How to Acquire State Citizenship
According to the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." As such, you obtain citizenship in an individual state my merely establishing residency in that state. Each state has different rules for obtaining residency, but most are uncomplicated. For example, in order to become a resident of New York state, you merely need to switch your driver's license and car registration to New York.
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Instructions
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Register to vote in the state that you intend to become a resident of. Voter registration signals an intent to reside in a state longer than a temporary basis. Voter registration is a way to establish state residency.
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Obtain a driver's license. If you already have an out-of-state driver's license, visit the local motor vehicle department office to transfer the license to your new state. Obtaining a driver's license is also evidence you intend to remain in the state longer than a temporary basis. Some states, such as New York, require you to transfer your license and vehicle registration withing 30 days of moving into the state. Contact your state's motor vehicle agency for specific registration requirements.
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Reside in the state for a time period specified by the state government. In California, for example, those living within the state for more than six months gain a presumption of California state residency. Facilitate the process by filing a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service and switching all of your bills to an address within your desired state.
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