Every American, whether born in the United States or naturalized, has the right as a U.S. citizen to move to and live in any of the 50 states. However, it is usually necessary to establish residency in a state in order to obtain or transfer a driver's license, file for divorce, files taxes, or qualify for in-state university tuition or financial aid. In Connecticut and other states, residency requirements vary depending on agency or purpose. The best way to establish residency in a new state is to sever all formal ties with your old state.
Severing Ties With Your Former State
Sell your primary residence, if you have one. If you rent your home, provide formal notice of your intent to leave and the date you intend to vacate.
Move, sell, discard or donate all personal possessions. Do not leave behind anything from your former home.
Open a bank account in your new local community and arrange to have your paychecks directly deposited into your new account.
Get a Connecticut driver's license. You can convert an out-of-state driver's license and/or vehicle registration if they are current or expired for less than 60 days, and if you apply at the Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of your move to Connecticut. You will need to show proof that you have car insurance to convert or apply for new registration.
Register to vote in Connecticut. One of the easiest ways to do this is at the Department of Motor Vehicles, when you get your Connecticut driver's license. Voter registration forms are also available at public libraries, at state universities and some private universities and at public social services agencies such as Medicaid and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
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Writer Bio
Kathy Kattenburg has been a writer for more than 30 years. Her articles have been published in "N.J. Jewish News" and "Suburban Essex," and she is a contributing writer and full partner at Not the Singularity. Kattenburg has a BA in English literature from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.