During even a short career in the military, there’s a good chance you’ll have to relocate at least once. Many military families go through multiple moves while serving their country. Whether across town or the world, the process can require some special steps and considerations.
Moving to a new state during a permanent change of station (PCS ) might seem simple, but this type of PCS has unique aspects.
Does Your Home of Record Change?
When you join the military, your paperwork reflects an official home of record, the physical address where you lived when you joined. When you move due to military orders, you can keep the same home of record on file for your entire career. For example, if you lived in Florida when you became a military service member, you can remain a Florida resident until you retire or separate from military service.
However, you must update your mailing and delivery addresses for certain services like Amazon. These are separate from your official home of record and tied to those individual accounts.
Updating Your Driver’s License and Car Registration
Driver’s license and vehicle registration requirements vary by state, so thoroughly research what the Department of Motor Vehicles in your new state requires.
In most cases, you can keep your original driver’s license as long as it is not expired. If it is up for renewal during your military service, you might be able to renew it through the mail, sending a copy of your military orders or statement of service along with the renewal form, or grant a family member a specific power of attorney to renew your license on your behalf at the DMV. If allowed, you will almost certainly need to provide documentation showing you are a member of the military residing in a different state.
Your car registration may need to go through your new home state, although you may receive greatly reduced registration fees if you submit a military exemption.
Healthcare and Insurance Transfers
When you move to a new state, you’ll also need to find new medical providers. The military provides healthcare coverage and insurance through TRICARE and United Concordia. When you move to a new region, you need to switch your TRICARE region as well. You can update your region with your administrative office when checking into your new command. If you have dependents who also receive healthcare and insurance through TRICARE and United Concordia, you must also update their coverage.
Start by establishing care with a primary care manager (PCM) after you move. Depending on availability at your new duty location, you might be able to receive care at a military facility or hospital, which can cut down on co-pay and related costs. For those with more extensive medical needs or history, you could also search for specialists at this time. When choosing a new provider, consider whether you want an office in the TRICARE network or to pay for an out-of-network provider.
Military moves also come with extra stress, which can be challenging mentally. Don’t forget to take advantage of mental health resources and support during this transition.
Voter Registration
If you are moving to a new state, you may wonder how to vote in the next election. If you are still a resident of your home state of record, you can vote with an absentee ballot. You must request it before election day, and many states require sending it in early as well. To get an absentee ballot, make sure you are registered to vote in your home of record.
You can also vote in your new home state, but you have to reregister to vote in that state, which can be time-consuming, especially if you move often between multiple states. Depending on your move’s timeline and the time required to process voter registration applications, you might want to vote absentee and change your registration later.
State Level Taxes
Military members must pay federal and state taxes, but state taxes are based on your official record rather than your physical address. If you maintain your home of record while in the military, your taxes will be based on that state. If you change your official state of residence, your state taxes will be based on your new state. You may still need to file a return with the state where you physically reside to show you paid taxes to your state of record.
If you move to a state with low or no state taxes during your time in the military, you have the option to change your military record’s official state of residence. Even after future moves, you can still claim that state for taxes.
Under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act , military spouses can also claim their home of record for tax purposes. This act reduces the burden on military spouses to switch residence every time they move. However, to qualify, the spouse must be or have been in the state with their military spouse.
School Enrollment and Education Resources for Children
One of the first things military families need to do when moving to a new duty station is change school enrollment for their kids. To maintain a smooth transition, try to facilitate communication between teachers, administrators, and other educational support personnel. You’ll need to transfer your kids’ official school records from one school to another, including any special education documentation, grades, and sports registration information.
Some states have different graduation requirements or course progressions than others, but rather than retake classes, schools can make special circumstances to keep military-connected kids on track to take advantage of educational opportunities through the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children .
If you move to an area with a large military population, you might find support groups for kids and families. It can help connect families going through the same experiences. Scholarships and childcare support can also help military-connected kids with educational opportunities.
Updating Professional Certifications
Spouses in professions that require certifications, such as nursing or teaching, will need to renew them in their new state. Every state has its own criteria, which might mean additional coursework, exams, or other requirements. Some states have agreements for reciprocity, but most states set their own requirements.
Consult with professional associations in your industry to determine what steps to take. The Department of Labor in your new state is another great resource for specific license requirements and forms for exceptions and reciprocity.
The Bottom Line
A military move can be challenging, but knowing the intricacies of moving from one state to another goes a long way toward making the most of your experience. From updating your records to voting to school or working in your new state, getting all set up can be time-consuming, but relying on your resources and taking advantage of available programs can help you settle more comfortably in your new home.