How to Become a South Dakota Resident as a Full-Time RVer

If you’re a full-time RVer looking for a state that makes life on the road easier, three stand out as the most friendly: Texas, Florida, and South Dakota.

We chose South Dakota—and here’s why:

• Homeschool-friendly laws
• No state income tax
• Simple residency process
• Major savings on vehicle registration (we saved $1,400!)

Before this decision, we had never visited South Dakota. But once we arrived, we fell in love with the Black Hills—and never looked back.

Step 1 – How to Establish a South Dakota Residency

Here’s the exact process we followed:

1. Sign Up for Mail Forwarding

• We used the South Dakota Residency Center, (SDRC) in Spearfish.
• Once registered, they provide a proof-of-address receipt, required for the DMV.

2. Stay One Night in South Dakota

• Keep your campground receipt with your new address.
• We stayed at the Spearfish KOA Campground.

3.Visit the DMV

• We went to the Spearfish Driver Exam Station.
•  (check hours—this DMV is small and limited).
• Arrive early; we were first in line and done within an hour—such a contrast to California!

4. Bring All Required Documents:

• Campground receipt (with your new address)
• SDRC proof-of-address receipt
• Original passport or birth certificate (no photocopies)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of name change (marriage, adoption, divorce)
• Prior driver’s license
• Piece of mail with new address or your mail service agreement

We surrendered our old licenses and walked out with South Dakota driver’s licenses the same day. Scott was sad to give up the number he’d had since age 16, but as I told him—sometimes surrendering means joining the winning team.

Step 2 – How to Register Your Vehicles in South Dakota

Next, head to the County Clerk. office in the historic town of Deadwood .

• If you don’t have the title for your vehicles, have a certified copy sent from your previous state (California took two months).

• With all paperwork in hand, you can walk out with South Dakota license plates the same day.

• We didn’t have everything ready and wanted specialized Veterans plates, so they mailed them to us in Maine via our new forwarding service—easy!

Step 3 – How to Homeschool in South Dakota

1. Familiarize yourself with South Dakota Laws through HSLDA

2. Send in an Alternative Instruction Notification to South Dakota Dept. of Educatiion

3. Begin Homeschooling!

Why We’re Glad We Switched to South Dakota

Before switching residency, our California plates created problems.

Sadly, California’s political reputation and housing market stigma meant we were sometimes treated with hostility: run off the road, cursed at in front of our kids, and flipped off—all because of our plates.

Since becoming South Dakota residents?
Zero issues. In fact, people have been noticeably kinder.

Joshua 22: 4-5

"Now that the LORD your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes... But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law... to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Reflection – It’s Not About Where You Live

This verse reminded us that it’s not about where we live—it’s about who we serve.

Life on the road has deepened our faith, strengthened our family, and increased our reliance on God. But returning to an old hometown can feel risky—we don’t want to slip back into negativity or complacency.

No matter where God leads us, our goal is to:

• Love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul.
• Dedicate daily time to His Word.
• Actively apply His teachings.

We serve God by loving without discrimination. Once we surrender our will to His, everything falls into place according to His perfect plan.

Challenge: Read Luke 6:32. Then choose one person—maybe someone difficult to love—and pray for them. Ask God to give you His heart for them.

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Have a question about becoming a South Dakota resident? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to help!