Moving? You Might Need to Tell Your Current State… Or Else

license platesThis week my wife and I found ourselves in a shocking predicament. A letter delivered to us from Bank of America revealed that the state of California had levied our account and the bank would soon release 963 of our dollars to them unless the state told them not to. After some panicked phone calls, we figured out the culprit: my wife’s car registration.

As it turns out, California not only requires you to tell them when you move within the state but also demands you inform them when you leave the state and no longer wish to register your car. Since we failed to do this — and despite the fact my wife had since registered her car in Missouri — California had continued assessing her for registration she didn’t need. Of course, they also tacked on some fees since we hadn’t been paying, hence that unsavory $963 sum. Thankfully, we were able to inform them of the date we left the state and had the total erased and count closed, but Bank of America still charged us a $125 fee for the trouble.

Consider this a PSA: if you’re planning a move, you may want to look into your current state’s rules and regulations on such matters. Of course, this is just one more item to add on to what can often be a massive checklist that goes along with moving. Additionally, even if you’re not stranger to moving, our story shows that certain state quirks can still take you by surprise (and try to take your money!)

So, while you’re making truck arrangements, finding housing, and getting your address info updated, you may want to take a minute to familiarize yourself with your current states laws before you go. In our case, had we been proactive instead of relying on our past (apparently incomparable) experiences, we could have saved a lot of time, frustration… and $125. Learn from my pain and have a happy move!

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Venetian rewards gems
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...