If you're not planning on driving your vehicle to your new home across the country, you’ll have to arrange a car shipping service. Research auto transport options that best fit your budget and schedule. Likewise, be aware that transporting a car can take between one to two weeks, which means you won’t have any means of getting around your city except taking public transportation or relying on car-hailing services.
Before moving to a new state/province with your pet, keep in mind the local leash laws, pet ordinances, and pet licensing requirements. You may visit the website of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian's office in your destination state if you have any questions and to get more details on how to coordinate the move for your pet. For local ordinances, you can also contact the City Clerk’s office, local organizations, or animal control facility in the area where you’ll be moving.
While requirements and deadlines vary depending on the state, many states or provinces require owners to register their pets within a month of acquiring the pet or moving to ensure that animals receive their necessary rabies shots for public safety purposes. And if what you have are unusual or exotic pets, such as a snake or a monkey, it’s all the more reason to check out the local laws first as not all states accept them.
Updating your license and registration to your new address is another requirement as soon as you move. Every state is different regarding when one should change their license and registration information, so be sure to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in advance. The time window is usually between 10 and 30 days, and you won't want to miss the deadline.
For your driver’s license, while requirements vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need a driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number, and an additional form of identification.
Moreover, update your voter registration as soon as you’re able to so you can vote and participate in any and all upcoming elections. There are usually multiple ways to register to vote, including in-person voter registration, mail-in registration, and online registration.