How to Regain Your Rights to State Citizenship

You can retain citizenship in your primary state of residence, if you are visiting another state with the intent to return.

When reclaiming citizenship in a particular state, the state will look at your everyday habits rather than declarations of residency. There are a few simple steps you can take to reclaim residency in a state. Make a clean break from your prior state of residence. Claiming residency in two states may hinder your ability to obtain benefits offered by the state where you primarily reside.

Instructions

1. Sell your home in your old state of residence. Obtain a permanent residence in the state where you want to claim citizenship. Reside there for at least 30 days. Move all your belongings to your new state of residence.

2. Obtain a driver's license in the state where you are a resident. Register your vehicles in that same state.

3. Register to vote in the state where you want to obtain citizenship. Stop voting in your prior state of residence.

4. Obtain employment in your new state of residence. File income taxes as a non-resident for any money earned from your previous state of residence.

5. Arrange for all mail and financial records to be mailed to you at your permanent address in your new state of residence.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek legal counsel to ensure that you have met the specific requirements for your state with regard to state residency and citizenship.

References

• Changingears.com: Changing State Residency