To change your domicile to Texas using SavvyNomad, you'll participate in a guided process with plenty of hand-holding as we help you complete every step to make Texas your new legal residence.
Here a high-level overview of the procedure, from initial steps to ongoing maintenance of your new domicile: Begin your preparation approximately six weeks before visiting Texas to ensure you have ample time to gather necessary documents, organize DMV appointments, and align with domicile requirements. If you don't have a full six weeks, the process can be done faster (in a couple days) but may take additional effort to complete when assembling your documents to get your driver's license/state ID (assuming you wish to complete that step, as it is optional).
Sign up and complete your profile: When changing your domicile, there are many forms involved. We simplify the process by pre-populating most forms (and filing for you what we can). To enable us to pre-fill forms on your behalf, we will ask you a number of questions about yourself and various addresses.
Complete your USPS 1583 Form: This allows SavvyNomad to legally receive mail that you send us, even if it has your name on it. We integrate with an online notary to make this process as easy as possible. To complete your 1583, you will need to show photo ID (e.g., a passport) and address ID (a document that shows a recent permanent address on it). See this step by using this link: https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=1583
Please make sure:For your address ID, you choose one of the options listed on the form in section 9g.
If you select a vehicle or home insurance policy, make sure your photo clearly shows your policy number and effective dates (and that it is not expired).
Obtain a Texas address: SavvyNomad provides you with a real, residential address in Texas, important for the domicile change process. This address will be used for your driver’s license, legal identification, and optional vehicle registration and can also be leveraged for health insurance and other formal purposes. You will also make use of this address when registering to vote. SavvyNomad also distinguishes between two types of addresses: a residential address in Rockport, TX for official documentation such as government correspondence and a mailing address at SavvyNomad's Florida mail facility (1111 Oakfield Dr Ste 115, Brandon, FL 33511) for general communication needs, giving users flexibility according to their specific requirements.
Proof of residential address: You'll need to present two proofs of address when applying for a Texas state ID or driver’s license. SavvyNomad will provide you with a formal "Letter to the Texas Department of Public Safety" that you can use for one of your two proofs. Additionally, SavvyNomad will provide instruction on how to secure your second proof of address. https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=StateID
Get a Texas ID: With your residential address proofs ready, visit your nearest Texas DPS office to get a Texas state ID or driver’s license. You can find your nearest office using the DPS office locator (https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/DriverLicense/OfficeLocations/DLOfficeLocations/SearchResults); the closest example is the Texas DPS – Aransas Pass, 919 S Commercial St, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, (361) 758-8680 · Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm. This step requires a proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security (social security card or recent 1099/W-2), and your two proofs of address. You can book your appointment by following the instructions on this step: https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=StateIDpt2
Vehicle Registration (if you have one): If applicable, complete your vehicle’s profile within the SavvyNomad portal. SavvyNomad guides you through every step of registering a vehicle in Texas with the Aransas County Tax Assessor-Collector. You do not need to bring your vehicle to Texas to register it. You'll need your new Texas driver's license (or your unexpired driver's license from your former state), the title to your vehicle (if there's no lien) or your current registration (if you have a lien), proof of Texas vehicle insurance, and your exact current odometer reading. Note that Aransas County requires no emissions testing and no VIN inspection, and Texas eliminated the annual safety inspection sticker requirement for non-commercial vehicles in March 2025. No appointment is required — just arrive during business hours. https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=Vehicles
Declaration of Domicile (optional, but often recommended): Filing a Declaration of Domicile often helps remove any ambiguity from where your official domicile is. While Texas does not have a state-issued Declaration of Domicile form, SavvyNomad can still help you complete and notarize this document and file it on your behalf with the Clerk of Court in Aransas County, formally declaring your intent to make Texas your permanent residence and reinforcing your domicile claim. https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=DoD For scenarios that involve family members, the notarization process can be conducted remotely, which means all parties do not have to be physically located in the same place. This flexibility enables families living in different locations to complete the notarization process with ease.
Voter registration (helpful but not conclusive on its own): Registering to vote in Texas is another step that, while optional, can further establish your ties to the state and solidify your residency, although it’s not a requirement for changing your domicile. https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=VoterRegistration While we can not register to vote for you, we do provide a video tutorial on how to do it in under 10 minutes. You can also complete your voter registration while getting your driver's license. Please note that Texas sources prospective jurors from both voter registration records and Texas DPS records, so you may be called for jury duty by virtue of obtaining a Texas driver's license, even if you do not register to vote.
Notify IRS and Employer: Update your employer with your new address to ensure proper tax withholdings and documentation. SavvyNomad can help you inform the IRS of your change of address by filing Form 8822. https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=8822
Cut ties with your old state: Finalize your domicile change by severing ties with your previous state of residence. This might involve switching healthcare providers and updating your address for all personal accounts to ensure there are no legal ties that could complicate your domicile status or link you back to your former state of residence. You can see the health insurance resources SavvyNomad provides here: https://app.savvynomad.io/home?tab=To-Do&step=Insurance
Maintain your domicile: To uphold your Texas domicile, it's important to not spend more than 183 days in any other single state within a calendar year. This helps to avoid creating a taxable presence or implying residency in another state, ensuring your legal residence remains firmly in Texas. For those already holding a Texas residency and a Real ID prior to using the SavvyNomad service, there is no need to submit a declaration of domicile form. Instead, address updates can be made directly via the driver's license with support from SavvyNomad’s services to ensure your records stay current.