Why are we in South Dakota?

Prior to travelling abroad for a year, we arrived in South Dakota to establish residency.

Since we sold our home and all of our vehicles, including the little Subaru which got us to Kansas, we are no longer tied to Connecticut. Unlike Connecticut and the majority of US States, South Dakota does not have a state income tax!

Establishing residency in SD requires a mailing address (provided by Dakota Post), a documented overnight stay (hotel receipt) and a trip to the DPS (Department of Public Safety) to fill out the drivers licence, voter registration and resident applications. On the residency application you affirm that you are travelling full time, do not have a residence in another state, and that after your travels you intend to return to South Dakota. This process must be repeated every 5 years to maintain your SD status.

With an online appointment scheduled, the entire office process was completed within an hour, and with our newly minted drivers licences we are now residents of South Dakota.

State Song: Hail, South Dakota:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2v_dC_f-Wo

A quick word on Dakota Post and the services they provide. Dakota Post will receive your mail which is available for viewing 24-7 through an online portal. They will either shred, scan or forward your mail on request. They will help you through the residency process, and if you need to register a vehicle they can sort that out as well.