Moving to Maryland can be great, but how does one become a resident of Maryland? How long does it take for a resident to reside in this state to be considered a Marylander? If you are considering moving to Maryland, here are the requirements and steps you should take.
How to Become a Resident of Maryland
How to Become a Resident of Maryland in Easy Steps
Our simple checklist will ensure you have everything you need to become a Marylander.
- Choose your county of residence (Montgomery county or any other)
- Obtain the driver’s license with the Department of Transportation
- Register to vote in the state (it can be done when you’re applying for the driver’s license)
- Establish residency with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Get the state’s vehicle registration
- Pay your state taxes in Maryland
Initial Maryland Residency Requirements
How do you become a legal resident of Maryland? Our simple checklist will ensure you have everything you need!
Maryland sets specific residency requirements for different purposes, such as in-state tuition, voting, and getting a driver’s license. Remember that these requirements can change, so it’s crucial to check the most up-to-date information on Maryland’s official website or contact state authorities directly.
- Typical residency requirements in Maryland include a physical presence in the state. You must demonstrate that you live and genuinely intend to make it your permanent home.
- Establishing a domicile involves demonstrating a permanent and substantial connection to the state. This often includes having your primary residence in Maryland, being employed in the state, and actively participating in the local community. So, choose your county of residence!
- Obtain a driver’s license with the Department of Transportation
- Register to vote in the state (this can be done when you’re applying for a driver’s license)
- Establish residency with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Register your vehicle in Maryland
- Pay your state taxes in Maryland
Once you have met the legal requirements for Maryland residency, you will need to gather the necessary documentation to provide evidence that you have fulfilled the requirements.
Establish Residency Within the State
Once you’ve decided on a county (you can choose to settle in a new city close to Washington, DC, for example), you can look at the housing market and make your purchase or rent a place.
Another option to become a resident is to find employment within the state or move your business to Maryland. You can also register to vote or enroll your kids in one of Maryland’s schools.
You will also be required to establish residency through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Once you’ve set up your home, you should ensure you’ve changed your address with USPS. This step can be easily done on their website. You can set a date for forwarding mail to the new address no more than 30 days before the move and it will cost you $1.05 to verify your identity.
Get Your Driver’s License in Order
You should surrender your current driver’s license and apply for a new Maryland license. Head to a driver’s license office near you and fill out an application. Ensure you have an ID to prove your identity and legal presence. Also, bring proof of residency and bank statements, and lease agreements. You will be required to pass an eyesight test and a written exam.
Transfer Vehicle Registration
Don’t forget another critical step: transfer the vehicle titles and registration to the new state. After your move, you have 60 days to complete this process. Check in at your local DMV office and fill out an application. Ensure you bring proof of ownership and enough money to cover the required taxes and fees. Your car should also pass VIN inspections and safety and emission tests. Also, update the insurance policy, but make sure you compare different quotes to save money.
Update your Voter Registration
There are two ways to update your voter registration. The first is the simplest – update your registration while applying for a driver’s license or changing your address. If you haven’t been able to do so, you should register as soon as you move to be able to participate in elections. Information about representatives, local polling locations, and districts can be found on Maryland’s voter website.
File a Tax Return in the State
Although none of us look forward to more paperwork, it’s important to focus some of your time on state taxes. There are eight tax brackets in Maryland with a progressive tax rate for earnings ranging from 2% to 5.75%. The highest rate applies to any income over $250,000. Remember that after you move and settle, you will also be required to file a state tax return for the previous state. You can find all the information you need at the official website for the state of Maryland.
Maryland Income Tax - Administrative Release
For Maryland personal income tax, anyone who keeps a place of habitation there and stays there for a total of 183 days or more is deemed a resident and must submit a Maryland Resident Personal Income Tax Return. If you paid taxes to Maryland, you might be able to claim a credit on your other state’s tax return.
A Comprehensive Checklist for Future Marylanders
Every move can be complex in its own right, so you may want to consider investing in a small moves service by the local movers near you, so you can deal with the stress of moving without any hassle. But besides Googling for the best local movers near me, here is what you should do next:
- Prepare a budget to cover all the expenses, like paying for expert packers or any other suitable service
- Update your address with the USPS and other institutions before you move out
- Transfer medical records and school records if you have children
- Take care of all financial organizations and update them on your move
- Set up the disconnection and connection dates for utilities
- Prepare an inventory checklist that contains all the possessions you want to transfer
- Obtain packing materials, and start packing (don’t forget to put on some moving labels on the boxes)
- Start packing room by room
- Invest in storage service and decide what you will store there
Now That You Know What It Takes to Become a Resident, You Can Start Packing
After you have prepared the required paperwork and found suitable housing in the state, you should contact Zip Moving & Storage. We can handle all your relocation needs without hassle while you manage your Maryland residency tasks and prepare to live in this beautiful state!
