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Old 05-15-2020, 06:14 AM   #1
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Where to register motorhome

I'm looking at a winnebago from a couple who spent 15 years full time wandering all about. Since they didn't have a permanent location they could register the MH anywhere they wanted and said South Dakota was the least expensive state for it.


Is this common in the community? Does it pose any issues when camping in, say, California? What do people here like to do?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-15-2020, 06:28 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IWander View Post
I'm looking at a winnebago from a couple who spent 15 years full time wandering all about. Since they didn't have a permanent location they could register the MH anywhere they wanted and said South Dakota was the least expensive state for it.


Is this common in the community? Does it pose any issues when camping in, say, California? What do people here like to do?

Thanks in advance!

Kind of depends on how long you plan to stay in distinct locations, like CA, and if you own a house in another state. If you don't own a house, and plan on changing your voting to the state your RV is registered in, and have car/truck also registered there, shouldn't be too much problem.

Montana, SD, Texas, and Florida are often used by full timers.
Sign up for a mail forwarding service, and go for it!

Make sure your RV insurance specifically covers you as full timers.
Also medical may be an issue, but there are threads here that address that. Make sure the RV is inspected, recommend a professional inspector, if a coach, get a qualified inspector to look at chassis/drive train as well. Good luck in whatever you do!
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Old 05-15-2020, 06:29 AM   #3
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We registered ours there and set up residency there with a personal mail box company. Got drivers license and registered to vote. Saved me personal property taxes of about $1600 a year. The one thing negative I did find out about is insurance costs. Mine doubled once I notified USAA of the new legal residence. Still save money overall since SD does not have an income tax.
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Old 05-15-2020, 07:27 AM   #4
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If you are a full-timer, you can choose where to register. Remember that will be your legal address so driver’s license, car registration, and voting will have to be in the same location. If you have a home somewhere else, you are legally required to register your RV, cars, etc in the same location. Yes, some people go to significant extremes to try to get around this, but the tax implications of getting caught are pretty significant.
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Old 05-15-2020, 07:40 AM   #5
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This are many discussions on this site regarding your questions.

Due diligence is required less a state decides to audit you and assume you're hiding from taxes. Calif is one of those states.
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:26 AM   #6
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All solid advice so far.


The previous owners situation is not relevant to you; the question is what state is most suitable for you to use. For most people, it is the state where they reside and where the RV will be kept when not in use. Some RV owners will have other options because they have multiple residences, or no fixed residence, or they always keep the RV at some other place out of state. There are a myriad of possibilities but no point in debating them all here when most won't apply to YOU.


Please describe your situation and perhaps we can offer some alternatives. Some key factors are your current state of residence, rent vs own home(s), where you now maintain your driver license, and where the RV will be kept and used.
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:46 AM   #7
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Sign up for Escapees. They have a lot of info on establishing a domicile. It is not just a matter of where you register the RV, but where you establish your domicile.

The top picks for people are Texas, South Dakota and Florida. Each will have advantages and disadvantage depending on your specific requirements and needs.

Texas, Florida and South Dakota have no state income tax. SD has the lowest sales tax on RV's and autos. SD seems to be best for health insurance if you are not on Medicare.

Good luck,
Ken
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Old 05-15-2020, 10:40 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer View Post
All solid advice so far.


The previous owners situation is not relevant to you; the question is what state is most suitable for you to use. For most people, it is the state where they reside and where the RV will be kept when not in use. Some RV owners will have other options because they have multiple residences, or no fixed residence, or they always keep the RV at some other place out of state. There are a myriad of possibilities but no point in debating them all here when most won't apply to YOU.


Please describe your situation and perhaps we can offer some alternatives. Some key factors are your current state of residence, rent vs own home(s), where you now maintain your driver license, and where the RV will be kept and used.

I don't own a home, so that doesn't apply.


What I'm doing is moving across country during a pandemic and making sure I have a place to stay for as long as necessary. I'll likely go back to sticks and bricks in the fall. I'm currently planning on selling the RV, but the attraction of being able to live anywhere is definitely growing on me. I don't need to decide that now I could also do the sticks and bricks and keep the motorhome for part-time use.




Thanks for all the great replies!
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Old 05-15-2020, 04:00 PM   #9
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Not to hijack this post but I have a question about registration I live in Oregon used to work in Oregon motorhome is registered in Oregon and car driver's license in Oregon do not own a house full time RV I am getting a house willed to me do I have to change everything to that state
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