Moving to a new state: A practical guide for what to do before, during, and after your move

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Knowing what to update when you move across state lines can make relocation less stressful.

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Moving to a new state is often about something big—a new job, a lower cost of living, or simply a fresh start. But once the move is underway, you’re left to deal with the mundane details: getting a new driver’s license or ID, updating your insurance policies, and setting up utilities. Although rarely enjoyable, handling these tasks early and efficiently can help you avoid delays, extra costs, and unnecessary complications.

If you own your home, decide whether to sell or rent it out. If you rent, let your landlord know you’re moving and review your lease; you may need to pay fees if you terminate the contract early. Be sure to provide a forwarding address so your security deposit can be returned.

Decide how you’ll move your belongings, whether that means doing it yourself, hiring a moving company, or a combination. Compare costs, timing, and how much help you’ll need, and be aware that contracts, availability, and pricing can vary—especially around the beginning and end of the month, when demand is highest.

Review your current insurance coverage and shop for new policies in your new state. If your current insurer doesn’t sell policies in your new state, you’ll need to purchase coverage from a new insurance company—either before or shortly after your move—and cancel your old coverage once the new policy is in force.

Contact utility providers in both your old and new state. At your old home, terminate service or have the account taken out of your name. If you move out before you sell your home, keep essential utilities such as water, electricity, and natural gas on until the sale closes.

For your new home, confirm which utilities are included if you’re renting. If you’re buying, set up service so the utilities are on when you move in.

Utilities to review before and after your move include:

Your new providers may ask for your medical records, so make sure you can access them before you move—either through a patient portal or by requesting copies in advance. Make sure you have enough medication to last through your move and until you can see a new doctor.

Records to request may include:

You can set up mail forwarding through the U.S. Postal Service online without visiting a post office, but allow time for the change to take effect, and don’t rely on forwarding for important or time-sensitive mail. Some items, such as magazines and newspapers, are forwarded only for a limited time.

Setting up mail forwarding won’t update your address with banks, employers, government agencies, and other accounts, so you’ll still need to notify them directly. If your phone number is changing, update it as well.

Organizations to notify include:

Driving rules can vary from state to state, including those that apply to turns, passing, and shared roadways. Reviewing your new state’s driver handbook before you move can help you prepare for those differences, especially if you need to take a written or driving test to get a new license.

States set deadlines for getting a driver’s license and registering your vehicle after you establish residency, and those deadlines may differ—in some cases, you may have only days. Plan ahead by checking your state’s motor vehicle agency website for specific requirements, whether you can make an appointment, what forms of payment (credit cards, checks, etc.) are accepted, and whether licensing and registration are handled by the same agency.

To obtain a new driver’s license or register your vehicle, you typically need:

To register and title your vehicle in your new state, you’ll need to obtain new license plates and, in most cases, a new title. Requirements, deadlines, and the order of these steps vary by state. In some states, the deadline to register your vehicle may be shorter than the one to get a new driver’s license, so don’t assume one step always comes before the other.

You may have to pay state taxes or fees when you first title and register a vehicle. You may also need a safety, emissions, or VIN inspection or verification, depending on your state’s rules.

You’ll typically need:

Federal taxes don’t change based on where you live, but state and local taxes will. During your first tax season after you move, you may need to file in more than one state unless you moved right at the start of the year. If you move during the year, you’ll need to track income earned before and after your move so the correct taxes are paid to each state.

If you’re employed, update your W-4 form with your employer so the correct state taxes are withheld. If you continue working in your old state after moving, reciprocity agreements may allow you to avoid being taxed by both states. Check with your employer or payroll department for details.

If you are retired, make sure you are making appropriate estimated tax payments on investment income and required minimum distributions (RMDs) in each state.

In addition to wages, track your investment income during the year you move. In general, you pay tax to the state where you live when the income is received. For example, if you receive a dividend payment May 1 and move in June, that income is typically reported to your old state.

Moving to a new state can be complicated, with changes to insurance, financial accounts, and taxes—not to mention getting a new driver’s license or ID. Because requirements and deadlines vary by state, staying organized and planning ahead can help you avoid delays and missteps. Although moving can be stressful, knowing how best to navigate the process can make it more manageable.