As noted in my post How to Get Mail When Full Time RVing, for years, South Dakota has been one of the best states for full-time RVers to establish domicile. No state income tax, low vehicle registration fees, and easy residency requirements made it a top choice. In fact, SD was our domicile when we were full-time on the road. But that may be changing. Two bills—HB 1066 and HB 1208—are making their way through the South Dakota Legislature, threatening residency and voting rights for RVers who claim the state as their home base.
What’s Happening?
These bills aim to eliminate the ability for full-time travelers to use South Dakota as a legal domicile, making it harder—if not impossible—to maintain residency there.
HB 1066: A Direct Attack on RVers’ Residency
- Would remove the ability to claim South Dakota as a domicile for voter registration.
- Requires individuals to physically live and sleep at their PMB (private mailbox) address for 30 consecutive days—an unrealistic demand for full-time travelers.
- Could impact driver’s license renewals, making it harder for RVers to maintain legal residency.
Link to HB 1066
HB 1208: A Double Blow
- Also eliminates domicile-based voter registration.
- Enforces the same 30-day stay requirement at a PMB address—something that simply doesn’t work for most RVers.
- Limits voter rights by creating a “National Voter” status, which bars participation in state and county elections.
- May also affect driver’s license renewals, adding another layer of difficulty.
Link to HB 1208
Who’s Affected?
If you hold a South Dakota driver’s license, are registered to vote in South Dakota, or claim South Dakota residency, these bills could directly impact you.
Full-time RVers rely on South Dakota’s flexible domicile laws. These bills would force many to find a new state to call home, creating unnecessary burdens for those who live life on the road.
Why This Matters
These proposed laws don’t just limit voting rights—they threaten the entire system that allows RVers to maintain a legal residence. Many full-time travelers don’t stay in one place for 30 consecutive days. These bills effectively push RVers out of the state’s system, forcing them to seek alternative solutions that could be more costly and complicated.
What Can You Do?
These bills are moving fast, and full-time travelers need to act now.
Contact South Dakota Legislators
Tell them to vote NO on HB 1066 and HB 1208. Let them know that these changes unfairly target RVers and full-time travelers who contribute to the state’s economy.
Find your legislator and send a message: If you use Americas Mailbox for mail and domicile services here are your legislative contacts:
Representatives: Capitol: 605-773-3851
Rep. Tina L. Mulally: Home: 605-393-1337
Tina.Mulally@sdlegislature.gov
Rep. Tony Randolph: Business: 605-545-6572
Tony.Randolph@sdlegislature.gov
Senator: Capitol: 605-773-3821
Sen. Greg Blanc: Business: 605-939-8710
Greg.Blanc@sdlegislature.gov
Spread the Word
- Share this information with fellow RVers.
- Post on social media and in RV groups.
- Encourage others to call and email legislators.
Final Thoughts
If these bills pass, South Dakota could lose its status as the best domicile state for RVers. That means thousands of full-time travelers may have to scramble for alternatives. The time to fight back is now—before these bills become law.
About the Author
Jim has 3.5 years of experience living and traveling full-time in an RV. From “moochdocking” with family and friends to navigating the financial intricacies of RV life, he shares practical advice rooted in firsthand experience.