Thinking about SD residency? some feedback

[wanderin.pat]

MODERATOR:  If this is the wrong forum, please feel free to move this. 

I recently started the process of establishing SD residency.  I was working with a particular provider and have had an unsatisfactory experience.  I am currently in the process of getting a refund.  I will not at this time mention a name.  
Depending on how they progress forward will determine what I post regarding them.  

I have not investigated other mail-service providers, so my experience at this time is limited.  I am aware that many people have had successful experiences.

Also, if the forum rules preclude doing this , I will comply.  There are OTHER venues to post service-provider feedback.

 

[Moxadox]

Can you please be more specific about exactly what part of the process put you off? Was it the mail service itself, or was it something about SD specifically? This kind of feedback is valuable for those of us who are trying to figure out the best way to get a domicile address.

From what I understand, the process is very simple: one night in a campground, then take the receipt to the DMV. Ideally, get a storage unit and store something in it. Register to vote. Done. Is this information incorrect?

Thanks!

The Dire Wolfess

 

[MrNoodly]

The process was painless when I signed up with Americas Mailbox five years ago. Sign the paperwork, take it and the receipt for a night's stay to the DMV, show 'em the necessary ID, sign their document, look in the eye machine, have my picture taken and it was done. No big deal.

When it was time to renew my DL I didn't want to go back to SD or deal with the hoops of their online renewal process, so I changed my residency to a more convenient state. I also broke things off with Americas Mailbox because they gave me a bad time when I wanted to step down to a lower plan. They were jerks about it. So I found a forwarder in my new state.

 

[wanderin.pat]

Can you please be more specific about exa

Yes, it was the mail service.  As I said, when the process of getting a refund is complete, I will provide more details as to the entire process that I was dissatisfied with.  As long as the forum rules allow it.

 

[MrNoodly]

It says a lot about the mail forwarder that the refund is a "process" instead of just handing you the money.

 

[John61CT]

Are you trying to do this remotely, or are you in state?

I would not consider asking any mail forwarding service to help with legal domicile issues.

Unless I could not afford to visit the state in person.

 

[wanderin.pat]

John, I'm merely trying to get "SomeMailCompany"  to cancel and refund my $$$.  I am in CO at the moment. 

MrNoodly, correct.  In fact, they completely ignored my first request to cancel and refund.  Prior to the request, I was told by 2 people to be patient, as they are very busy.

Regards, 

Pat

 

[MrNoodly]

I would not consider asking any mail forwarding service to help with legal domicile issues.

Unless I could not afford to visit the state in person.

South Dakota is happy to let you use the mail forwarder's address as your residence. They encourage it, in fact. They get to count you in their census and get more federal funds without the inconvenience of you cluttering up the state and using their services. Totally legal.

 

[John61CT]

I don't give a hoot what the state gov of SD thinks.

I care about all my service providers and other consumers of my "legal residential" address, and the database cleaning / blacklisting services they contract with.

Both now and in the rapidly changing future.

The state has no influence over these.

I am also not concerned about "legality".

 

[Moxadox]

I became concerned with "legality" when the state in which I am legally domiciled threatened to cut off my Medicare and vehicle insurances because they notice I'm not there a whole lot. It can get sticky.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[John61CT]

Yes, then SD would not be a good domicile state.

My point is exactly that, setting that part up is something needs doing right.

I would never rely on a mail forwarding address provider to handle it for you.

AFAIC two completely separate issues.

 

[wanderin.pat]

I have reached satisfactory final resolution.  I will now provide the vendor's name:  America's Mailbox. 

Even the best vendor drops the ball from time to time.   But they finally DID cancel my membership, and issue a full refund.  I believe it could  have been handled better, but it certainly could have been a lot worse.  

I know that many people have given them positive feedback, and my experience was probably just an anomaly.  I still will not give them a whole-hearted 10 out of 10 rating.   As many of us say, "Your Mileage May Vary".  I certainly hope so.  

Regards,

 

[Jack]

I'd like to use S.D. as a permanent residence address, too. When I leave MN, my plan is to drive to S.D., stay at an RV park for one month in order to get registered with a mail forwarding service, get a S.D. drivers license, license plates, insurance, a bank account, and even a library card. I figured staying for 30 days should get all that done and get mail sent to me so I have postal evidence of my place of residence.

Is this a good plan? I figured 30 days spent there right away might help keep things easier for the years to come. S.D. is also in a good location where I can visit frequently during my travels so I can say I'm not living there just a day, or a week, each year.

 

[John61CT]

A good start, certainly better than using a letterbox service for legal residence address.

Not quite as good long-term as a real S&B home of a trusted "friend".

Always possible you might meet one later though, remember no need to change the mailing address when that's separate.

 

[Moxadox]

Jack, Escapees RV Club has one of its three main branches in SD. If you join the club and stay even for one night, you can use the club address and get your mail there. They will help you with making sure you meet all the domicile requirements. I've been using their mail forwarding service for 4 years and it's fantastic. They will even read you your mail over the phone if you ask them to. Rather than being some "ghost address," you can actually go stay there in your rig, and very inexpensively. Escapees tend to be very nice folks, as well.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Jack]

A good start, certainly better than using a letterbox service for legal residence address.

Not quite as good long-term as a real S&B home of a trusted "friend".

Always possible you might meet one later though, remember no need to change the mailing address when that's separate.

Thanks.  That was another benefit I thought of, too - meeting people to stay in touch with.  I don't want to use a mail-forwarding service if I don't have to.  I literally don't get anything in the mail but junk mail addressed to "current resident."  I pay all my bills, and receive all my statements, online.

 

[Jack]

Jack, Escapees RV Club has one of its three main branches in SD.  If you join the club and stay even for one night, you can use the club address and get your mail there.  They will help you with making sure you meet all the domicile requirements.  I've been using their mail forwarding service for 4 years and it's fantastic.  They will even read you your mail over the phone if you ask them to.  Rather than being some "ghost address," you can actually go stay there in your rig, and very inexpensively.  Escapees tend to be very nice folks, as well.

The Dire Wolfess

That's great to know, thanks!  I copied your post into my notes for future reference.

 

[wanderin.pat]

Jack, Escapees RV Club has one of its three main branches in SD. 

Escapees!  {insert the much-needed headslap emoji}  ... I keep forgetting about them. 

Thanks for the reminder!

 

[Moxadox]

A nomad friend turned me on to Escapees when I first went feral. They are a wonderful bag of tricks for the wayfaring wanderer.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[wanderin.pat]

I like that... went feral!  Good description.  I may have to borrow that from time to time. 

Your Majesty! 

Regards,

WP