living is the freedom to roam—your backyard can be a mountain lake one week and a sunny beach the next. But even when your wheels are always turning, you still need a place to legally call home. Choosing a state of residency affects everything from taxes and vehicle registration to insurance and voting. For RVers, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make before hitting the open road.
That choice isn’t just about geography—it’s about which state offers the most practical benefits for your lifestyle. Before settling on your “home base,” here are the key factors every full-time RVer should weigh.
Mailing Address: Your Anchor Point
Every residency process starts with a permanent mailing address. As full-timers, we don’t usually have sticks-and-bricks homes to use, so we rely on commercial mail-forwarding services. These companies provide a real street address, not just a P.O. Box, that can be used for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, banking, insurance, and voter rolls. They offer services like receiving, scanning, and forwarding mail, and many also assist with establishing residence and registering vehicles.
Taxes
For many RVers, avoiding state income tax is the single biggest motivator. States like Texas, Florida, and South Dakota don’t tax your wages or retirement income, which can mean thousands of dollars in savings every year. But don’t stop there—sales tax and vehicle taxes can also sneak up on you. If you plan to buy a new RV, registering it in a high-tax state could cost you a small fortune compared to a tax-friendly one.
Vehicle Registration
Not all states treat vehicles equally. Some keep it simple with flat fees, while others calculate based on weight or value. Then there are inspections: certain states demand annual safety checks or emissions tests, which can be a real headache for travelers who may not always be available to comply. The appeal of the big three is that they make registration straightforward—and in some cases, inspection-free.
Insurance
Insurance is another piece of the puzzle. Rates for auto and RV policies can swing widely depending on your state of residence. Even health insurance can be affected, since Affordable Care Act marketplace plans are tied to where you’re domiciled. That’s why it’s worth comparing costs before you commit, especially if you’re under 65 and buying insurance on the open market.
Residency Rules
Each state has its own version of what it takes to become “one of them.” Some require a lengthy stay, while others make it almost effortless. South Dakota famously only asks for one overnight visit and a campground or hotel receipt with each person’s name listed, while Texas and Florida focus more on getting your license, registering vehicles, and showing proof of address. Knowing the rules up front can save you frustration down the road.
Ask a group of full-time RVers about residency and you’ll usually hear about the same three states: Texas, Florida, and South Dakota. They’ve earned the nickname “the big three” because each one makes it relatively painless for travelers to declare domicile. None of them charge state income tax, and all three are well-known for accepting mail-forwarding addresses as your legal home base. They each have long-established commercial mail-forwarding services widely recognized by their DMVs and county officials, which is another reason those states are so popular with RVers.
Here’s what you need to know about each:
Texas
Texas is one of the most popular choices for full-timers, and it’s easy to see why. With no state income tax, it’s financially appealing right from the start. Establishing residency is straightforward: set up a Texas mailing address, register your vehicles, and get a driver’s license. Unlike some states, Texas doesn’t require you to spend a certain number of days there before applying.
A recent change also makes it even more attractive—annual vehicle safety inspections were eliminated in 2025, saving residents both time and hassle. The only real wrinkle is for owners of larger coaches: if your motorhome tips the scales over 26,000 pounds, Texas requires you to take a special non-commercial license test. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to know before you roll up to the DMV.
Florida
Florida is another favorite, especially for snowbirds who already spend winters soaking up the sunshine. Like Texas, it has no state income tax, and the residency process is refreshingly straightforward. You’ll need to get a Florida driver’s license, register your vehicles, and if you want extra proof, you can file a Declaration of Domicile with the county courthouse.
The state does insist on two pieces of mail or documents showing your Florida address (such as bank or insurance statements), so many RVers set up their mail forwarding in advance to have the paperwork ready. Florida does charge a one-time $225 “new resident” registration fee when you bring in vehicles, but after that, renewals are based on weight and are easy to handle online. The best part? A regular Class E license covers even the biggest motorhomes—no special tests required.
“When we became full-time RVers, we were living in Michigan. Kristi’s 85-year-old dad wanted to simply sit in the sun—that was his happy place—and Florida boasts 237 days of sunshine a year. We had vacationed there as often as possible for the past 20 years while living in Michigan, so the move felt natural. That, along with no state income tax, made it a no-brainer. RV living allowed us to care for him nearby while still embracing our travel lifestyle.” — Greg & Krisi Hainline
South Dakota
South Dakota has a reputation for being the simplest and least expensive of all. With no income tax and some of the lowest vehicle registration fees in the country, it’s hard to beat for cost-conscious RVers. Establishing residency requires just one overnight stay in the state—save that campground or hotel receipt with each person’s name listed, and you’re set.
You’ll also sign a short Residency Affidavit, basically swearing that you travel full-time and this is your legal home base. Vehicle registration is equally easy: no inspections, ever, and renewals can be handled online. There’s a 4% excise tax on a new vehicle’s value the first time you register, but after that, the yearly fees are minimal. South Dakota also offers a nice perk for travelers—you only need to appear in person for a new driver’s license once every five years, and every other renewal can be done by mail. That means you could go a decade between visits.
“No state income tax and easy qualifications for residency were obvious factors, but after we had our insurance agent quote our vehicles in all three states, South Dakota was the winner by far.” — Randy & Shirley Cunningham
👉 No matter which state you choose, you’ll need a physical mailing address—but don’t worry, there are companies in each state that specialize in providing this service for RVers.
👉 Have legal documents such as wills and trusts reviewed for validity in your chosen state.
👉 Avoid the temptation to use a friend’s or relative’s address, which can expose both of you to legal issues should problems arise.
👉 Residency rules can change, and every situation is different. Always double-check the latest requirements with the state’s DMV before making your decision.
Choosing a state of residency isn’t about giving up your freedom—it’s about making sure the practical details are handled so you can enjoy life on the road. Taxes, registration, and insurance may not be as exciting as planning your next destination, but they’re what keep your wheels turning smoothly.
Pick the state that fits your lifestyle, then get back to what matters most—life on the road.
For RVers, home is where you park it—residency is where you anchor it.
Steve first lives it, then colorfully writes about it, especially his passion for the RV lifestyle. A retired entrepreneur, he and his wife spend half the year traveling the country in their Tiffin Allegro RED 38 KA and the other half at home in Brentwood, TN with family. Married for almost 50 years, once you meet them he and Nancy are easily remembered – he is 6’4″ and she is 4’7″. His articles on business, personal development, faith, fundraising and running have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines over the years.
